The Next Morning
Aakash was treated like the favorite child. Aparna had lovingly prepared all his favorite dishes, and Akriti, his bhabhi (sister-in-law), had made his favorite kheer, which he absolutely adored. The cutest gift he received that morning was a flurry of kisses on his face from his little nephew. Shashi took him to the temple, and to everyone's surprise, he accompanied her without any protest. After seeking blessings, they both returned home and got to their pending homework.
That Same Evening
Aakash's friends had planned a surprise for him. They were all gathered in the living room, waiting with excitement. A few minutes later, the soft jingle of anklets caught everyone's attention. Heads turned to see Aakash and Shashi entering the room - a bouquet of black roses in one hand, his other arm resting around her shoulder.
They were deep in conversation, smiling at each other, completely unaware of the anticipation around them.
Suddenly, a collective cheer broke the moment:
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Startled, Shashi tripped over her dress, only to be swiftly caught by Aakash, who wrapped his arm around her waist. Her hands instinctively held onto his neck. For a moment, the world disappeared as they lost themselves in each other's eyes.
"Kw- ooff kw- ooff!"
Harsh faked a loud cough, imitating a sound to gain their attention. Snapping back to reality, Shashi immediately withdrew her hands from Aakash's neck, blushing, while Aakash still hadn't moved his hand.
"Happy birthday, bhai!" they all chorused together.
Gifts were handed over with excitement, and soon the room buzzed with laughter and chatter. Then came dinner time - an occasion nobody dared to skip at Aakash's home, as everyone feared Aparna's wrath for missing a meal.
✨
~A Week Later
The entire family was enjoying dinner, laughter echoing through the house amid random stories and conversations. Suddenly, Aparna smacked her forehead and exclaimed, "Oh my God, I forgot!"
"What happened, Mumma?" Aakash asked, concerned.
"I got a call from your chote papa (younger uncle). That your dadi saa is coming tomorrow!"
"Yeahh?" Aarav responded, confused.
"I'm sorry, I completely forgot," Aparna said apologetically.
"It's fine, Ma," Sarthak reassured.
"When is she arriving?" Aakash asked.
"In the morning," Aparna replied.
After dinner, everyone retreated to their rooms and drifted off into peaceful sleep.
The Next Morning
It was a holiday due to the weekend, and the couple was still lost in slumber. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, resting on Aakash's face, disturbing his sleep. His eyes fluttered open, and the first thing he saw was his wife sleeping beside him - her hands wrapped gently around his torso, her head resting on his chest.
A soft smile formed on his lips. Her breath was warm against his skin, and a small strand of hair fell across her cheek. He carefully moved her head to the pillow and placed another in her embrace, which she instantly hugged in her sleep.
Shashi's POV
I woke up, rubbing my eyes. Mr. Rajput wasn't in the room, and I instantly knew he must be in the gym. I sipped some water from the glass on the side table, then walked into the washroom to freshen up. Wrapping a towel around my hair and slipping into a bathrobe, I moved into the closet.
Today, for some reason, I felt like dressing up. I chose a red traditional outfit, wore a bindi between my eyebrows, and adorned my ears with my favorite jhumkas. Leaving my damp hair open, I pulled out a pair of anklets - light and elegant - and slipped them on. After applying moisturizer on my face, neck, and hands, I turned... only to find Mr. Rajput standing there.
He had just returned from his gym session, sweat beads still clinging to his forehead. His sharp jawline and light beard only added to his striking appearance.
"You look beautiful," he said. And just like that, my heart fluttered.
I blushed and whispered a soft "Thank you."
I picked up my dupatta and turned to face the mirror. As I struggled to pin it on my shoulder, he came behind me, took the pin from my hand, and asked for permission through his eyes via the mirror. I blinked once in response. He neatly tucked my dupatta in place and whispered,
"You're perfect."
I smiled and began to walk away, only to stop as he called out, "Doctor..."
"Hmm?" I turned to look at him.
"You didn't put sindoor today."
He knew I didn't wear it daily - after all, in my professional life, no one knew I was married.
"Well, you know Dadi Saa is coming... so I just..." I trailed off.
"I'll do it. No problem."
I went to the dressing table and picked up the sindoor box.
"Aap hi laga dijiye, Mr. Rajput." (You do it, Mr. Rajput) I said softly.
"Main?" (Me?) he asked, surprised. I nodded.
Taking a pinch of sindoor, he gently applied it to the parting of my hair. We smiled at each other. He then went into the washroom while I made my way to the temple.
Lighting the diya, I prayed to my Shivji, seeking forgiveness for my mistakes and blessings for my loved ones. The smoke from the incense sticks filled the room with divine serenity, calming my soul.
I returned to the room to fetch my phone. Aakash was already dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit. We descended the stairs together. I clutched my dupatta nervously - worried about what Dadi Saa would think of me.
I wasn't Rajasthani, and I definitely didn't have the calm, obedient demeanor expected from a traditional daughter-in-law. My tongue had a mind of its own, and I often lacked the patience and poise of a typical wife.
As if sensing my thoughts, Aakash gently held my hand. His thumb softly caressed the back of my palm. I looked down, lost in my worries...
"Chiku!"
A woman in her 50s walked up to Aakash and slapped his arm playfully.
"You got married and didn't even tell us!" she said.
"Dadi Saa, don't hit me!" Sarthak chuckled.
"Bhai, why do you always get us into trouble?" Aakash groaned.
I stood there quietly, unsure of what to do, when she hit his back again.
"Now will you introduce me to my bahu (daughter-in-law)?" she demanded.
Aakash wrapped his arm around my waist and said proudly, "Meet my Dadi Saa."
I bent down to touch her feet, but she stepped back and said,
"Betiyan aapara paagan na chhoovai." (Daughters don't touch the feet of elders.)
I furrowed my brows and turned to him with a pout.
"She's saying that daughters don't touch feet," Aakash explained with a chuckle.
His Dadi caressed my cheek.
"Thare gharwali ghani soni chhe." (Your wife is very beautiful.)
I looked at him again in confusion, and he translated, "That, I already know."
He received another slap for being cheeky.
"I said she shouldn't touch my feet, not you!" she scolded.
Aakash immediately touched her feet in response.
"Khamma Ghani," (A respectful greeting in Rajasthani) we both said together.
Everyone looked at me in surprise.
"I only know 'hello' in Rajasthani," I admitted sheepishly. Everyone laughed.
After breakfast, we all settled in the living room. I sat beside my husband, who was called over by his mother.
"Aakash, look at this," Mrs. Rajput said, handing him an old photograph.
"Where did you find this, Mumma?" he asked, smiling.
"Your Dadi Saa brought it."
"Show me, too!" Akriti said excitedly.
Aakash turned the photo toward us - it was an old picture of five boys. One was a teenager, two others seemed to be around pre-teen age, the shortest one was clearly the youngest, and the eldest of all was instantly recognizable - Sarthak bhaiya.
"That's Sarthak ji !" Akriti exclaimed with excitement.
Aarav jumped into her lap, thrilled.
"Papa, who are all these? Are they your friends?" he asked.
Dadi replied with a warm smile, and I leaned in, curious myself.
"Look, the boy standing here is your eldest chachu saa, Ashvik," she began. We all nodded.
"And Shashi beta, look here - this one is your husband."
My eyes widened. "He looked so cute, man," I blurted out, admiring the photo, only to be met with teasing smiles from everyone.
"And the boy beside him is our Aadu," she said affectionately.
"It's been so long... I want to meet my nephew too," Aakash said.
"Yes, Chachu! I also want to play with my little brother!" Aarav chirped in.
"And this little one here," Dadi pointed at the youngest, "is my golu - the naughtiest of them all."
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Hope you all liked the chapter
Bro it takes efforts to write i know i am an new author but i really want people to read this story .. i'm sorry i blabbered ..
The next chapter will be:
the dark side of shashi and her anger with her emotions..
🖤🩶🤍
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