My Word is My Bond… Part – 43

Hi friends…

It feels good to come back with a new part… I know I’m being late in updating, but please do wait for me a little, until I get back my routine healthily…

I’m not sure if I should continue… As I’m not sure about my readers’ view on the story… Please let me know if  have to stop it in mid…

A big thanks to all my readers… Good or bad, please keep commenting…

Let’s get started… Happy reading…

Daadi: Dil…

Dilshad: Ji maa… (Stepping towards her.)

Rest of the ladies followed her.

Daadi: Make the arrangements, puttar… We should reach home as soon as possible… Many more rituals are still pending…

Dilshad: Ji maa… (To the ladies.) (She gestured them to come along.)

Voice: Ammee…

Dilshad: (Stopped and turned towards the voice.) Pari…? (Stepping towards her.) Is everything fine, dear…?

Pari: (Nodded affirmative.) It is time for us to go… From tomorrow, I have to get back to work, so…

Dilshad: (Looking straight into her eyes only audible to her and Sakshi who was beside her.) I’m possessive about my daughters… Don’t you dare take her away from me…

Pari: (Crashing herself into Dilshad’s arms.) Give me some time, Ammee… Please…

Sakshi: (Caressing her hair.) Ok… But keep in touch… If not, wherever you’re, we’ll pull you out and twist your ears…

Dilshad: Absolutely…

Anika: (Stepping forward.) Are you sure that you have to go today…? Can’t you stay atleast for tonight…?

Pari: (Composing herself, pulled out of hug. Stepping forward, she took Anika’s hands in hers.) Anu thaai, wherever I go, I’ll come back to you… And it is necessary to go tonight… Due to this drama and to put some sense into your brains, already wasted a lot of time… Work is loaded to the height of Himalayas…

Shivaay: (Chuckling, stepped forward and embraced her in an arm hug.) (To Anika.) Let it be Anika… (To Pari, cupping her face in his palms.) Maybe we aren’t married, but our bond is for lifetime… As promised, I would love you by my heart with friendhip as the base… I won’t let anything or anyone to ruin our friendship… And will keep you safe…

Pari: (Smiled wide. Tears were rolling down continuously.)

Shivaay: (Wiping of her tears, pecked her forehead. Pulling her into a hug.) (Only audible to her.) I’m sorry, I couldn’t reciprocate your feelings, dear… I…

Pari: (Was shocked initially. Later composed herself.) I’m happy with this undying friendhip… And I’m sure, someone better is waiting for me somewhere…

Shivaay: Excuse me…? (And pulled her out of hug. On seeing her smiling face, he understood what she was trying to do.) I’m waiting to meet that Mr. Better…

Pari: (Shrugged her shoulders.)

Anika: What is it…?

Shivaay: Sorry… It is between buddies only…

Shivaay & Pari hi-fied. Anika gave them a long stare and made faces.

Daadi: Now that’s enough… You guys had enough of talks, let’s get started… Dil…

Dilshad: Ji maa… Just five minutes…

After few minutes,

Sakshi and Ananya Sinha were ready to do their daughter’s bidai. Anika hugged Ankita tight and cried. Ankita rubbed her back and comforted her in the hug. Shashank pulled Anika from Ankita’s embrace and hugged her tight. Pari and Prateek joined the hug. Shashank pulled his darling wife and they had a family hug. Slowly they broke the hug and handed Anika’s hand in Shivaay’s hand.

Shashank: I know you would take care of my angel, but still… Take care of her, she is precious…

Shivaay: (Smiled.) Don’t worry, Baba… I’ll care for her and love her and kids to my death… It is Shivaay Singh Oberoi’s promise…

Shashank: (Smiled wide, patting his shoulder appreciatively he pecked his darling daughter’s forehead once again.)

Anika: (Slowly made her way to her biological parents. Touching their feet she got their blessings.)

Akash: I know, I failed you, dear… I’m ashamed… But have trust on that God, that you’ll be happy and blessed… I just have one request, please, don’t hate us, dear… (And joined his hands in front of Anika.)

Ananya: (Joined her hands in front of Anika.)

Anika: (Holding their hands, gestured them not to. Silently, she hugged them and shed more tears.)

After few minutes, Akash pulled Anika out of the hug and walked her towards Shivaay and handed her hands in his.

To lighten the moment,

Neil: Ani, you should really learn few things from Radzie…

Anika: (Gave him a enquiring look.)

Neil: Just look at her… Does she seem to be worried about being married…? Because she know it is Arjun who have to be worried not her…

Making everyone to laugh. Radhika punched his tummy and made a pout. Arjun chuckled, pulling her cheek, he pulled her into his embrace. She smilingly, snuggled closer in his embrace.

Sakshi: Nikki…

Neil: (Holding his ears.) Sorry…

Sakshi: Don’t you dare tease my daughter…

Radhika: (Ran to Sakshi and hugged her tight.)

Sakshi: Shall we get started with the rituals, dear…? We are getting late…

Radhika: (Nodded affirmative.)

Meera & Gauri: (Brought puffed rice in two plates.)

Meera: (Stood beside Anika.)

Gauri: (Stood beside Radhika.)

Radhika & Anika: (Took handful of puffed rice from the thaali and threw above their head.)

Sakshi, Ananya & Ankita: (Collected them in their pallu.)

It was repeated thrice.

Neil, Om, Haider, AR, Shaurya, Prateek: (Made their sisters get seated in the cars beside their husbands. Later pushed the cars from behind and completed the ritual being a brother.

Dilshad: (To the youngsters.) Now you all go and get into that traveller… We are getting late…

They looked at each other and obliged.

Yash: (To Daadi.) Daadi ji, now it is time for us to take your leave… (And touched her feet.)

Aarthi: (Too joined Yash and got Daadi’s blessings.)

Daadi: Stay happy and healthy, puttar… (Kissed their foreheads.) I won’t stop you, but please keep visiting us, puttar… We would be happy to have you around…

Yash & Aarthi: (Smiled and moved forward and got blessings from all the elders there. Later, got into their car and drove to their destination.)

Meera: (Noticed everything from far.)

Haider: (Was beside her, supporting her.)

Mothers got into a car, along with Daadi. Raj had to travel out of city late tonight, so he left to airport straight. Deshmukhs along with Sinhas left to their home.

As they went forward, they found the way unfamiliar. They enquired the driver the same. They were only given a single answer, he was asked to take them to the mentioned address and extended the chit of paper. Our youngsters were confused. They tried to reach their elders, but none picked the call.

Finally, after a hour, they reached a huge mansion, decorated like a new bride. One-by-one, all stepped down and were looking at the mansion in front of them. Our mothers shared a known smile.

Dilshad: Will you all keep staring at each other or step forward too…?

Sakshi: Hurry up guys, we are getting late…

The elder ladies stepped forward with Daadi.

Krishna: (Was the first person to follow the mothers.)

Gauri: (Slapped her forehead with her palm for his stupidness. When she lifted her head, she found all the eyes fixed on her. Giving a sheepinsh smile.) I think KB is calling me… (And ran off, before anyone could ask or say anything.)

Om: Trust me, these two are turning out to be a complicated puzzle day by day… What they know, what they do, I don’t have any idea…

Haider: Absolutely… My little boy is making me go crazy…

Neil: Shut up… He is my little boy…

Om: Shut up you two…

AR: Guys, I think we should step forward before our mothers plan to enlighten us with their presence… We’ll discuss things later…

All obliged and walked forward.

When they reached the entrance of the mansion, Daadi along with their mothers, Krishna and Gauri were waiting for them, with a broad smile.

Rest of the youngsters were confused.

Daadi: Welcome home, puttar…

They all were more confused now.

Dilshad: I promised you guys, at the right time I will get you all together and we’ll live together until our last breath… It is time that I fulfil my promises… Welcome home, darlings…

All our guys and ladies had their eyes filled with tears.

Jhanvi: Anju, dear, why don’t you pull off those curtains for us…

Anjali: (Obliged and stepped forward to the nearby wall.)

All eyes were fixed on it.

Anjali: (Opened the curtains, revealing the board, with bold letters stating, “MehBerMalHan Mansion”.)

Tears rolled out of every single eye.

Anjali: (Ran towards Daadi and hugged her tight.)

All the mothers joined the hug and comforted her.

Radhika was in Arjun’s embrace. Anika had her fingers entwined with her Billu ji’s fingers. Sammy had her arms bound around Neil’s waist. Meera had her hand on Haider’s shoulder comforting him. Om, AR and Shaurya were together. Krishna and Gauri had their hands entwined.

Daadi: (Pulling Anjali out of hug.) Won’t you welcome your bhais and bhabhis in, puttar…?

Anjali: (Bobbed her head.)

Voice: Then, here you go… I had made all the arrangements, now it is your turn to welcome them in…

All turned towards the voice to see a beautiful, bubbly, young lady.

Dilshad: Sakhi, dear… I was wondering where were you…

Sakhi: Sorry, Ammee… Was at the backyard… So got a little late…

Jhanvi: That’s fine dear… And you aren’t late… But on time…

Sakhi: (Smiled.)

Sakshi: Finally got to meet you, dear…

Sakhi: Sashu maa… (And smiled wide.)

Sakshi: Yes, my dear Sakhi alias Sakshi…

Shaurya: What…? One more Sakshi…? Oh God, one Sakshi wasn’t enough that you sent one more…

Making all chuckle.

Sakhi: Ok… I think we have to start with the grhapravesh… You all need to rest too… (She handed aarthi thali to Anjali and placed two kalash filled with rice on the floor, and with a small gap, she placed two thaalis filled with kumkum water.)

Anjali: (Looked at her mothers.)

They gestured her to proceed.

Anjali: (Did thilak of the newly weds and carried on with the ritual. Later stepped aside to give way for her bhabhis to carry on with the next ritual.)

Radhika & Anika: (Shared a look and smiled. They slightly kicked the kalash, spilling the rice. Stepping forward, they stepped in to the thaali filled with kumkum water. And walked into the mansion.)

Our grooms were beside them. Rest followed them in queue.

The newly weds were seated in the center. The rest got seated in the couch around.

After few minutes,

Sakhi: (Came with two glasses of milk. She went and kneeled in front of the kids, who were playing with Krishna and Gauri.) Here you go bachcha party… Have this milk…

Ansh & Anya: (With ghost struck face, nodded their heads no vigorously.)

Sakhi: Kyun…?

Ansh & Anya: Milk…? Yuck…

Making all to laugh.

Sakhi: So what shall we do…? (And acted like thinking.) What if I give you this…? (And showed two Cadbury lolly pops.) Still you would say no…?

Ansh & Anya: (Got the milk glass and finished the milk. Giving back the glasses they extended their hands for their chocolate.)

Sakhi: (Giggled, kissed their palms and placed a lolly pop in each hand.)

Ansh & Anya: Thank you…

Sakhi: You’re welcome… (Smiled and got up.)

Dilshad: Sakhi…

Sakhi: Ji Ammee…?

Dilshad: Is everything ready, darling…?

Sakhi: Ji… Ek minute… (Walked off towards the kitchen.)

After two minutes, she came back, followed by men carrying large bowl filled with milk mixed with water. She was carrying a tray of rose petals with two jewel box on it. She guided the men to place the bowls in between the couples. She dropped the rose petals into the milk bowl.

Sakhi: (Showed the rings to the couples and dropped a ring in each bowl. She also dropped few shells into the bowl and mixed it well.) You may carry on now… (With a cheeky smile.)

Both the couples looked at each other and started with the ring hunt. They had their little romance holding their hands and fighting in the name of game.

Haider: Love Birds, please continue your romance later and find the rings first… You have the whole night in your hands…

Rest chuckled at the embarrassed faces of the newly weds.

Meera: Shameless…

Haider: Accha… They can act shameless, but I can’t state the shameless…?

Meera: Shut up, Haider… You’re embarrassing them…

Radhika: Let it be, Meera…

All gave her a stun look.

Radhika: (To Haider.) Wait till I get my hands on you, dear Buddy… You are yet to get married and I’ll be around… (Stated as a matter of fact.)

Haider & Meera: (Now it was their turn to shy down.)

Daadi: Fine… Now you couples get back to finding the rings… It is getting late…

They got back to the game. Radhika found the ring first, followed by Anika.

All clapped.

Sakshi: Now it is confirmed that the ladies are going to rule their men…

Neil: To say that there was no need of this game, Sashu maa… We knew it already, with these killer ladies with them… In fact, it is the same with any man… Woman rules the man and we men are to suffer…

Sammy: Oh really…?

Neil: (That is when it struck him that his lady was just beside him. He turned to find his lady love with a stern look.)

Sammy: Don’t you worry, SIR… I’ll keep this in mind… Good Luck…

Neil: (Gulped down his fear and offered her a sheepish smile.)

Rest chuckled at his helplessness.

Dilshad: Sakhi…

Sakhi: Ji Ammee… Rooms are ready… Please go and freshen up… I’ll take you there…

Dilshad: Fine… (To Daadi.) Maa, come… I’ll take you to your room…

Sakhi: Ammee…

Dilshad: (Looked at her.)

Sakhi: Daadi’s medicines are placed in the first draw to the right side of her bed…

Daadi: Kya ek Dil kam thee, ab thum be shuru kar dhee…?

Sakhi: Bus, kuch din aur, Daadi… Uske bath mein kuth saare medicines ko begh doongi…

Daadi: (Chuckled.) Show all of them their rooms and come straight to me, puttar… I have to speak few things to you…

Sakhi: Ji Daadi…

Daadi with Dil beside her walked towards her room. Jhanvi and Pinky were about to follow her. On seeing Sakshi not coming along, they stopped.

Jhanvi: Sakshi…?

Sakshi: Hmmm…?

Pinky: Di, you why not comings…?

Sakshi: You both carry on… I’ll be there in few minutes… (And smiled.)

Jhanvi: Ok…

Jhanvi and Pinky walked off.

Sakshi: (Turning towards Sakhi.) Sakhi…

Sakhi: Sashu ma, everything is under control now…

Sakshi: So, something was out of control before…

Sakhi: (With her head held down.) Ji…

Sakshi: (Cupping her face.) You can always have your head held high… You earned it, dear…

Sakhi: This time, I failed you mothers…

Dilshad: (From behind.) Bullshit… My daughter can never fail me… She had always made sure about it… A struggle is never a failure… It only makes you strong… Did you hear me, young lady…?

Sakhi: (Nodded affirmative.)

Dilshad: Now speak up, why did even the thought of you failing us crossed your mind…

Sakhi: You gave me the responsibilities to take care of everything behind you… I accepted, but at a moment, because of the over smartness of that a*sh*le, our Shree is wounded now… I’m sorry, Ammee… You always made sure, none of us, your associates are hurt, during our work under your guidance… But I… (She couldn’t complete.)

Sakshi: (Turning Sakhi towards her.) Yes, she made sure that none of you’re hurt… She made sure it is she who is standing in front of any kind of hurdles or evilness… And you didn’t fail her by doing the same…

Sakhi: (Was shocked and looked at Sakshi confused.)

Dilshad: What did you think…? You will warn them not to let me know that you’re hurt while saving them and I wouldn’t know…

Sakhi: (Trembled at her anger.)

Dilshad: I always wanted you to be my mirror image in except one thing… Putting yourself in danger… But you are grown up into the same, making my fears come true…

Sakshi: I hope you aren’t hurt severely…

Sakhi: Ji…

Dilshad: One more lie… (And was huffing.)

Daadi: (From behind.) Dil… (Patting her shoulder.) (To Sakhi.) Puttar, go and show them their rooms… We will talk later…

Radhika: Nahin, Daadi… In mid of so many problems, none of us are going to get peace…

Anika: When a person among is hurt, no chance… We’ll see to it, fix the issue and then get to our rooms…

Sakhi: Nahin, Ani Bhabhi, Radhu Bhabhi… Today is special in your lives… You shouldn’t worry about other things…

Arjun: (Stepping forward.) Special days and moments will come and go again… But special person, once gone is gone forever… We aren’t taking any chance…

Shivaay: You’re family… All our mothers’ love for you is the evidence to it…

Om: And we don’t let go of family…

Haider: Instead, we stay along with them…

Neil: Now, speak up, where are you hurt…?

Krishna: Haan, Sakhi di… Tell us…

Shaurya: I had informed our family doctor… She would be here soon…

Dilshad: Good…

Sakhi: NO…

Dilshad & Sakhi said at the same time.

Dilshad: And what made you think that I would listen to you…?

Sakhi: Ammee… I’m fine… Got treated by our doctor… She said the wound isn’t that deep and I’m fine… You may check with her…

Dilshad: Whom…? That Liza…? The same Liza, who is your assistant more than being mine… Don’t try to fool me more, Sakhi… I know she was the one playing around helping you in fooling me… I’m not letting go of her after this…

Sakhi: Ammee, Liza is not to be blamed…

Dilshad: (Cocked an eyebrow.)

Sakhi: And I’m fine… I can even do any task that you give me… (Giving a dazzling smile.)

Dilshad: Great…

Sakshi: (Giggling.) This is what called as, “The frog perishes by it’s own mouth.”

Sakhi: (Blinked her eyes.)

Dilshad: (Smirking.) You would do the task that I’m giving you and now…

Sakhi: (Nodded her head once affirmative with confusion.)

Dilshad: You will tell me that your wounds aren’t hurting you, looking straight into my eyes…

Sakhi: (Her eyes popped out.)

Sakshi: (Bursted out laughing.) I hope now you understood about why I said you the proverb…

Sakhi: (Made a puppy dog face.)

Sakshi: Young lady, this puppy dog face isn’t going to help you…

Sakhi: (Before she could be caught, she dragged Radhika and Anika and rushed towards the stairs.) I don’t want to be blamed or cursed for being the reason for two couples being separated on their first wedding night… No baba, no… I don’t want it to affect my wedding night… (Said giggling.)

Rest burst out laughing.

Dilshad: Stop you… Urgh… This girl has all capacity to make me go nuts…

Sakshi: Relax, Dil… She would come around us… And you know better, it is only you to whom she surrenders…

Dilshad: Not so funny…

Pinky: Arre, now what you guys (Arjun & Shivaay) lookings at…? Go, go… Your wives must be waitings for you…

Neil: Yes, yes… Go, you shouldn’t make your wife wait…

Haider: That too on first night…

Neil: Who knows, they may get angry and throw you out of the room…

Haider: Exactly…

All chuckled.

Neil & Haider: Ouch… (They turned to see Sakshi & Dilshad twisting their ear.) Sorry…

Sakshi: Badmaash… (Letting go off Neil’s ear, she slapped him slightly and walked to Arjun.)

Dilshad: (Letting go off Haider’s ear, she walked to Shivaay.)

Dilshad: It is time for you both to be put into your rooms…

Arjun: But Ammee…

Dilshad: No, Ajju… This day is not going to return… Go and spend your time with your wife… She deserves it and you too…

Sakshi: Anyways, the lady who dragged your respective wives is not going to let you people spoil your day on her name…

Dilshad: So, off you go… We’ll speak tomorrow…

Sakshi: My lovely ladies, why don’t you take your bhais to their rooms…

Ladies: Yes… (And dragged Arjun and Shivaay towards the stairs.)

Our guys followed them. AR was the only person standing behind. The mothers looked at him puzzled.

Shaurya: Oh hello, Big bro… Enough of day dreaming, now come… (And dragged him along.)

As the ladies and guys reached the hallway upstairs,

Sakhi: Good you guys are here… Let me guide you to your rooms… (Opening a door.) Ajju Bhai, this is your room… Radhu Bhabhi is waiting for you… (With a teasing smile.)

Arjun: (Clearing his throat.) Good Night… (And walked in.)

Neil & Haider: (Were about to hold him and tease him. But were pulled back by their respective lady love.)

Sakhi: (Stepped forward. Stopping in front of the next door, she opened the door.) Shiv Bhai, it is you room… Ani Bhabhi is waiting for you inside…

Anjali: (From behind.) Shiv Bhai, so you want kids with you…?

All burst out laughing.

Shivaay: Yes… (And tried to take his kids along.)

Sakhi: No…

Shivaay: (Gave her an questioning look.)

Sakhi: Sorry, Mr. Possessive Father… Kids are staying with me tonight… Upto my knowledge, they are the only souls who could save me from wrath of Ammee… Please… (Showing a puppy face.)

Shivaay: You’re impossible… But kids…

Sakhi: (Kneeling in front of kids.) Bachcha party, would you spend this night with me, please… We would have lots of fun…

Kids: (Were looking at each other.)

Sammy: Yes, we would have lots of fun… What say…?

Kids: All of us…?

Meera: My lovely kids, along with their maasees…

Sakhi: Yes…

Kids: Ok…

Shivaay: (With no other option left, accepted and closed the door.)

Sakhi: (In the same way guided everyone to their rooms.)

Everyone thanked her and went to their rooms to freshen up, ladies after deciding to meet her at her room upstairs.

Sakhi: (Took kids along with her.) Time to freshen up… Then lots of masti… Okay…?

Kids: Okay…

Anya: We call you what…? (With her eyes staring straight into Sakhi’s eyes.)

Sakhi: (Kneeling in front of her.) What would you like to call me…?

Ansh: (Encircling his hands around her neck from behind.) Sakhi maa…

Sakhi: Sakhi maa…?

Anya: (Bobbed her head affirmative.)

Sakhi: (Kissing their foreheads.) Love you both…

Anya: Sakhi maa…

Sakhi: Yes bachcha…

Anya: Dress (pointing to the dress she is wearing) change, please…

Sakhi: Ok baby… Come… (She took kids to the bathroom.)

After few minutes, she was out of bathroom with kids dressed up in night dresses. Kids were sleepy. So without making any noise, she laid them carefully on bed and caressed their heads.

Anya: Sakhi maa… Massees where…?

Sakhi: Massees will come soon… You both rest till then, okay…?

Ansh & Anya: Okay… (Sleepily.)

Kids fell asleep soon.

Sakhi: (Kissing their forehead, she got off the bed. Her gaze fell on the entrance and saw our ladies and guys behind them. She smiled at them and without making any noise she walked towards them.)

After closing the door softly behind her, Sakhi turned towards the rest.

Sakhi: They were feeling sleepy, so…

Sammy: That’s fine, Sakhi di…

Sakhi: (Smiled.) It is too late… I think even you guys have to get some sleep…

Neil: Yes, that’s true…

Om: But on a serious note, are you fine…?

Haider: We don’t know what wounds mothers were talking about… We don’t want you to be left behind hurt…

AR was the only man standing at a distance.

Sakhi: (Stepping forward, stopping in front of the guys.) Bhai, I’m fine… The wounds aren’t that hurting too…

Gauri: Sakhi di, we will do one thing, we ladies will adjust in your room for tonight… New house, new rooms, feeling something…

Meera: (Understanding her plan.) Yes, that’s true… We will stay together tonight… What say ladies…? (She looked at Anjali and Sammy.)

Anjali & Sammy: (Nodded their heads affirmative.)

Sakhi: (Understood their plan of not letting her alone and smiled.) Okay… You ladies get in, I’ll get few extra beds from the store room…

Shaurya: Don’t you worry… Extra beds, we would get that… Just let us know where is the store room…

Sakhi: (Guided them towards the store room and our guys went in the same direction.)

Ladies entered into Sakhi’s room.

Sakhi: I have to make a call… Kids are sleeping, I don’t want to disturb them… I’ll be back in few minutes…

The ladies acknowledged.

Sakhi: (Was passing through the hallway, but was stopped by a voice.)

Voice: Why do I feel you familiar…? Why do you seem to be close to me…?

Sakhi: I don’t know, ACP Rawte… You have to know, why I seem to be familiar…

AR: (Turning her towards him.) Answer my damn question, lady… Why do I feel you as a part of me…? The very same missing part…

Sakhi: (With hurt filled eyes.) I don’t know what you’re talking about…

AR: (Tightening his grip on her shoulder.) Why…?

Sakhi: (Tears of pain rolled out of her eyes.)

AR: (Letting go of his grip on her, he stepped back. A drop of tear rolled out of his eyes and waked off.)

Sakhi: (Fell on her knees and broke down silently.)

Our guys were witnessing this from behind. They silently walked off.

Shaurya: What was that…?

Om: I don’t understand… I have never seen, Bhai reacting like this…

Haider: Never, ever…

Neil: Who is she…? Why weren’t we aware about her before…?

Krishna: I can get the details about her… But…

Om: But…?

Krishna: I have to cross few limitations for that… Ammee, would bury me alive, if she even gets a hint about it…

Shaurya: Why would she do that…? She seems to be nice to me…

Neil: Bro, she is nice for sure… But she won’t spare the person who tries to break what she is safeguarding…

Haider: And it is clear that Ammee is safeguarding her…

Om: And Bhai is right too… She seems to be familiar, but still different…

Haider: True…

Neil: Guys, with tired mind and body, nothing is going to work out… Let’s get back to our rooms and get some rest… We’ll discuss things tomorrow morning with our new grooms…

The rest accepted. They went to Sakhi’s room, after helping the ladies in arranging the beds, they walked off.

Late night, Sakhi came back to her room. She found kids sleeping on the bed and our ladies asleep in the extra beds laid beside.

Sakhi: (With baby steps walked towards Anjali. Kneeling beside her, a drop of tear dropped from her eyes. Kissing her forehead, she tried to move, but was stopped by a voice.)

Voice: Bhabhi…

Sakhi: (Tears rolled out of her eyes.)

Voice: Atleast tell me that I’m not mistaken in recognizing you, please…

Sakhi: You aren’t…

Voice: Bhabhi… (And hugged her from behind.)

Sakhi: (Turning around, cupping her face.) Anju…

Anjali: Bhabhi… (And smiled wide.)

Sakhi: Bachcha, promise me that you won’t let anyone know about me… Please, bachcha…

Anjali: But…

Sakhi: Please… (Tears were rolling down continuously.)

Anjali: (Nodded affirmative.)

Sakhi: (Gathered her in her embrace. Making her lay on the bed, she laid beside her. Stroking her hair, she smiled.)

Anjlai: Promise me, you would sleep beside me only…

Sakhi: I promise…

Anjali: (Within few minutes, fell asleep.)

Sakhi: (Smiling, she also fell asleep.)

Gauri: (In mind, with eyes closed.) Bhabhi…? Why Anju was calling her Bhabhi…? Who is she…? I want to find it out… Sakhi di was persistant about not letting anyone know about her identity… Why…?

In Arjun & Radhika’s room,

Arjun: (As he entered the room and turned towards the bed, he saw his restless bride sitting with her ghoonghat covering her head and face. Smiling.) Radhi… Radhi… (He was searching her all around the room, calling for her.)

Radhika: (Was screwed up. Taking off the ghoonghat, she marched towards him, pulling him by his collar.) You, Mr. Arrogant… I’m sitting right on the bed and waiting for you… And you’re playing games with me here… How dare you…?

Arjun: (Was throughout smiling. Pulling her close to him with his hands around her waist.) Now this is my Radhi… By the way, who was the lady in ghoonghat…?

Radhika: (Making faces.) Shut up… Let me go, now…

Arjun: Let you go…? In dreams, darling wife… (And pulled her more into him.)

There was only an inch gap between their faces.

Radhika: (Whispered.) Arjun…

Arjun: Remember, I said you, “Two more days, and I’m hunting you…” Today is the day and I’m not letting you go anywhere…

Radhika: (Blushed deep red.)

Arjun: (Guiding her towards the dressing table, he made her stand in front of the mirror and stood just behind her. Slowly removed her jewellery, placed a kiss, replacing the jewellery.)

Radhika: (Each time his lips contacted her skin, she shivered.)

Arjun: (Smiled at the affect he had on her. After freeing her from the jewellery, he removed the pins holding her hair and let her hair fall down. Burying his face in her hair, he inhaled deeply.)

Radhika: (She couldn’t control anymore, she turned and hugged him tight.)

Arjun: (Smiled and hugged her back tight.) Radhi…

After few seconds,

Arjun: (Cupping her chin, he lifted her head from his chest. Looking deep into her eyes.) Are you okay…?

Radhika: (Smiling with a layer of tear, she moved her hands from his waist to neck and locked her hands around his neck.) Love me, Ajju…

Arjun: (Without any delay, kissed her deep.)

Radhika: (Kissed him back with same passion.)

Arjun: (After breaking the kiss, he carried her to the bed, laying her on the bed, he turned off the lights except a dim candle light. Covering themselves with the duvet, he granted the wish of his lady love, by loving her throughout the night.)

In Shivaay & Anika’s room,

Shivaay: (Sitting in front of Anika, he removed her ghoonghat.)

Anika: (A blush was covering her face.)

Shivaay: (Smiled.) Anika…

Anika: (Lifted her gaze slowly to look straight into his eyes.)

Shivaay: Relax, it is me…

Anika: (Smiled nervously.)

Shivaay: We’ll give each other the required time and take things slow, Anika… Hmmm…?

Anika: Thank you, Billu ji…

Shivaay: Not again…

Anika: You will always remain my Billu ji to me…

Shivaay: (Smiled wide hearing MY BILLU JI.) And I would love to be YOUR BILLU JI…

Anika: (Blushed hard.)

Shivaay: (Pulled her into a hug.)

Anika: (Rested her head on his chest and got hold of his collar.)

Shivaay: But no calling Billu ji in front of my kids…

Anika: (Smiled with tears hearing him mention her kids as his.) Excuse me, they are my kids too…

Shivaay: Haan… But they love me more…

Anika: (Making faces, pulled out of hug.) True… (Said with a pout.)

Shivaay: (Chuckled. Sitting beside her, he pulled her to his chest and hugged her.)

Anika: Billu ji…

Shivaay: Hmmm…?

Anika: Thank you…

Shivaay: (Angled his head to look straight into her eyes.) Anika…?

Anika: Without fighting for my feelings for you, I let go of you years back… But now, I really wish I stood strong and fought for what is mine… None of us would have struggled so much… In spite of all this, you stood by me after so many years…

Shivaay: (Entwining his fingers with hers.) There is no use in moaning for the days lost… It is right to safeguard and cherish today and upcoming days…

Anika: (Smiling.) I Love You, Master Chef…

Shivaay: (Pulling her close.) When are you going to pronounce, I Love You, Shivaay…?

Anika: In your dreams, Billu ji…

Shivaay: (Fake glared her.)

Anika: (She laughed out.)

Shivaay: (He too joined her.)

Talking to each other, they fell asleep in each other’s embrace.

In all the rooms, every single soul was in deep slumber, except two souls. They were reliving all their good moments. They relived the hectic point of their lives when they got separated cruelly. The man was moaning and cursing on his loss, and was boiling to get his revenge. The lady was moaning on her separation from her love, and was waiting for the right time to end their tragedy. ‘Where the life leads them…?’, none knew about it. But was strong to accept and fight.

Lots of Love,

Anci