reminiscing ishra moments... raman helping ishu on pg 53 - Page 33

Ishita...come here beta. Mrs. Bhalla called her daughter in law. Yess Mammiji...she entered to find her mil thinking something worried. Any problem? Huh...No...she came out of thoughts. Actually I was going to tell you...Tomorrow is karvachauth and this being your first kc after marriage, I wanted you to celebrate it with full heart with all rituals. Wow mammiji...kc..I had always heard of it..am so excited. Please tell me naa wat are all the rituals? What I have to do? Mrs. Bhalla laughed at her excitement.

Well...its fasting for the long life of your husband. You already know this. I will give you sarghi in the morning so get ip early. And then mehandi and katha is also there. You will come to know everything. Just get up early tomorrow. Sarghi is to be taken before Sun rises. Okk..Ishita nodded her head. I will be up on time.

No way...nobody gonna fast. Raman's voice from behind made both of them look towards him. Raman...wats wrong? Mrs. Bhalla tried to ask but he cut her short. Maa...she had been hospitalized just ten days before. She cant stay empty stomach for more than 3 hours. She is not going to fast. But Raman...I seriously want to do it...Ishita wanted to explain her point. Will you stop using that pea sized brain of yours? I said no means no. And dont you dare try to be oversmart. I am assigning Ruhi the duty to keep an eye on you. And i wont be out for long. Just a meeting. Will be back early to keep a check on you. Mind itt...no means no.

Its ok Ishita..you can simply do the pooja. There is no need of fasting. Mammiji...Ishita kept her hand on her mil's. I will do it. Let him speak. He is like this only. She assured her. Mrs. Bhalla patted her cheeks and kissed her forehead smiling.

I know you love Raman a lot beta and want to do this for him..but there is no need to stay empty stomach for it whole day. Your heart is pure Ishita...and thats enough for God to listen your prayers. But Mammiji..I cant let it go. Bss...Toshiji kept her hand on her mouth. Your hubby and mil...both are ordering you. So you are not fasting. And if you didnt listen to us naa I will slap you. She showed her hand. Ok ok...I will not fast. Ishita hugged her MIL.

**********

Simmi...karvachauth is tomorrow naa. Why are you applying mehandi now only? Ishita asked her SIL as she was busy getting her hands covered with heena designs late night. Arre Ishita..you are awake?

Yeahh...Raman is still not bqck from office. Waiting for him. But why are you having mehandi at this hour? Mammiji has called the girl tomorrow naa. She took seat on sofa beside her to see tje design. Wow..beautiful Rinki. I never knew you can apply such wonderful mehandi. I could have called you for my wedding. Both the sisters laughed at it.

Ishita...this is moderen trend. Getting mehandi done on day itself. Simmi made a face. I mean how much colour will come in two hours...that too day time. My bhuaji used to say...Mehandi always gives colour when applied during night time. And I want dark hands. Its kc after all. The girls laughed.

Rinki..book me as your next customer. Ishita chirped. Even I want to see how much this Ravan kumar loves me. She looked at her hands. Both girls laughed at it. Okk bhabhi...after this your turn. Just 15 minutes more. Ishita said okk and went to change her clothes to night one.

Raman entered his home at 11 pm to the view of his sister applying mehandi on his wife's hands. A smile crept up on his face as he realized that mehandi was of his name. He stood there mersemized at the angelic beauty who was continuosly chatting and laughing checking her hands and drawing patterens with fingers telling what to make. A blush crept up on her face when Simmi teased her saying Bhai will not be able to search his name..Rinki has choosen perfect place to write it. He gave a knowing smile thinking who you are playing with. It was in this position they caught him.

Kya bhai..listening to our talks and laughing. Come inside first. Who is laughing at your talks. I was thinking of something else. You people are crazy. And you two...you have this habit since childhood and now you have added third member to your group. He looked at Ishita. And you seem to be as free. They giggled while Raman went inside his room.

By the time, he returned after getting freshed, Rinki was almost done adorning her bhabhi's hands. Having a look from far away only, he could tell her fair and soft hands had become all the more beautiful. Bhabhi now dont wash your hands till morning. Said Rinki completing her task. Okk Mam...thankyou. Ishita nodded having a look at her hands. Raman see..she went to him who looked for a second. Yaa yaa its beautiful. Good Rinki. You have added one more member to your company now. He shook his head. Ishita hit him with her elbow. What?? He raised his eyebrows. Nek...she pointed to Rinki. Oh haan...Rinki..take it beta. He took out a 1000 rupee note from his pocket. Your nek. He patted her head who jumped in joy recieving it.

Oh shitt.

Now what Madrasan?

Raman...I forgot I had to serve dinner for you. Infact I was awake for that only. And seeing them I simply sat there to get heena done on my hands too. She was about to hit her gorehead when Raman stopped her in nick of time pointing to her hands. She made a face.

Its ok...I'll just go and wash it off and arrange dinner. Just five minutes. Bhabhi...Ishita...Rinki and Simmi spoke in unison. She was about to leave when Raman grabbed her arm from her elbow stopping her.

No need. You have applied it just now.

But Raman..Dinner?

Just tell me where it is? I'll heat it and have it. You can stand there and check. Ishita smiled at it.

Ohoo...so much love haan. The sisters cleared their throat and left for their rooms wishing them goodnight and a happy dinner...while the couple smiled at each other.

Raman heated everything as Ishita instructed. Ishita..can you please check on Ruhi once. Raman said as he put the last bowl in moicrowave. I think I heard her voice Hope she is comfortable.

Huh? Let me check. A worried Ishita left to her daughter's room leaving behind a giggling Raman.

Raman...Ruhi is fast asleep. I checked...she entered the living room only to find lights off and no sign of Raman in kitchen or dinning. Raman...she wondered and checked the balcony. He was here only. Where did he go? He ought to had dinner. Maybe room.

Raman...she called as she stood at the threshold of her room. There was total darkness. Her eyes fell on a set of beautiful candles placed on a table lighting in the center of room. Raman..she wondered and went towards it. The next sound she heard was of a door getting shut and latching of door.

Raman...what are you doing? I know you are there. Whats all this? She saw the dinner arranged on the table which was beautifully decorated with colourful candles and flowers. Two chairs had been kept on either side. Ishita smiled at the gesture of her ravan kumar. He came to her and held her both arms with her elbows..bringing her closer to himself kissed her forehead lettingvhis lips linger on her skin for a time longer than necessary. So how was your day wifey. He encircled his arms around her neck. A blush crept up on her cheeks as she tried hard to hide it. Whats all this Raman? Arre...I do it everyday when I return from office. Its just a bit late today. Raman..am not asking about kiss. Whats this? She pointed to the table.

Come...he grabbed her by shoulders and made her sit on a chair like a gentleman. Ishita looked at him impressed. After making her sit, Raman went and sat on the opposite chair himself. Ishita looked at him surprised.

Mr. Bhalla...dont you think you are being more goody goody today. First you heated your food yourself without saying anything. And now these arrangements of dinner. She gave an i am impressed expression while Raman chukled. I thought you got ready to bear the torture of this heena just for me. Atleast I can arrange a romantic dinner for us.

Us?? Raman...I am already done. Food was for you to have.

As if I dont know. You never eat before I come.

No...Am not. I ate with Ruhi today.

Ishita...I can feed you. At your service mam. Dont worry.

Ishita found herself smiling once again. Raman was actually surprising her everyday nowadays. His gestures and actions always brought a smile on her face. Long ago...they had seen that look and desire in each other's eyes and only thing left was being verbal. First they were shy but now admatant...lets c who speaks first. They can fight for hours you say..no you say but none will speak up. After all jkr and rk...their names had some meaning. None the less, it couldn't stop them from romancing or teasing or being touchy touchy. All they needed was a right time for the NEXT step. Just a matter of moments. And they were actually enjoying this phase of realization in their lives.

Where are you lost madam? His words snapped her out of her thoughts.

Huh..nothing.

So..should we start with our candle light dinner? Ishita just nodded her head in affirmative.

Raman picked up a spoonfull of rice and fed her. As he was about to give her next spoon, she stopped him and pointed to have himself.

He made a face. How unromantic...here in this candle light environment I am feeding you. And I have to help myself. No one here to put a bite into my mouth.

Raman...that lame excuse doesnt mean you can sleep without dinner. You are having it or I am not going to eat further.

There was no point of argument with Ishita Raman kumar Bhalla. Raman made her feed and then himself turn by turn. As they finished up, he saw a grain of rice near her lips. Ishita this...he pointed to her face. She shook her head wondering what he meant. He neared her and brought his face closer to hers. Her heartbeat increased founding their lips inches apart. Before she could register, his tounge was on the side of her lips licking away the food. As he backed away, he found her eyes closed and smiled a knowing smile. She slowly opened her eyes to find him staring at her with his arms crossed. She smiled and turned sideways. I think its time to sleep.

**********

Mammiji...am here. She entered the living area where her MIL was waiting for her. Good...you both have come. Take the sarghi. Here. She handed one set to her DIl and other to her daughter blessing them a happy and blissful life.

Raman...what are you doing here. Got up this early? A shocked Ishita turned behind at Toshiji's voice. Maa..this madrasan didnt let me sleep whole night. He said irritated. All laughed while Ishita looked at him wide eyed. Registering their expressions and his words, he got all the more irritated. Arre this Heena...smell is so strong. And she was herself tossing all night as her hands were cold. I couldnt get even an iota of sleep wondering if I would wake up with an imprint of her hands on my face. Everybody laughed at it while Ishita made a face.

They will be like this forever. Lets go Bhallaji. Toshiji left the area followed by Mr. Bhalla and Simmi.

What is your problem haan? The smell was not that strong.

It was. Ask me. Am still feeling like I have been trapped in a box of mehendi.

Poor joke. Ishita made a face and was about to leave when he grabbed her wrist.

Here...have it. He pointed to her sarghi. I will...she made a face. He made her sit on the dinning table and opened the thaal to find different varieties of food. He picked one and fed her. I have my hands washed. She pointed. Then you can do the work which you left pending last night. He smirked. She smiled and fed him with her hands. Both continued their little chats as they fed each.

By the way...why did you get up this early? And dont lie or taunt this time. He smiled. As if you dont know. Just have your food...fatty. Ishita pouted. I know you wanted to feed me with your hands thats why. She picked up the plates to put them for washing into sink.

He grabbed her hands. What are you doing now? He made her sit on the sofa. Let me search for my name in it. I want to see..how dark is the colour. Ishita sat excited. Really? Then lets see...if Mr. Bhalla is able to search his name.

Open challenge. It will be difficult for you only Ishita. Mind it.

Rinki has hidden it in perfect spot. Try as hard as you can...you wont be able to get it.

Is that so...then Am ready Mrs. Bhalla. Lets see if I find it or not.

Ishita shook her head.

But wat will I get if I actually find it.

Business in everything? You dont have any other work. You wont be able to search it.

What will I get if I do?

What do you need?

Now...money is not wat a CEO prefers. I hope you know. He gave her a smirk.

Ishita looked at his face and thought for a while. She understood his grin. Okk...if you do it without help of rinki or simmi...I will kiss you that too on the lips.

Raman was bowled over by her words. What did you just say? She just smiled and ran to her room. Raman ran his hand through his hair. Mrs. Bhalla...you will remember this challenge for your lifetime.

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

Raman came out after bath to find her clad in a beautiful red salwar suit gifted by his mother. She looked no less than a goddess..a goddess of beauty whom he wished to worship forever. She found him staring at her through the mirror and lowered her gaze. He edged closer. Beautiful...he muttered. Ishita smiled and blushed a deeper shade of red. She combed her hair and picked up the small box of vermillion. He took it from her and came in front of her. She closed her eyes while he filled her mang with it. Now thats my wife. He crossed his arms across his chest while she smiled.

He grabbed her hands once again to check her mehandi. Ishita...come. Mrs. Bhalla called her and Ishita ran outside leaving behind a calling Raman. Now I should book an appointment to meet my own wife. He shook his head.

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

Ishita spent the whole afternoon in wait of her husband who had gone to office for an important conference. She looked at her hands longingly wondering if he would be able to search his name once he checks. And about the impending challenge which she had promised him.

She listened to the katha(myth) behind karvachauth and prayed to the God to always keep her husband happy. Prayed for their future and love.

Ruhi...did Ishima have anything whole day? Raman threw away his bag and picked up his daughter in his arms. Yess papa...after every three hours. I had made it a point to make her eat something. Both father daughter are pairing up against me. Ishita kept a hand on her hips. They laughed at it.

Festive season at home. There were lots of guest but Raman Kumar Bhalla had eyes only for his wife. She was busy serving guests and working in kitchen. He tried to grab her attention but she seemed to be a big dhakkan enjoying laughing with everyone. Or was she doing it purposefully? He wondered...avoiding him.

Ishita had come to her room to take out a strawl which she wanted to show to bhuaji. Raman was quick in action and faking a Phone call, entered his room and shut the door latching it making Ishita shocked.

Raman..why you locked the door. I have to go. She tried to leave. But he came towards her with a look in his eyes. She backed away. What are you doing Raman? He was silent and just kept moving towards her. She kept moving backwards repeating the same question time and again only to recieve silence from him. Her steps halted when her back striked the wall. Raman...she barely muttered. He caged her with his arms on her either side and brought his face closer to hers. She lowered her head and closed his eyes. He smiled at the effect he was having on her. Smirking, he lifted her chin and grazing his cheeks with hers, whispered into her ears in slow but demanding voice. I want to see your mehandi right now. She sensed seriousness in his voice. Her heart skipped a beat realising he had been craving for it since morning.

But Ishita was Ishita. She pushed him aside and started taking out clothes from cupboard. Whats the need. You wont find what you want. He got furious and grabbed her wrist while she whinced in pain. Sit here...he forcefully made her sit on the bed and started checking her hands while she watched amused. It took him 15 minutes of listening teasing voice of Ishita and checking every patterren on her hand. Rinki has forgotten to put R...he finally said. Why...she wrote in front of me? Achaa...tell me where it is? Here...she was about to point it when she realised. No cheating Raman. Its your challenge. Do it yourself. She mocked him and left the room. I will ssarch it soon. All the best Mr. Bhalla...she said and was out of the door in a second.

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

See...Moon is there. Ruhi announced to the family and everyone rushed to terrace. Ishita was arranging her thaali(plate) for pooja while Raman was looking at her intently. She lighted the diya and looked at moon through seive sending silent prayers of long life of her husband. She turned and looked at her life...her husband through the seive. Their eyes met and smile crept up on their faces. She took his aarti and then bent down to touch his feet when he stopped her holding her by her shoulder and nodding his head in negative. She smiled at it.

He took a piece of sweet from plate and was about to feed her when she stopped him. I have already eaten enough whole day. You have it first. She said.

I alteady told you madrasan. Dont try to be oversmart with me.

What?

I know you have cheated Ruhi and thrown away everything she gave you in the dustbin.

Raman...you??

Have learned jasoosi traits from you only. Now have it.

He forwarded the piece and she took a small bite from it.

He was about to give her water when she stopped him again.

Now what?

She forwarded the same piece of sweet to his mouth while he looked confused.

You think you are the only one who knows me.

Ishita??

I can see untouched tiffin and you ignoring for everything you were offered to eat.

This time he smiled realising she noted his every moment.

She made him eat the sweet and then both drank waters from each other's hands.

All family members clapped at their love for each other while he took her shying wife in a side embrace.

As they were left to themselves on the terrace, they looked at moon holding their hands. I love you...both spoke in unison after moments of silence as if iy was the only thing they wanted to and had to say. They looked at each other astonished. Once again...none won..none loose...they were together...just like their life...where they are together...despite of their flaws and goodness. They hugged each other and then joined their heads to look at the moon...the sole witness to their confession.

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

Ishita was removing her jewellery when he entered the room after quick phone call. The way she was blushing and smiling, he knew she was thinking about the teasing session of his family they recieved during dinner. They were neither allowed to have food with their own hands nor given the privacy of their room. No choice left, they had to feed each other. He still enjoyed it and even bit and lick her fingers in between but she was too shy. Even didnt have her food properly. Raman chukled.

Here...have it now. He kept the plate on bed while she raised her eyebrows. I know you have not eaten properly. Hungry since morning...have it now. She nodded her head and came after getting free of her heavy jewellery and make up. Why she looks beautiful in everything? Raman thought. She snapped him and he fed her taunting her fatty...and also scolding her for keeping fast against his orders. When you are there for me..nothing can happen to me. She pouted...he smiled at her innocence.

He got busy watching television while she took out clothes from almirah and was about to go to change. He is not asking for my hand again. Maybe...he accepted defeat. She thought. Madraasan...get aside. You are blocking my view. Let me watch yrrr. He made her move. By the wat are you thinking? His eyes glued to tv.

You lost the challenge Raman.

Huh.

The day is over and you couldn't find R on my hand.

She was about to leave when his voice made her stop.

Left hand...palm ke leftmost corner mein thumb ke niche...inside the heart...R is written.

She looked at him wide eyed while he smirked giving a knowing smile amd quircking his eyebrows.

What did you think? He brought her out of her shock. I cant find it.

But...how? When? She was confused.

When you were snoaring last night?

Kyaa??

Yaa...you were asleep but I was wide awake and I had read my name then only.

Then why didnt you tell me? You were acting whole day?

All your fault madam.

She raised her eyebrows.

You had promised something really big and if I would have told you in the morning itself...you would not have been able to enjoy whole day thinking how would you kiss me. I didnt want you to spend your first kc in tension. Thats why.

He came near her and crossed his arms accross his chest while she didnt know what to speak. This man knew how to surprise rather shock her everytime.

What are you thinking now? How to kiss?

He grinned while she widened her eyes.

Kuch bhi...it was just a joke. Am going. She tried to enter washroom but he held her.

Raman please.

She closed her eyes.

Please Ishita. Dont go now.

She never had the heart to say no to him. She faced him and opened her eyes. His eyes spoke of volumes of love and desire.

She brought her lips closer to his and gave a quick peck. He was quick to seal them to himself forever encircling his arms around her back not letting her go. After assaulting her lips, he demanded an entry into her mouth. Their tounges danced in unison explorinv each other's mouth till need of oxygen seperated them.

They breathed heavily and smiled at each other. Let me help you with changing today. He threw away the clothes in her hands and picked her up in his arms to scoop her to bed.

PriyaCherry.