Song Beneath The Song - IshRa OS

Author' note -

No way to describe what inspired this only that I was listening to classics recently over the weekend and the two songs I have mentioned in this piece just made me think of IshRa somehow and this piece was created.

No idea how coherent it is and somehow even before we had the news that has set the forum on fire somehow this piece had started coming to me set in the future.

You will understand what I mean as you read it.

NOT PROOFREAD, as always

Song Beneath The Song

He walks in to eerie quietness that unsettles him.

The soft sound of his footsteps muted the moment his shoes step on the lush carpet spread over the flooring.

Something makes his belly churn, alerting him to the myriad possibilities that can unleash upon him.

Something about the quiet is different, unfamiliar. He cannot say he is averse to it, but it pays to be alert in any case.

His heart thuds faster in his chest, a slight sheen of perspiration gathering on his head, his palms a little sweaty as he loosens his collar a little bit. His eyes roam around trying to catch a hint of a movement, his ears straining to hear the slightest sound in the pin-drop silence.

His feet move slower, weary now of the traps that he could find flung upon him but to his surprise nothing happens.

Nothing at all happens.

He lets out a breath of air, smiling slightly to himself as his feet cross the threshold of their living room and head towards the kitchen of their duplex penthouse.

It is not uncanny for their home to be quiet at times he knows this, but with his parents, Romi and Sarika as well as Khushi occupying the lower level not to mention the guest rooms, the kitchen and the living room consisting of the dining area, occupying the floor, it is generally a palace of chaos. There is something or the other always going on around here. The place generally manifests itself into the epicenter of chaos and craziness from his rackety family and sometimes their equally rackety guests. To beat the Bhallas and Iyers at being chaos personified you would have to be the devil incarnate himself he thinks with amusement. He wonders together his family might drive the very devil crazy, he wouldn't be surprised if that happens, the devil himself throwing his arms up in defeat and running away from them.

Finally, on the verge of entering his kitchen, he hears something. A little hum falls on his ears; the quite voice crooning the melody is soothing to him. The stress of the long day at office, the weariness that makes him cranky after having to deal with difficult stupid investors all ebbs away.

He hears her sing a classic, one of her favorites in the privacy of the kitchen and leans against the doorframe as she continues her chores while quietly humming to herself with a small smile on her face.

Aapki Manzil Hoon Main

Meri Manzil Aap Hain
Kyon Main Toofaan Se Darun

Mere Saahil Aap Hain
Koi Tufanon Se Kah De,

Mil Gaya Saahil Mujhe

Almost a decade into their marriage and he still finds his heart beating for her as if he' a boy in the first blush of love, but in moments like these - moments where she doesn't quite know he's watching her, adoring her it fills his heart - this love he has for her. The overwhelming intensity of his feelings for her should surprise him, knock him over he thinks but instead, instead they fill him with wonder and joy.

He had given up on love long before she entered his life and now, he doesn't quite know how to exist without this feeling - this love he has for her which occupies his every waking hour, his dreams and thoughts, all his moments every action, every idea, everything that he is on every level conscious or not.

He wonders what his life would have turned out like had they not came together and the very thought scares him. Without her there' no him anymore at all, he knows this in his bones. He survived with a broken heart when a woman left him, he doesn't think he will be able to survive without his soul though, Ishita' that's what she is - his soul mate, his reason to live.

He turns his head around to gaze at the various pictures of his family set around the dining area just opposite to the kitchen and his gaze immediately lands on the picture that he adores above all. It's a moment he is so glad he was able to capture in a snapshot, this memory that will always be cherished by him.

His kids, correction, their kids have surrounded her and she is torn between amusement and exasperation as she laughs wholeheartedly, her eyes shut as she is boxed in by their children. Ruhi and Adi are hugging her from either side with huge smiles on their faces and Rishi, their little miracle, their wonder, the devil who is a perfect combination of him and her has occupied her lap as he too fights for their mother' attention. His arms around her, his head thrown back in laughter as he claims his mother loves him the most since he too loves his mom more than he loves everyone else is a memory he will hold close to his heart forever. That day he thinks is one of the most beautiful days of his life.

The cards, the gifts surrounding Ishita made by his kids were lovely, but nothing could beat the beauty of the scene captured in that picture.

To the world, it may look like the lively picture of four people - a mother and her three children, to him that's the snapshot of his world there. His wife' smile illuminating it just like his life as she casts her light on his world making it a brighter place, a better place.

Two years ago, when they moved into this place, he hadn't had a single say regarding how it would be done up, this despite the fact he had to slog for months before finding it for their ever-growing family and yet, yet it had all been worth it when he finally had a chance to decide one thing.

Days after they had moved in here, with less than a week to go before Adi left to celebrate holidays with his friends prior to his move to Cambridge for his further studies, they had celebrated Ishita' birthday here - the first birthday celebrated in their new home. His kids had been beside themselves prepping up the place, decorating it while he made sure Ishita stayed busy by arranging a dental camp at one of the orphanages Ishita worked closely with.

He still remembers how exhausted she had been after the long day but it had been all worth it to see the smile on her face as everyone had exclaimed a surprise, stunning her shortly.

The picture clicked shortly, as she had been able to find a moment to sit after cutting the cake when the gift- giving session began, Rishi had been adamant to be the first one to gift his mother and that is how they had ended up with this snapshot. Adi and Ruhi had decided to give their junior a little hell as Adi had proclaimed he has to leave in less than a week and so he deserves to go first, Ruhi, was not amused by the antiques of her brothers. Claiming that she has first claim on her Ishimaa she too joined in the tug of war with their mother as the prize up for grabs.

He had stood amused and clicked the picture before he came to her aid and moved aside his kids by saying none of them get to go first - Ishita is his wife first and then their mother and therefore if anyone has rights for going first its him.

His kids had not been amused.

Suffice to say, in the end it had been the twins, Mansi and Mohit, who won the round as Mihir & Mihika' little typhoons ripped apart the papers of their gift to present to their periamma and declared themselves winners.

A handmade card they made and a bowl of chocolates that they later gorged on was Ishita' first gift that year.

He is smiling fondly recalling the memory when she suddenly addresses him even without turning around from her place continuing to place some jars here and there in the shelves above.

"Exactly how long are you planning to stand there?"

"Exactly as long as it was gonna take you to notice me."

"As if you didn't know I knew you are there."

"How is a man supposed to know anything when his wife doesn't even look at him?"

Shaking her head as she puts away the last jar in its place she turns around with a mischevious smile on her face to look at him.

"If even after seven years of marriage you are confused about something as trivial as this Mr. Bhalla, then I have not done my work well."

"What work?"

He asks with a quirk of an eyebrow.

"Why of course, I meant I haven't trained you well husband."

She finishes with a smile.

"Oh, is that so, really?"

He asks her with amusement dripping from his tone as he enters the kitchen slowly and steadily, hands in his pockets as he takes small slow steps in a predatory gait towards her until he is standing before her.

"Yes, it seems like that sadly. Tsk tsk, a woman's work is never done."

Keeping his hands on the platform behind her, as he boxes her in between his form in the front and the kitchen platform in the back he asks her,

"And whose fault is it if the woman in question doesn't want to relegate her work to someone else?"

"The woman would do that if only she could because apparently until and unless she steps in no work is done perfectly or completely. Alas such are the woes of a poor wife and mother everywhere."

"Oh really, is that so? Pray may I know what kept the poor woman working in the kitchen until now when it seems there' no one at home?"

"It would be your dear son Mr. Bhalla."

"My son?" He mouths his brows furrowing,

"Which one are you talking about? Adi...Rishi?"

"Rishi of course, don't blame my son Adi, Raman."

"Oh, of course, your darling can do no wrong while my sweet boy is the devil incarnate himself isn't it?"

"Of course he is and it's your fault."

"Loving my son is a crime?"

"No spoiling him silly is. Giving him the permission to do everything and anything he wants to do is."

"Come on Ishita, what did Rishi do now?"

"Your son ruined my kitchen that's what he did and that too when he knew Neelu has taken a leave."

"What did he do?"

He couldn't help but ask dreadfully.

"He tried to bake a cake, that's what he did. I had to scrub the pots and pans, wipe the cabinets, clean the oven and don't even get me started on cleaning the entire kitchen or the smell that I walked into. Suffice to say thank goodness for the air fresheners I keep stocked, they came in handy today."

"He wanted to bake a cake?"

"Yes, he saw one of those cookery shows on TV when he was at Mihir' place last week to play with Mohit because Mihir was learning to bake one for Mihika' birthday next month and so your son decided now he wants to be a pastry chef and learn how to make pretty, pretty cakes."

He couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his mouth as she perfectly mimicked their five year old who is the apple of their eyes. However, the move backfires as she glares at him and slaps his arm.

"It's everyone' fault but yours specially, you have spoiled him a lot Raman. He is becoming stubborn like you day by day."

"Ishita..."

"No, don't try to defend your son and sweet-talk me into forgiving him this time. For all we know he could have set the kitchen on fire."

"Was he alone here when he err... tried to bake?"

"No, Ruhi was with him but you pamper him so much it's not funny Raman."

"No it isn't but that's not what this is about, is it?"

She pouts and looks away before taking a deep breath answering him quietly as he patiently waits for her,

"I had to scold him again today. You know I don't like to do it but he is so, so bullheaded just like his father. What am I supposed to do with him?"

Leaning in close to his wife, he drops his voice looking into her eyes,

"So this is the problem huh? Now you know how I feel. Well you can't have it all Mrs. Ishita Raman Bhalla."

Furrowing her brows, she looks at him curiously making him chuckle and butt his head with hers as his arms go around her.

"You know now how I feel like when I have to be the bad cop for Adi and Ruhi... for Rishi that's your role. You spoil our older children, I get to spoil our youngest, and turnabout is fair play madam."

"See this is what he takes advantage of, he knows everyone dotes on him, adores him to bits and so when I scold him it makes me feel like the devil when he looks at me with those big eyes of his with trembling lips and tears ready to fall as he mumbles sorry mamma for this and that. I understand Raman you love him but god help me, the boy will drive me crazy."

"Ah well at least there' some justice in this world."

Evidently, that is the wrong thing to say as his wife punches his arm and tries to move away. Only he doesn't let her go so easily and as they tussle and wrestle, he manages to push her over the kitchen counter and swallows the sound of her surprised giggles as he captures her lips with his.

His surprised wife freezes for a moment but soon participates with all her heart as she kisses him back with as much love and passion as he does, with a hand around his neck as she runs her fingers through his hair scratching his scalp gently, the way he likes it making him groan.

His hands travel towards her thighs and he is about to lift her up so as to perch her on the counter when she draws back and pushes his hands away as she straightens herself and stands face to face with him.

"What?"

"No, we cannot...not here Raman."

With a move that takes her by surprise he pulls her forward as he bumps into him and softly whispers, running the fingers of his free hand over her lips,

"That isn't what you said last time around."

Her breath catches as she flushes recalling their interlude in the kitchen over a month ago that he is referring to. The memories of that heated encounter still so vivid in her mind that it makes her feel hot just to recall them. She had been sore and in pain for the next couple of days after that in a couple of places but it was all so worth it.

Her mind cannot help but reel back to the nights after that encounter when Raman had taken care of her so lovingly. It still takes her by surprise sometimes how he is such a contradiction. The passionate lover who was responsible for her sore back and thighs transformed into the gentle lover who had made her feel so loved and cherished the nights after as he had tended to every inch of her body - sore or otherwise, massaged and kneaded her muscles to the point of making her feel nirvana. The gentle love they had made on those nights is as precious to her as their kitchen escapade when somehow they had ended up having one of their most...robust coupling.

Even after all this time whenever they touch, make love it's as special as their first time, as beautiful and loving as that night. If at all it has just gotten better with time as now they know the secrets of each other' bodies so well. They know exactly how to turn each other on, how to drive the other crazy to the point of making them beg and plead as well as how to please each other in all the right ways.

Almost eight years back when they decided to marry if someone had told her this man would become her world, as she would be his, she would have laughed right in their faces but that's the truth of her life now, that they cannot imagine one without each other anymore. They needs each other and crave each other forever. Together the beautiful life that they have built is their greatest treasure and their children their joys.

The tears and the heartbreaks that they faced individually led them here, to each other and for that; she can never rue a single thing that happened to them. Everything that happened to them - good or bad, before or after they met each other has led them here and has been worth every tear shed, every burden borne.

"Hmm, answer me?"

He asks her nipping her jaw as he places a tender kiss at the edge of it.

Biting the finger toying with her lips, as she makes him yelp she smiles.

"One of us has to keep thinking and last time around, it was a different situation."

"How was it different?"

He asks scowling as he looks at his finger as he shakes his hand to ward off the effect of the sting.

Pitying her husband and realizing maybe she was a little too hard on him, she tenderly cups his hand in both of hers as she brings the injured digit and suckles on it, to soothe it making his eyes darken and breath hitch. The way he looks at her, makes her knees go weak but she continues her ministrations before replying, making sure he doesn't hurt anymore.

"Last time around though we were alone, there was also no chance of anyone walking in on us as they weren't in Delhi but helping Simran and Raj for his sister Kaajal' wedding. How much work could Simran have done while carrying twins back then huh? We stayed back until a day before the wedding so that you wouldn't have to miss the meeting with your investors from Barcelona. Tonight dear husband they are all in Delhi, even if not at home right now which means that they can return or at least mummyji and papaji can return any moment and I don't think you intend for them to catch us here."

"I have to say I am impressed and pleased else I might have had to begin all over again and with a new one, imagine that, what would have I done? How would I have handled another one and explained my kids to accept one more?" He says enthusiastically.

"What?"

"I mean to say I am pleased you have finally begun to think wife and at least all these years of my efforts haven't been in vain even if yours have been since you haven't been able to train me as well as you thought you had or should have had. Because had it been otherwise I would have had to find a new wife, a third one at that! Imagine making three kids understand they are gonna have a new mother and for two of them a third one, what a task it would have been. After being a father of three, being husband to three would have been so embarrassing. Plus these girls today, goodness they are so much more difficult to manage, I would have been done for."

"Oh really, you gave this so much thought in a minute. And what exactly do you mean by today' girls?"

"Of course I would Ishita, jeez woman when you will ever learn you are married to a genius. Also when I mention today' girls I mean someone younger and sexier than you of course, you don't think I would trade in and go for something ancient again will I? Of course, I would go for a brand new model, a vintage car may bring back good memories of wonderful times and all but you definitely don't drive it around, you go for a younger, sexier model when you look for a replacement."

Affronted she pushes him away, walking out of the kitchen as he follows her calling out to her with a smile on his face.

Stomping her foot though she refuses to pay heed to him and climbs the stairs to the top floor and marches on towards their bedroom.

She is about to close the door to their room when he stops it by placing his hand at the end moment before it banged shut and lets out a loud yelp.

Her anger vanishes in an instant as concern takes over when she pulls him in their room, making him sit on the bed and immediately starts rubbing his hand kneeling down before him on the floor as she does so.

"Oh my god, oh my god Raman I am sorry, I am so, so sorry. I didn't see your hand. Does it hurt? Of course, it does what kind of stupid question I am even asking here. You sit here; I'll get something for this."

She is on her feet instantly but before she can even walk a step, he stops her by pulling her back making her stumble as she loses her balance due to his sudden unexpected movement falling over him, which in turn causes him to land on his back, thankfully on their bed.

"Raman."

His name escapes her mouth breathlessly as the fall knocks the wind out of her for a second.

"I am fine."

He quietly tells her once his arms are around her. Realizing he is sincere and not in any pain she utters confused.

"How can you be, I mean your hand..."

"Silly, I stopped the door from closing but not with my hand. Why would I when I can do it with my foot instead? Wouldn't risking hurting my hand be stupid?"

Pouting adorably, she scowls at him as she hits his shoulder and immediately starts struggling to free herself from his grip.

"Let go off me."

"I won't."

"Why?"

"What do you mean why? You are my wife, mine...does a man need a reason to want to hold onto his beautiful wife?"

"Why should you? Weren't you dreaming about wanting a younger model instead? Go ahead, find her, why do you want to waste time with a... what was it...a vintage model?"

Smiling at her, he replies in a voice barely above a whisper,

"Oh I would...only there's one problem regarding that."

"What that you are already married or a father of three? The father part can't be helped with, the marriage one can be remedied I assure you."

Cupping her face with a hand, he gets her to look at him, even as her struggle to free herself persists even though weaker than before.

"No, the problem is neither of those really."

"Then what is it?" She asks him irritated.

As he lets go of her waist as he brings his now free hand to hold her face, in both his hands she stops struggling to free herself. Something about the way he looks at her makes it impossible for her to move try as he might as his eyes hold her captive in a grip stronger than the one his hands had managed on her.

"It's just a single problem really"

"Then what is your problem?" She asks him quietly in the solitude of their bedroom

"Oh just that I am madly in love with you, that I cannot imagine a day, a single day without you anymore how am I supposed to spend the rest of my life with someone else then?"

The answer brings a hint of a smile on her face, which she suppresses however, he doesn't miss it. Not meeting his eyes still, she asks him a question while he gazes fondly at her. He understands the quip prickled his wife more than he expected. He knows women are hassled about their looks as they age and it's what making his wife so petulant now too and try as he might he cannot find the words to express how he still finds her beautiful, the most beautiful woman ever, the woman he would love even when she is old and gray and wrinkly but cannot.

The perilous task of reassuring his wife he still finds her attractive while taking care he doesn't mention the big forty, that she is fast approaching in less than two years he finds is a challenge unto itself. He knows she is being a typical woman and the days are making her a little worried and a lot more cuter as she regularly checks on her hair for grays when she thinks he is sleeping he doesn't answer her.

Seeing that he is lost in some thought she nudges him again repeating herself, which brings him back to reality.

"I said it must make your dreams of a younger model difficult then? Doesn't it?"

"But I never said I dream about younger models other than in cars, as a businessman I like to keep up with the times and invest wisely in advanced technologies, newer techniques. But that doesn't necessarily mean I don't abide by the adage of a few time tested beliefs too especially as a Punjabi."

"What? I didn't get the head or tail of that and how does the Punjabi thing factor in here?"

"What does it mean by the Punjabi thing? I am a Punjabi and everything I do is an extension of that which means I appreciate the fine things in life which all of us Punjabis do and do you know what are the two finest things in the world?"

"No, please tell me."

She replies him mockingly.

"Well they are cars, food and wine."

"That's three actually not two."

Scowling at her, he replies,

"We Punjabis do not think of food and drinks as two separate entities, have you not learned this by now Madrasan, really woman, you astonish me."

Laughing a little, she asks him,

"And what's the connection between wine and..."

He cuts her midway as he says,

"You, us? That's what you wanna ask isn't it?"

Though she doesn't say anything, her eyes say it all and so he continues,

"Certain things like wine get better with age wife."

Her smile gets broader as she hears his reply and a blush overtakes her lovely face. Even after all this time when his wife flushes scarlet he finds his heart beat a little faster, a little wilder. Even after all these years, she makes him, a forty-year-old man, feel like he is a young boy, a teenager experiencing the first brush of love. Somehow as the thought occurs to him looking at her downcast eyes that make her look all the more adorable the words of an old song come to his mind that he softly murmurs in his husky voice as he tucks a lock of stray hair behind her ear.

Aap Ka Armaan
Aap Ka Naam
Mera Taraana Aur Nahin
Inn Jhukti Palkon Ke Siva
Dil Ka Thikana Aur Nahin

Jachta Hi Nahin
Aankhon Mein Koi
Dil Tumko Hi Chahe To Kya Kijiye

His surprised wife doesn't realize when he slowly turns them over. As he finishes, she's on her back while he hovers above her.

Under his spell, she reaches out to him to bring him closer, wanting to feel his lips kiss her when he stops her, surprisingly.

Before she can ask him, he quotes back her words uttered a while back in their kitchen,

"One of us has to keep thinking."

When she still doesn't understand he looks behind towards the door to their bedroom which is open as her eyes follow his lead.

Smiling at her, he pecks her forehead before getting up to close the door ensuring their crazy family doesn't interrupt them.

Walking back to her, he strips his shoes and coat, and takes his place on the bed beside her where she laid waiting for him.

Straddling his wife, he closes the distance between them, as he kisses her.

The last words spoken between them that night were his, the ones he uttered before he captured her lips, before they made love through the night.

O Mere Dil Ke Chain
Chain Aaye Mere Dil Ko Dua Kijiye

res

unres

I was so happy as I was first one who res the comment post but probably I am last one who is editing. sorry di I was busy with guests, that made delayed

now back to update, it was beautiful. ishra life's changed but essences are still there. there own child born now, rishi...cute one. I loved iajita nature to complaint about rishi antique, usual nature of moms to complaint about their child to their fathers but puttar is smart and protects his baby boy

10 years passed but Raman is still like this. ready to pull her leg. Buddha pati wants sexy wife...sorry third wife. ha ha ha...the update was so good di. their cute roothna manaana, their love everything was so good. the true love is that which blossoms with each passing day and ishra is pure example of that. Will wait for your next story because it is always treat for me to read your story/

Hi Aani,

This is beautiful! Wouldn't mind leap if they showed at least half of this..

Thanks for PM.😊

That was a beautiful OS. So nice to see the love between IshRa being so strong after all this years and the way Raman thought back to the time when Ishita was surrounded by their 3 kids, that was really beautiful.

Such an awesome and lovely os..

Wow..this way too beautiful!