The other day was the grand festival of Diwali.
The blue moonlight peeked through the clouds, casting a silver glow over the Rajput mansion, which screamed richness and royalty, starlight crowning the rooftop like a jewel.
The Rajput family was performing Laxmi Poojan, worshipping the goddess of wealth. Being the youngest and newly married couple, Shashi and Aakash were performing the main pooja.
Shashi looked breathtaking in a stunning traditional silk saree of a soft, vibrant green shade with a rich maroon-red embroidered border and pallu, featuring intricate golden zari and sequin work. Her matching maroon blouse was heavily embellished, adding to the festive elegance of the look. She accessorized with layered pearl and stone jewelry—including a choker, necklace, jhumkas, bangles, and a ring.
Both were focused while performing the pooja, and everyone joined their hands and closed their eyes.
Aakash (thought to himself): “Laxmi Mata, maaf karna. Main aapko dekhne ki jagah meri hoor pari ko dekh raha hoon, par kya karoon, obsessed ho gaya hoon is chehre se.”
(“Goddess Laxmi, forgive me. Instead of looking at you, I’m staring at my fairy, but what can I do? I’ve become obsessed with her face.”)
After the pooja, everyone received prashad. Shashi was distributing sweets with a bright smile, and everyone accepted them with love.
“Didu, sweets,” she said, moving towards Laksha.
LAKSHA'S SAREE
“I don’t eat sweets, betu,” Laksha replied.
“Aapki diet gayi tel lene, chup chaap yeh ladoo khao aur poora khana.”
(“To hell with your diet, quietly eat this ladoo and finish your food.”)
Everyone’s eyes widened in shock to hear her speaking like this with the mafia queen.
“Theek hai meri maa,” Laksha said and ate the ladoo, surprising everyone.
“Ohh fitness freak, yeh toh...” she said to Lee-Yoon, who made a pleading face, shocking everyone again.
The man who kills mercilessly was now the complete opposite.
“Koi bahana nahi chalega,” said Shashi, and Lee-Yoon quietly took the ladoo.
“Tu ne banaya hai?” asked Laksha as she took a bite. Shashi nodded.
“Bro, kya maal banaya hai!” Laksha said, shocking everyone again with her words.
(“Bro, this is a masterpiece!”)
“Toh aur khalo,” said Shashi.
(“Then eat more.”)
“Ek hi bohot hai,” said Laksha.
(“One is enough.”)
“Kha lo ek aur,” said Shashi, pushing another ladoo towards her.
(“Have one more.”)
“Aadu!” said Aakash.
“Abe saale, ladoo chhod, patakhe jalaane chal!” Aakash said, dragging Aadarsh outside.
(“Dude, leave the sweets and come burst crackers!”)
“Shashi, chal jaldi!” said Aadarsh.
(“Shashi, come quickly!”)
Shashi followed them, walking slowly because of her saree.
In the whole family, only these three were going to burst crackers.
Waiting impatiently, Aadarsh asked, “Shashi, maachis de.”
(“Shashi, give me the matchbox.”)
“Tere paas lighter hogi na?” said Shashi.
(“You must have a lighter, right?”)
“Main kya cigarette peeta hoon?” Aadarsh replied.
(“Do I look like someone who smokes?”)
She crossed her arms above her chest, glaring at him with raised eyebrows.
“Abhi nahi peeta na,” he said.
(“I don’t anymore.”)
She made a “hmm” face.
Shashi handed him the matchbox and they started bursting crackers—smiling, laughing, and overjoyed like children.
They were completely captivated by the fireworks.
“Teeno abhi andar chalo,” said Sarthak, standing at the door.
(“You three, come inside now.”)
“Bhai, bas do minute aur!” they said together.
(“Just two more minutes, brother!”)
“Koi do minute nahi, dinner ke liye chalo,” said Sarthak, and all three stepped inside the living room.
(“No two minutes, come for dinner now.”)
The family had dinner together, filled with peace and laughter.
After dinner, the elders went to their rooms to sleep, while the youngsters stayed out in the lawn, chatting and laughing.
Laksha and Lee-Yoon were there too. Laksha and Shashi sat on the same bench, talking.
“Are you happy?” Laksha asked.
“I’m more than happy, Didu. I have everyone I need,” she replied with a soft smile.
“I hope things don’t change,” said Laksha.
“If they do, it’s fate,” said Shashi.
“By the way... are they alive?” Shashi asked.
“Who?” Laksha replied.
“You know who,” said Shashi.
“I don’t know anything about them,” Laksha said.
“Didu, I don’t think they deserve life,” said Shashi.
(“They don’t deserve to live.”)
“If I catch them, they’ll regret each moment they tried to hurt us,” said Laksha.
“Well, that’s true,” said Shashi, yawning.
“Are you sleepy?” Laksha asked.
Shashi nodded.
“Then go sleep,” said Laksha.
Shashi got up from her seat, said good night to everyone, and started walking—expecting Aakash to follow her. She looked back and saw he was busy talking to Agastya. She didn’t bother and went inside the mansion alone.
As she walked through the hall and approached the stairs, she stepped on the first step but gasped—tripping on her saree and about to fall.
Two protective arms held her shoulders firmly. She looked up, eyes wide.
The next moment, she was in his arms.
He ascended the stairs effortlessly, carrying her. This time, she didn’t complain.
She didn’t scold him either. She rested her head on his chest, listening to the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat.
“Open the door, sweetheart,” said Aakash.
She opened her eyes and saw they were standing at their room’s door. She turned the knob and they entered. He closed the door with his leg and carried her inside the closet.
“Baby, do you need help removing this saree?” he asked softly, making her sit on the ottoman in front of the mirror.
She nodded cutely, melting his heart. He sat on his knees in front of her and gently removed her jewelry, one piece at a time.
“Madam ji, should I open the dori and blouse hooks?” he asked.
(“Should I open the back tie and hooks?”)
She nodded, and he opened them—with his eyes closed.
“Open my cupboard and give me the tee and pants,” she said, her voice tired.
He quietly gave her what she asked for and stepped out of the closet. He changed in the room. After a few minutes, she came out too, dressed comfortably.
She sat beside him on the bed, quiet, not saying a word. She lowered the lights, pulled the duvet over herself, and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
He lay beside her, admiring every feature of her face. He thought she had fallen asleep. But suddenly, she opened her eyes and looked straight at him.
She came closer, rested her head on his chest, took his hand, and wrapped it around her waist.
She closed her eyes and said, “Forget this tomorrow morning.”
He was half in shock. This was the first time she had come closer to him on her own. But tonight... she came.
___________________________________________________
Hi lovelies
hope i didn't disappoint you
The next chapter is full of teasing and romance 🤭🫣
🖤🩶🤍
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