Isha & Shantanu ~ FF PART 2 UPDATED [25/10/23]

Prologue

A declaration was made by Rao Saheb. Isha would have to leave the Bhosale house if she still wanted to pursue her dream of a decent career to support her financially distressed family. Shantanu, her husband was a mere marionette in the hands of his adults. He had no voice to favour his wife’s decision. He loved her deeply but his numbness towards her grief made her sceptic about his dedication towards their relationship. She was inflexible about her decision of aiding to her parents but one strong relationship had the power to immobilize her. Her son, Ishaan, the apple of her eyes never parted with his Aai even for a brief moment. They were inseparable. As they say, destiny is above all, Isha was forced to part ways with a portion of herself, her son, her Ishu due to multiple threatening she received from the Bhosale family if she insisted on taking away the heir of Bhosales. The incident had left a huge void in her heart and soul.

Her life as a married woman living separately from her husband wasn’t untroubled. Since her looks were easy on the eye, she had to cope with the objectionable male gazes wherever she went. In her case, time didn’t heal her unseen bruises, rather aggravated with passing years. It felt as if even the breeze from the Bhosale house didn’t travel to Ramtek, let alone the people of the house. Her parents coaxed her to return to her family but her so called family’s indifference towards herself had hardened her mind. She continued to hang the black beads around her neck, respecting its divinity, though it had left unseeable contusion on her psyche. She lost her parents to God after years of care and became despondent. Savi, an orphan, chirpy girl, rejuvenated her spirits. She was her alter ego through whom she lived her dreams.

Somethings are meant to be, even when hoard of evil forces conspire together. Savi was an angel in disguise. She was sent by God to knit the deserted mother son duo and the couple who once lived a happy love life. But Ishaan wasn’t Isha’s anymore. His mind was slow-poisoned by his Akkasaheb against his innocent mother. Shantanu had formed a utopia of his own in his mind to compensate his wife’s absence and continued to exist within it. Savi’s arrival in Pune brought the disjointed family together at the cost of Isha’s blood. Shantanu sternly decided to stay with his wife, his Isha, hostile to his family after witnessing her mental breakdown amalgamated with her physical affliction. Isha was left with no other option but to stay in their bygone Haveli along with her lately enlightened husband until she was well enough to leave him and his newly learnt pertinacious behaviour.

                                                             OS ~ ISHA & SHANTANU

The air was temperate, the breeze was cool, the stars befrilled the dark blue blanket of the night with their ethereal glow, the silver orb of the moon illuminated the old mansion. The nature outside was tranquil contradicting the inner turmoil of the couple who failed miserably in the eyes of their son. Shantanu was perturbed about his Isha’s health after the ruckus created by their son. He was a new man. He didn’t want to let go the smallest of chance to be with his wife and had also decided not to commit the same blunder which he did years back. Isha laid in a fowler’s position in herbed chamber glancing at the ceiling and its artistic marvel. She time travelled to the good old days when she was a full-fledged homemaker. Shantanu invaded her trance state and jolted her back to the present. He had come with the doctor who treated Isha in his absence.

Shantanu: Isha! Tumne do din se kuch nahi khaya hai aur na hi medicines liya hai.. I was getting concerned.. isliye doctor ko bulaya maine..taaki woh ek baar tumhe dekhle..

Isha sat erect and greeted the doctor.

Doc: Jab inhe goli lagi thi toh aap kaha the? He asked referring to Shantanu

Isha: wahi karne gaye the jo hamesha se karte aaye hai.. She taunted bitterly

Shantanu sighed and briefed the doctor about his visit to Vipasana centre and the mishap occurred in his absence.

Doc: Mrs Bhosale! This is not done. Aap apne health ko aise ignore karenge toh serious consequences bhugatna padega.. don’t forget ki apko goli almost heart ke paas lagi hai. You have to be extremely careful.. apko time se medicine lena hai, aur roz bandage change karke dressing karna hai so that koi infections na ho jaye… aap yeh arm belt ko todi der keliye nikalke apne haat ko move kar sakte hai… but no stress. Just eat healthy, walk andrest. Itna hi hona chahiye apka routine jab tak aap completely thik nahi hojate… He said

Post the doctor left, Shantanu wanted her to freshen up and ease into her comfort clothes. But she outrightly denied his aid except for undoing the hand belt. While she was in the water closet, he unpacked her bag which was delivered from the hotel, and organised the necessary garments on the bed and left the room. Isha eased into her nightgown which was kept ready for her and walked out of the chamber.

Shantanu: Ishu! Aaj keliye yeh bahar ka khana adjust karlo..Kal se mein ghar pe bana dunga.. He said smilingly and made her sit.

This is for you.. Basundi.. tumhara favourite dessert hai na..he said and placed it in front of her.

Isha was still frail and her right hand quivered when she forwarded it to eat. Shantanu inferred her predicament and forwarded the food to her lips. She glanced at him for a millisecond and munched it. He unhesitatingly savoured the left-over food from her plate benumbing her with his contagious smile, and cleared the dining space post supper.  He escorted her to the room and succoured her to lay on the comfy bed. He sat beside and blanketed her.

Isha: tum aise hi baite rahoge?

Shantanu: don’t worry! Mein dusri room mein chala jaunga..pehle tum so jao..

Isha: mera woh matlab nahi tha…

Shantanu: Tumhara jo bhi matlab ho.. abhi tumhe neend ki zarurat hai.. so jao..

Isha had spent too many sleepless nights. The sudden solicitude she was receiving from her husband was unfathomable. She didn’t have to grapple a lot to invite sleep as her medicine had done half the job.

Amidst all the chaos happening since her arrival, Shantanu had disremembered to aptly look at his elegant wife. His eyes stuck on her alluring face glistening with the dim light of the room. He realised she hadn’t aged in all these years rather outshone her youth. She was all about simplicity, making things easy, helping those around her to relax and be happy with what they have. Perhaps that is why her skin glowed so, it was her inner beauty that lit her face and softened her features. Her face was cut right and her shiny black hair cascaded until her shoulder blade. Her petite figure contoured by her nightgown was highly practiced at seduction he felt. Shantanu had enigmatic sensations in his body after ages and his fingers twitched to touch her face. Leaving all the inhibitions and debating about his right on her as a husband for half a minute in his mind, his fingers dared to approach her face. Lamentably, Isha moved and laid straight, alarming Shantanu to barge out of his fantastic world. He didn’t find his behaviour disgraceful as after all, she was his wife and the ignition of passion in his heart was achievable only by her. He smiled at himself and got up only to find her foot peeping outside the quilt. Her toe ring twinkled and made him reminisce the occasion he made her wear it. How could he forget the juncture when she graced his life and became a fraction of himself. Her peacock gait to the wedding mandap in a green hued nauvari saree, and the beaming smile she gave him, was etched in his heart forever. Their first meet in Ramtek college, followed by his repeated visits just to have a glimpse of her face felt like yesterday. She was the best thing happened to him but was he the best thing happened to her? He wondered. Deep within, he felt he was blame worthy for crushing her dreams, her confidence, in the name of love and caging her in the Bhosale house. She was meant to glide around the sky but condemnably his apathy towards her concerns fractured their love. He stooped down and held her righthand delicately.

I promise Isha! Mein woh saare waadein pura karunga jo maine humari shaadi mein ki thi.. iss baar mein tumhe disappoint nahi karunga… Because I really love you!! Aur mein tumhe phirse khona nahi chahta hu… He said and pecked her fingers uninhibitedly. He got up, covered her foot and exited the room.

The next day dawned crisp and clear. The rays seeped into the room and kissed her golden face. The aroma from the kitchen woke her olfactory receptors and separated her eyelids. She rose up from the bed and corrected her black beads which had entangled. Shantanu sensed her awakening and entered the room with two cups of chai.

Shantanu: Good morning! He beamed.  Thik se neend aaya?

Isha: hmm.. yeh sab kya hai? She asked pointing at the tray.

Shantanu: Chai! Hum dono keliye.. maine elaichi bhi daala hai with less sugar. Just the way u like it.. he grinned

Isha: yeh sab banana kab seekha tumne?

Shantanu smirked and replied; kyu? Hairani ho rahi hai?

Isha: of course. Kyuki Bhosale parivaar mein mardon ko kitchen mein jaana mana hai.. I was just curious.

Shantanu picked the cup and placed it in her hand.

Shantanu: jab tak tum thi, tum mere liye banaya karti thi. Aisa nahi ki koi aur mere liye banakar nahi dete par tumhare jaisa koi bana nahi paata.. He said and sipped it.

Isha: tumne dusri shaadi kyu nahi kiya? She asked unreserved about it while sipping the tea.

Shantanu gave a sorrowful smile to his wife.

Shantanu: Shayad tum bhool gayi ho ki mein shaadi shuda insaan hu aur meri ek biwi hai..

Isha: der se hi sahi tumhe yaad toh aaya ki tumhari ek biwi bhi hai… she shot back at him with her sarcasm and kept the empty cup in thetray.

Shantanu: accha woh sab chodo.. Fresh hojao.. breakfast almost ready hai.. ya ek kaam karo.. nahalo.. mein dressing kar deta hu.. baad mein breakfast karte hai..

Isha: dressing? Tum karoge?

Shantanu: haan! Kyu? Kal doctor ne hi toh kaha ki roz bandage change karna hai warna infection ho sakta hai..

Isha: woh mein janti hu.. par tumhe kuch karne ki zarurat nahi hai.. I can take care of myself.

Shantanu: kyu zid kar rahi ho? Ab toh do din ho gaye hai bina change kiye.. thik se medicine lagana hai aur bandage bhi.. mein kardunga.. he said

Isha wasn’t ready for it and it was evident on her face.

Shantanu: problem kya hai? Mein tumhara husband hu.. mujhse kya sharmana? I promise tumhe uncomfortable feel nahi karwaunga… He said genuinely.

Please jao aur nahalo. He said and took out her bathrobe from her bag and hung it inside the washroom. Ek minute! He said and helped her undo the hand belt. He held her left hand securely and unhurriedly moved it up and down. She winced in pain the first time she stretched her hand but his palms supported her to move. She could sense his warm touch on her elbow and wrist. She had forgotten how he felt on her skin or how a man’s caress felt, but his palms re-established the lost senses. He tied her hair into a bun and escorted her to the water closet. He assured her that he would be just outside in case of any help. Isha bathed but was dubious about walking out in the robe. Shantanu knocked at the door to reassure if she was done. She gulped and unlatched the door. Shantanu being a man, undeniably was enticed by her post-bath appearance. The water droplets were cascading down her temple, to her neck and her shoulder beneath the robe. He restrained his wild thoughts and took her to the bed without causing discomfort to her. Isha could surely feel the tension in his fingers that were holding her but remained steady. He brought the aiding kit and positioned himself in front of her. Isha’s eyes were down-casted feeling extremely embarrassed.

Shantanu: tum chaho toh Aankhen band karlo…

Isha: mein Aankhen band karlu?

Shantanu: haan! Kyuki mein Aankhen band karke toh dawai nahi laga sakta.. aur ajeeb tumhe lag raha hai toh aankhein bhi tumhe hi band karna hoga.. He said with a glint of naughtiness.

Isha: mujhe kuch ajeeb nahi lag raha hai.. She said contradicting her inner self.

Shantanu slowly loosened her robe knot and exposed the bullet scar on her left chest. He was terror-struck absorbing the magnitude of pain it might have caused her. It had permanently flawed her unblemished physique. He wanted to caress it with his lips and suck away all the pain. Isha tracked his emotions through his eyes which were ready to tear up and placed her hand on his thigh. Shantanu gulped his sorrow and aided to the wound. He went out to arrange the dining table for breakfast. Isha got ready and walked out to the dining. Shantanu helped her to settle down and served the breakfast. She insisted on eating it herself and he didn’t resist. While eating, her silky strands of hair troubled her face. Shantanu pleated her hair in however possible way. Shantanu got a call from the institute and walked to the living room. Isha finished her breakfast and walked to the kitchen to keep the plate but inadvertently placed her right foot on the vegetable peeler which had fallen on the floor.

Aaahhhh!!! She flinched.

Shantanu dropped his cell phone and rushed to the kitchen. He found her in the kitchen and fathomed what had happened. He brought her to the living room and made her sit comfortably after rebuking at her carelessness. He went on his knees and placed her foot on his thigh worriedly. There was a slight cut on the skin. He went and brought an ointment and settled back in the same position. Isha gazed at him tending to her foot as she got reminded of a corresponding situation that happened years back.

Ishaan was a three-year old tot. Isha had sprained her foot by stumbling on Ishaan’s toy. Since Shantanu was home, he tended to her pain. He sat on the floor and massaged her foot to release the pain even after Isha’s resistance. Surekha, Shantanu’s sister in law, got irked witnessing the couple in the living room.

Surekha: hey Bhagwan! Shantanu! Yeh kya ho raha hai? Mujhe bata tha tum iski baton pe nachte ho lekin aaj pair bhi pakad liya apni biwi ka? She asked.Aur tum! She said pointing at Isha.

Pati se koi pair chuwata hai? Shobha deta hai tumhe yeh sab karwane se? tum kab sudhrogi Isha? Pati ko naam se bulana, usse tum kehke pukarna, usse pair chune dena… tumhare maa baap ne kuch sikhaya bhi hai ya nahi? Shaadi ke itne saal hogaye lekin aaj tak thik se iss ghar ke taur tareeke seekh nahi paayi.. She said

Shantanu raised and stood numb. Surekha complained about the same to Rao Saheb who just arrived.

Surekha: Dekhiye! Dekhiye apke samne bhi kaisi baiti hui hai.. Badon ke samne nahi baitna hai yeh bhi nahi pata isse… she said

Shantanu helped Isha to stand but didn’t voice against his sister in law.

Isha squeezed her eyes as she marched back to the present.

Isha: Akka saheb ko dekhna chahiye tha iss Nazare ko.. Ab tak dass taane maar chuki hoti.. she said coldly

Shantanu: tumhe yaad hai woh sab?

Isha: kaise bhul sakti hu? Mein unhe kabhi maaf nahi karsakti..

Shantanu: jab maine pair pakad hi liya hai toh maafi bhi maang leta hu.. He said while caressing her foot. Isha was bewildered by his behaviour.

Isha: Shantanu! Please uth jao.. mein jhuk nahi sakti.. mere paav chodo.. She said trying to pull her foot back.

Shantanu: Nahi Isha! Mein sach mein maafi mangna chahta hu..uss har galat cheez keliye.. pls maaf kardo mujhe.. jaise tumhe lagta hai ki tumhara aur ishaan ke rishte ko ek aur chance milna chahiye, usi tarah hum apne rishte ko ek aur chance kyu nahi de sakte? He asked

Isha bent her head back and pondered over the situation.

To be continued….

hello everyone! 

This write up is an attempt to explore the story of Shantanu & Isha from Ghum hai kisi ke pyar meiin. i have always loved middle aged romance and that's also a reason why i chose to write this. The couple have amazing chemistry and deserve to be known. Hence, this Fanfiction. 

i hope you all enjoy reading it. please post your valuable feedback which will help me to write more. thank you.

Beautifully portrayed the plot....Readers can actually visualise every scene....The Prologue gives a perfect introduction to the readers who are new to the characters just like me....!!

Very Very Well Written....Keep Going...❤️🧿

Wonderful start. I was able to vision the story you wrote with so much details. 

Looking forward to reading more 

Continue soon

Really good and love is the word ...pls continue writing I am excited for next part...

I haven't watched this generation but you made me feel every bit of how it is......middle aged romance is not what I go for, I have respect factor for them somewhat shyness too but you wrote beautifully.....

Wow. This is beautiful! To be honest, I am liking them more in the show too. Thank you for this one 🥰

Lovely writeup.... I am not watching Gen 2... but read this out of curiosity. Do tag me for further updates as I do not visit frequently. 

Nice story. I loved the way Shantanu took care of Isha. Akka Saheb is a very traditional and old-fashioned lady. Will the story continue?

Yes! It will continue. very soon. Once m done with my exams, I ll update regularly. Thanks for all your feedbacks. M overwhelmed. Keep supporting 😊😊

Hello everyone! 

I am back with the second part of Isha Shantanu ff series. Sorry for keeping you all waiting for such a long time. This ff series is extremely special for me as our Isha aka Manasi salvi mam recognised and appreciated my creative work on her insta live. What more can a budding writer ask for!? My muse read my work and encouraged me to continue further.

So here it is. Happy reading! 

PART 2

30 years ago…

Ramtek

Believed to be one of the halting places of Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita, the holy town of Ramtek is steeped in history. The town that vaunts of pre-historic traditions and tales of heroism, housed the serene Khandsi Lake, wrapped in the luxurious display of flora and fauna. The frosty white clouds of Ramtek were once the messengers of the two lovers of Kalidas’ Megadhoota which is said to have been written on the hills of Ramtek. 

Amidst the frondescence stood a community of buildings dedicated to disseminate knowledge to the pupils of the city. The Ramtek college of Humanities was triumphant in grooming the intellectually rich yet financially poor students of the town and succoring them to accomplish their dreams. That dayspring, the institute was bracing up for a notable lecture from a distinguished professor from Pune on Indian Economy. A grey hued Skoda suspended at the concourse of the construction, from which a 29-year-old personage sporting a black pullover with a complimenting blazer, along with denim trousers and stunning moccasins, descended. He was fair, almost pinkish with unfathomable black eyes contrasting his light toned face. His eyes were deep and expressive, a labyrinth to get lost if deeply stared upon. His clean-shaven face with a beautiful smile flaunted modesty and humility. Not extremely muscular, are fined personality with an average height that stood out in a crowd perhaps for the way he carried himself. Shantanu Bhosale, the scion of Bhosale family was received by the hired hands of the college with utmost dignity. As he was escorted to the inner quadrangle, Shantanu glanced at his wrist watch.

Shantanu: Ah! Abhi kaafi waqt hai lecture keliye.. usse pehle kya mein ek baar apka college dekh sakta hu? He asked

Princi: Sure! Humara ek staff apko guide karenge..

Shantanu: Uski koi zarurat nahi hai.. I can take care of myself. Aap sab lecture hall mein wait kijiye.. He said

As he ambled along the classrooms of the first floor, a sweet melody coming from the uncharted space aroused his auditory receptors. After pursuing the voice for half a minute, he halted at its source. The mellifluous feminine voice was reciting Shelley’s poetry with absolute grace.

    “The fountains mingle with the river; And the rivers with the ocean, The winds of heaven mix for ever; With a sweet emotion; Nothing in the world is single; All things by a law divine; In one spirit meet and mingle. Why not I with thine?—……..”

Shantanu advanced towards the door, while having a glimpse of the ladyship’s satiny hair wisps swaying across her face carelessly, through the railings of the window. He ceased at the entrance, listening to the last spilling of the poetry.

…..”See the mountains kiss high heaven; And the waves clasp one another; No sister-flower would be forgiven; If it disdained its brother; And the sunlight clasps the earth; And the moonbeams kiss the sea: What is all this sweet work worth…..”

The maiden rotated towards the door granting Shantanu a faultless sight of herself, and recited the last line of the poem- “If thou kiss not me?”, while locking eyes with his. Shantanu gazed at her comely tall figure in daze as she advanced towards the door dubiously. She had adorned herself with a sea blue salwar kameez along with unembellished jewelry. His eye lens retracted and fixed its spotlight on her face which was a few inches away. His robotic sight scanned her alert yet embarrassed eyes painted with kohl, symmetrical nose pierced with a nose stud, perky cheeks and the heart shaped pink lips wrapping her pearl teeth.

Isha: Yes!!She said anticipating an answer from the stranger at the door.

Shantanu: Love’s Philosophy!!! He announced sheepishly gazing at her countenance.

Isha frowned at the unforeseen response.

Shantanu: Ah! The poem! Love’s Philosophy by Shelley… Right? He asked

Isha: Oh! Yeah!!.. Right… She said and simpered.

Shantanu: bohot accha pada rahi thi aap..

Isha: ah! Thanks… Well.. mein literature nahi padati hu.. I teach History and Economics. Aaj baba nahi the toh maine socha mein hi class engage karleti hu…Woh..actually poetry padna mujhe personally bohot pasand hai.. isliye…

Shantanu: That’s great.. Mujhe bhi bohot pasand hai..

Isha: Really!? Waise maine abhi do din pehle join kiya hai yaha.. Aap bhi interview keliye aaye hai?

Shantanu: No no.. Interview keliye nahi.. Woh apke baba…

Isha: Mere baba se milne aaye hai? Woh toh aaj toda busy hai.. Pune se koi professor aarahe hai.. ek special lecture dene.. mmm!? Kya naam tha unka? Ah! Haan..Shantanu Bhosale.. Usi tayyari mein busy hai… She confessed naively.

Shantanu: Oh! Okay.. No problem… He said hiding his grin and glanced at his watch.

Ah! Lecture ka time hogya hai.. Chaliye chalte hai…

Isha: Aap lecture attend karne aaye hai?

Shantanu: Haan! Kuch aisa hi samajh lijiye… He said smirking.

Isha directed the students to move to the assembly hall for the upcoming lecture. She collected her books and accompanied the outlander as they sauntered down the staircase.

Isha: Aap bhi Economics padate hai?

Shantanu: Ji! Mera Specialization usi mein hai..

Isha: Specialization? Matlab aap…

Shantanu: Matlab maine Economics mein masters kiya hai..

Isha: Oh!.. She said and contemplated over the most significant question which was supposed to be raised in the beginning of their discourse.

Aapka naam…? She asked at last…

Before Shantanu could respond, Mr Rajiv Godbole, Isha’s father horned in to welcome Shantanu as the ‘strangers to each other’ duo had reached the entrance of the lecture hall.

Rajiv: Welcome! Mr Shantanu Bhosale! He vocalized

Shantanu peeked at Isha who was bewildered at the disclosure of his identity.

Rajiv: Ishu! Tu tyacha barobar kaay karat ahes? [What are you doing with him?] He questioned his daughter who seemed to have struck a conversation with Shantanu.

Isha continued to survey Shantanu, embarrassed at her dam-fool behaviour.

Rajiv: Mr Bhosale! Yeh meri beti hai.. Isha! Isne abhi abhi apna Under graduation pura karke isi college mein as a lecturer join kiya hai…

Shantanu: that’s nice.. Bohot accha padati hai apki beti! He said with reverence

Isha averted her gaze and marched inside the hall. She parked herself amidst the students and awaited the lecture. Shantanu mounted the Dias and commenced his lecture on Indian Economy. His eyes scrutinized the entire hall to finally perceive her amidst the first-year students. She was solemnly looking at him which made him fumble twice during the lecture. Shantanu received adulation post the lecture session but he was engrossed in hunting Isha in the bustling crowd of students dispersing from the lecture hall. After liberating himself from the staff and students, he spotted Isha at the exterior of the hall.

Shantanu: Ms Isha!! He cooed

Isha swiveled and gazed at him. Shantanu became inarticulate for a few seconds. He breathed some energy and unmuted his voice.

Shantanu: Ah! Aap naraz hai mujhse?

Isha: Nahi…kyu?

Shantanu: Mujhe bass aisa laga.. Umm! Dekhiye! Mera apko aise bewakoof banane ka…

Isha eyed annoyance at the use of the word “bewakoof”. Shantanu promptly reformed his words and said,

Shantanu: I mean.. mein apko batane hi wala tha par..

Isha: par kya?

Shantanu: Par.. kuch nahi.. Agar apko bura laga toh I am sorry.. he apologised

Isha: Nahi.. Please.. apko apologise karne ki zarurat nahi hai.. maine hi apko bolne nahi diya.. I am  sorry… She said

Anyways, apka lecture bohot accha tha.. She added

Shantanu: Thanks.. waise agli baar mauka mile toh mein apko dekhne…[He swallowed realising the confession] I mean.. apki lecture sunne zarur aaunga.. He corrected himself and simpered.

Present

The folios of Shelley’s opus in Isha’s hand flipped swiftly, affected by the breeze sweeping through the window. Isha snapped back to the present from the golden past, as she brought together the recto and verso of the book. Shantanu broke into the room with a glass of orange juice. His sight gravitated towards Shelley’s poetry collection in Isha’s hold and it triggered the exact equivalent memory in his mind and heart. His pained eyes met her wounded ones for a moment. Her eyelids hindered the water pearls from cascading down as she averted her gaze from his. He planted the juice glass close to her and left. Shantanu was downhearted after his apology session in the morning was shelved by Savi’s arrival. Isha availed it as an excuse to escape from the emotional trap and retired to the room. The lunch was a silent affair post Savi left to her sister’s place with her goods and chattels.

Evening shadows deepened into blue and purple. The sky became tar black as the large pillows of clouds formed, blotting out the old-gold colour of the sun. The first splatter of rain reached the earth, sprinkling over like a gardener’s hose. The plinking of puddles falling over the house apprised the couple seated in the living hall, each immersed in reading something.

Shantanu: Baarish!? Iss time pe!? He reasoned. Ah! Mein abhi aata hu.. Terrace pe kapde hai humare.. I have to get them. Warna sab geela hojayega..

Isha: Thik hai! Mein bhi aati hu..

Shantanu: Nahi! Tum yahi ruko.. warna bheeg jaoge… aur upar chadne ki zarurat nahi hai..Waise bhi bohot kam kapde hai.. I ll get them… He said and ascended the stairs in a jiffy.

He briskly started gathering their clothes as the downpour escalated. Isha unhurriedly freed her left arm from the belt supporting it and ascended the staircase leading to the terrace. Shantanu swiveled towards the stairs after gathering their clothes and spotted Isha saturated under the rain water. He darted towards her with annoyance.

Shantanu:Isha! Maine mana kiya tha yaha aane keliye.. tum barish mein kyu bheeg rahi ho?..abhi ke abhi andar chalo..warna bimar pad jaoge… he ordered

Isha was static, which rebuked Shantanu. He moved in and dropped the clothes so as to prevent them from becoming damp.

Shantanu:Isha!! Please andar chalo.. tum sachme bimar pad jaogi… He pleaded.

Isha trudged further and suspended herself at the centre of the open space. She marveled at the way raindrops caught the streetlights, transforming their ordinary terrace into a glittering wonderland. She always felt that there’s certain elegance in the way rain paints the world anew, washing away the grime of everyday life and leaving behind a fresh glistening canvas. She raised her countenance to the sky and empowered those heavenly drops to seep into every pore of her skin and release her from the physical and psychological affliction. Shantanu who was beholding his wife’s actions from a certain distance was enraptured at the way her physique blended with the nature, making the sight picturesque. That wasn’t his estranged wife reveling in the rain, it was his 22-year-old Isha, ecstatic with her childlike innocence. He sauntered towards her while running his fingers through his damp hair and pushing them back. The intoxicating petrichor and the magic portion falling over the couple took them back in time. The watery embrace soothed their distressed souls. There was something oddly comforting about listening to raindrops tapping on their skin, like a lullaby from the heavens. Shantanu heard the rain whispering – “I am here to wash away your worries, to cleanse your spirits, to remind you that there’s beauty even in the stormiest of days and lastly, to re-instill your lost love.” He halted behind her as his eyes immodestly beheld the soaking fabric of her blouse, intimately clinging to her skin. He gulped while grasping certain portions of her skin revealed through the wetness of the translucent fabric. His uninhibited hand gripped her left shoulder, awakening her senses to their reality, succeeded by his other hand which languidly stroke her right arm. His palm slithered down her right arm and caught her fingers. He stretched it forward, presenting it to the downpour and positioned his face beside hers. The frigidness of the monsoon had numbed Isha’s senses until his warm breath fanned the crook of her neck. His lips commenced to caress her left ear with the readiness to spill some poetry into it.

Shantanu:“Aayenge tumhare sheher mein barish bankar, tum apni chath par aa jaana!! Rimjhim-rimjhim barsunga mein, tum boond boond honton se chu jaana!” he recited.

A gracious smile crept on her face after listening to his words of love rendered in the most sensuous voice. The line of reality blurred for Isha as she was redirected back to their glorious past. She arched in and anchored herself in his embrace and spilled her words of love.

Isha: Tumhe baarish pasand hai!

Shantanu:Mujhe barish mein tum!

Isha: tumhe hasna pasand hai!

Shantanu:mujhe hasti hue tum!

Isha: tumhe bolna pasand hai!

Shantanu:mujhe bolti hui tum!

Isha: Tumhe sab kuch pasand hai!

Shantanu brought her fingers in his captive near his lips and pecked them, while spilling the last line of their poetic discourse: Mujhe bass tum!!

Shantanu enfolded her in his arms and fondled her lovingly. The natural feel of her skin against his palm went amiss due to the greasing of the rain. Yet, he enjoyed the buttery caress of her arms against his dermis. The downpour eroded their inhibitions carried by their age, bitterness, and only pure love filled with nostalgia triumphed. The dew drops on the exposed fraction of her shoulder glistened with the faint light showering over them. Shantanu couldn’t contain himself anymore from savouring it. He moved her soggy tresses hugging her neck and nibbled her shoulder, making her eyes shut in ecstasy. The freshness of her skin was intact and amalgamated well with the sweetness of the shower, serving him a perfect delicacy for the night. He wanted more of her, in fact all of her that moment. His lips mounted her swan neck and lingered against her black beads which obstructed his dolphin-slippery tongue from savouring her sweetness. The long-forgotten pleasure rejuvenating on her skin was unendurable for Isha. She rotated towards him with downcast eyes hinting coyness. Shantanu cherished her shyness which was still her hallmark. He raised her chin up and both their eyelids struggled to remain unclosed due to the hefty raindrops falling over. Shantanu cupped her face as they viewed each other amidst the downpour and articulated in his husky voice.

Shantanu: I missed you! He confessed

He could grasp the redness in the corner of her eyes and the newly secreted salty liquid blending with the fresh droplets of rain. The next moment he pulled her into a tight embrace as if trying to squeeze out all the sadness from her soul. It was like a warm blanket, making the duo feel every ounce of each other. Shantanu pressed his lips on her earlobe followed by her temple while she trembled with the rush of desire. She felt the ultimate bliss of being restored back to her happy place as they fondled each other’s back and their cheeks caressed each other. Shantanu pulled back from the hug and slid his fingers through her cheekbones. He lingered his lips on her forehead nibbling the water droplets, and ultimately planted a moist kiss. Their noses clashed as he descended his lips, before commencing the pleasurable moment. Shantanu was about to launch the dance of lips and tongue, a sweet symphony of breath and touch when the electricity went off, darkening the entire setting. The gloom shoved them back to the sorrowful reality by erasing the light that had painted a tentative wonderland. A sense of mortification and intense guilt dawned upon Isha in the darkness as she fathomed what she was involved in. Shantanu recognised the discomfiture her skin started emitting to his touch and withdrew his palm. Isha scrambled out of the terrace leaving Shantanu in daze. After a few seconds, he apprehended that the darkness prevailed within the house as well and Isha could hurt herself in the process of sprinting away from the situation. He instantly walked to the shelter near the staircase and pulled his mobile out of his pocket. The mobile was partly soaked in rain water but fortunately he could switch the torch light on faintly lighting the atmosphere.

Shantanu:Isha! Ruko.. Tumhe chot lag jayega.. He said and stalked her path.

Isha! Just wait.. Dhyan se jao… Gir jaoge… He articulated with concern.

He arrived at the living hall and quested for her through the faint torch light. She was nowhere. His gaze fell over her room door which appeared locked from within. He instantly hurried to the door and knocked at it. In the process, he sensed her silent sobs coming from within, which ultimately pushed him into the ocean of remorse.

Shantanu:Isha! Isha! I am really sorry! Jo bhi hua mere wajah se hua.. Tum apne apko dosh matt do… Maine aisa situation create kiya tumhareliye… but trust me.. tumhe uncomfortable feel karane ka koi irada nahi tha mera… Par agar tumhe aisa lagta hai toh I am really sorry.. Please darwaza kholo… Mujhe darr lag raha hai… He apologised sincerely.

The room door didn’t split. Isha drowned herself in the sea of guilt as she felt the moment shared between the two was an act of sinfulness. All the age-related inhibitions she carried and the bitterness of their relationship resurfaced making her feel terrible about herself.

Shantanu: Isha!!Tum kyu aise behave kar rahi ho? Humne aisa kya galat kar diya? Afterall hum pati patni hai… We just got carried away and had a moment… Isme itna bura feel karne ki kya baat hai? Todi der pehle toh tum bhi khush thi… Maine dekha tumhari aankhon mein… Ab achanak kya hogya tumhe? He enquired

She unlatched the door and stood still facing him. The only sound to be heard was of water dripping from their clothes and tapping the ground as an awkward silence engulfed the atmosphere.

Shantanu:Isha!! Woh mein… He invaded the silence

Isha cut him short with her palm signalling him to cease his words.

Isha: Mujhe mera phone chahiye… She said.

Shantanu sauntered towards the living hall and picked her mobile phone lying on the table and walked back.

Shantanu:Yeh lo! He said handing it over and observed her puffy eyes at the same time.

Isha! Humne kuch…

She fastened the door not giving heed to his words. He sighed and walked away in the darkness. Shantanu dried himself and changed quickly. He went to the kitchen on the pretext of cooking something real-quick for supper. He realised that the faint torchlight wasn’t adequate for undertaking the culinary task. He explored for some alternatives in the drawers and discovered few candles. He installed two of them in the kitchen, two of them in the living room and three of them on the dining table. He stirred some carrot-ginger soup so as to prevent themselves from catching cold and flu along with some instant lemon poha. His sight was constantly inspecting her room door which was still shut, through the kitchen window. The creaking sound of the opening door cautioned his auditory senses. Isha held her mobile torch assuming it to be gloomy outside, but was astonished looking at the candle-lit house. Shantanu couldn’t view her in the darkness as abundant light wasn’t dispersing over her. She treaded towards the kitchen and entered, giving him a candle-lit sight of herself. She was in her embroidered black night gown with nothing else on except her black beads. Shantanu inhaled her body scent when she passed across him to collect the plates. Now that was areal torture to be tempted while knowing she is inaccessible for the night. They arranged the table for the supper and settled. Isha didn’t make any eye contact with him the whole time. It was an impromptu candle-light dinner post the rain romance.

Shantanu:Ah! Ghar pe torch nahi tha toh.. Candles use karna pada.. He said clearing his voice

Isha: maine koi explanation nahi manga tumse… She said and began to sip the soup.

His eyes involuntarily ogled at her lips savouring the soup.

How blessed is the soup spoon!? And how fortunate is the soup itself! He thought. Where are those signs of age on her physique? He marvelled. No grey hair, no wrinkles, no loss of charm. He was surely a nincompoop to have let her go years back instead of preserving her, he felt. He stared at the droplets hanging on the edge of her tresses and comprehended that she hasn’t dried her hair as there was no electricity to run the dryer. Those dew drops too were favoured to fall over her neck and slide wherever they wished. He would definitely look old beside her with those wrinkles and grey hair, he analysed. He was puzzled whether to consider himself to be the chosen one or to feel insecure about his wife’s youthfulness. Did he really touch those golden cheeks? He wondered. For a moment he feared if he was thinking too loud and if she could hear his mind’s voice.

He was aware of the fact that she was 8 years younger to him but it was sinful to retain such charisma and on top of that restrict the man from coming closer.

Shantanu:yeh galat hai! Tum aisa nahi kar sakti! He vocalised.

Isha frowned at his unforeseen blame words.

Isha: Kya kiya maine? She asked

Shantanu realised that he had vocalised his mind voice and set himself a trap.

Shantanu: nahi! Kuch nahi.. mein bass aise hi… tum khana khao.. He said and concentrated on the food.

She offered help to clear the table post dinner but he denied. She went and sunk on the couch in the living hall. Shantanu stood behind the couch and leisurely began drying her hair with a towel. She instantaneously looked up with questioning eyes.

Shantanu: Baal abhi geela hai.. tumhe zukaam hojayega… isliye sukha raha hu… aur haan! Mujhe pata hai tum kitne possessive ho apne baal ko lekar.. don’t worry.. mein dhyan se kar raha hu.. He said

Isha sat in a relaxed position and uttered

Isha: tumhe yaad hai pichli baar kab aisa kiya tha?

Shantanu: bilkul! Mein kaise bhul sakta hu.. tum pregnant thi… u were in your 9th month. Sab kuch apne aap nahi kar paa rahi thi.. isliye maine kiya tha… aur mujhe yeh bhi yaad hai ki tum kitna gussa hogayi thi kyuki maine tumhari baalon ko sukhane ke chakkar mein usse idhar udhar kar diya tha.. he chuckled

Isha: hmm..Aur baad mein mujhe manane keliye tumne khud meri baalon ko thik bhi kiya tha…She said grinning.

He caressed her forehead in the process of drying her front hair strands and she looked up yet again.

To be continued....

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Lovely update. Worth the wait indeed