FF- Its in her kiss, mature 16+ part 10 page 25 Updated 14/09/2014 - Page 5

Part 5:

It had been two weeks since Raman had given Ishitha the little secret token, the ring with the hidden message. The other residents of the house had begun to notice a change in Raman, he shouted less, acquiesced more, and didn't come home as late. Shockingly they hadn't noticed the glow around Ishitha, whose usual nature was warm, friendly and loving but now there was an inner glow. She smiled more in the quiet moments- when she washed dishes, watched Ruhi complete her homework, folded the laundry, or prepared the vegetables. She was so madly and deeply in love that she had butterflies in her stomach all day, she waited for the day to countdown and get home. She was nervous and excited when she interacted with the family but her heart blossomed and exploded when Raman walked through the door. Raman, not wanting to attract the attentions of the family would simply greet Ishitha with a nod and give his attention to Ruhi, scold Romi, discuss the house with mummiji or some political matters before proceeding to the bathroom to freshen himself and return for supper. But Ishitha knew this was simply an act for the family, Raman being the proud man that he was, did not want to be teased by his family about being Romantic, and he wanted to live in the little bubble that he shared with Ishitha. He didn't even trust young Ruhi would be able to not spill the truth in her exuberance to get one up on Shravan in front of Amma or mummiji.

At the dinner table Ishitha would always ask Nillu or mummiji to rest and insisted that she wanted to give them a break and would serve Raman his supper. At these moments, Raman and Ishitha would always have a reason to touch each other's hands from passing the pickles, taking cutlery, or handing back dishes. It was at these moments that they tried to act normal, each bursting for supper to be over and the kitchen tidied so that they may retire for the evening to their little piece of heaven. Raman now would always choose the seat at the table that faced the kitchen, and while the rest of the family chatted excitedly about the day's events, traded tall tales or fought over the Kabbadi tournament on Star plus, Ishitha and Raman would steal glances and smile. Any stranger looking in from the outside would envy the Bhalla family, the harmony and love could be was evident from every member.

This was such a change from the Bhalla residence for the preceding 10 years, where appeasement and duty dined with the family every night. Now, mummiji and papa ji could relax with a cup of chai and feel proud that they had at last found peace. And how did this peace come about? Pappaji was the silent catalyst in all the happiness, was he not the one that first convinced Appa that Ishitha and Raman should be married; he had been the one to recognise the innate purity in Ishitha and her ability to wholly and sincerely take on the responsibility of raising Ruhi. While Raman had been blinded with his revenge and hatred for Shagun, Ishitha turned around the sinking ship that was the Bhalla family.

That evening Ishitha sat with Ruhi and read her a story, the three little bears and Ruhi played with Ishitha's silky hair lulling herself into the comfort of sleep. Ishitha lay in bed with Ruhi, reading softly, doing all the voices of all the characters to bring the story to life. Raman walked into the room and watched the two favourite women in his life share an cherished moment. A smile spread over his face and he just wanted to run in a jump in, causing mischief and annoy Ishitha. As he was about to walk in he noticed Ruhi drifting off to sleep, Ishitha noticed this and when Ruhi finally fell asleep, Ishitha bent down kissed Ruhi and kissed her ring.

Ishitha walked into their room and Raman was already in bed. Ishitha tidied the room and she too climbed into bed facing Raman her hand resting on her pillow. Raman, looking Ishitha in the eye raised her hand to his lips and placed a butterfly kiss on her fingers and closed his eyes. Ishitha had no words, she instantly closed her eyes, a torrent of blood rushing to her face...

Part 6 to follow in a day or two!