Unedited

After a long time I have written an OS and it's super long! Hope you all will like it.

OS: A Love So Beautiful

It was a big day for the Kundra's as their daughter Dipali was getting married today.

With their wealth Radha and Mohan could have thrown a grand wedding at a palace like wedding mahal or in some 7 star hotel but considering the current pandemic situation, they had decided to conduct their daughter's wedding at their house which was no less than a mansion, inviting few close relatives and friends from both the sides.

"Madhu, can you please open the door?" Dipali, the beautiful bride asked Madhu, her beautician, to open the door when she heard someone knocking from the other end.

"Sure, ma'am." Madhu kept her palette down on the dressing table and went to open the door.

She opened the door to find a man who was facing away from her, talking over the phone.

"Sultan yaar, where are you? Did you reach the Airport? Okay. Bye." He cut the call and turned around to see a girl with the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen in his life. She was wearing a mask so he couldn't see her full face but he was so sure it would be as beautiful as her eyes.

Madhu momentarily stared at the tall and handsome man in dark suit. Hmm... He must be a model!

"Hello, I am Rishab." He introduced himself to her with a smile. "Are you my sister's friend?"

"No. I am her makeup artist."

"I see. Did you do her makeup for her sangeet last night?"

"Yes"

How did I miss to see this beauty yesterday?

"Is my sister ready?" Rishab asked.

"Almost, sir."

"Can I see her for a minute."

"Sure, sir." She said and stepped out of his way opening the door little wider for him to enter in.

"Thank you." He said dazzling a smile.

"I will wait outside?" Madhu asked him politely.

"No, no! You carry on with your work. I will just take a look at her" Rishab said and together they walked into the dressing room where Dipali was waiting for Madhu to come and continue the makeup.

"Bhai! How do I look?" Dipali asked beaming at her brother.

"Beautiful, Dips" he placed his hand on Dipali's shoulders from behind and looked her at the mirror. Dipali smiled.

Madhu silently brushed Dipali's cheek bone with blush.

"You know you can take the mask off if you're feeling suffocated." Rishab suggested hoping to see her face.

Madhu looked up at him through her long eyelashes and he knew she just smiled at him with the way her eyes crinkled a bit at the edges.

Gosh! Take the damn mask off and smile again, sweetheart! I want to see you. Period.

"It's okay, sir. I am fine. Her safety is important."

"Okay" Rishab reluctantly agreed as he couldn't force her. He also appreciated her for considering her clientele's safety.

"What kind of makeup is this?" Rishab asked as he justed wanted to hear her sweet voice.

"Airbrush makeup, sir." Madhu said, this time without lifting her eyelashes to look at him as she was busy doing her work, slightly disappointing him.

"Nice"

"Nice? It's flawless, bhai. She has magic in her hand." Dipali gushed as she looked at herself in the mirror.

"Agreed. So where are you from?"

Madhu looked at him, frowning.

"I mean from which salon? Tony and guy or Naturals or...?"

"No, sir. I own a parlor - Madhu's spa and salon. It's right across your mansion."

"Madhu?"

"My name, sir."

"Sweet" he whispered.

"Sir?" Madhu asked him as she didn't quite catch what he said.

"Nothing. Did you newly open the parlor?" Because I haven't notice you or your parlor before.

"No, sir. I am having the parlor here for four years. Dipali ma'am use to come there for beauty treatments."

Four years? And not even once I have caught a glimpse of this beauty in this locality? Omg! How did I go blind?

"I see." He was surprised his sister didn't hire any celebrity makeup artist from a well-known spa and salon but opted for a local MUA.

"You know what, bhai, I was her first ever client."

"Yes. She is my most valuable client and I am honoured to do her wedding makeup." Madhu smiled again. "Ma'am, all done."

"Thank you." Dipali stood up and checked her full figure. Her hairdo, makeup, dress and jewel set, everything seemed perfect. "I love it."

"Ma'am, can I take few pics of yours and upload it on my official instagram page for promotion?"

"Of course, yes."

Madhu quickly took few pics from various angle in her mobile and then showed it to Dipali.

"Beautiful" Dipali said and returned her phone back.

"Ma'am, do you want me to stay back or leave as you won't be needing my assistance?"

"Please stay!" Rishab answered before Dipali could. "And attend the wedding." He didn't know why but he wanted to have her in his family function.

"Yes, Madhu. Bhai is right. You should stay."

"But ma'am..."

"If you feel you will be losing business, I can pay you extra money for the extra time you will be spending here." Dipali offered.

"No, no, ma'am. I don't need any waiting charge." Madhu refused to charge unnecessarily. They were kindly inviting her and she didn't want to make money out of it.

"Okay. I will make the payment to you now..." Dipali was about to get cash from her purse but Rishab stopped her.

"I will pay, Dips. Do you have Gpay?" He asked looking at Madhu.

"Yes, sir."

"Great. Give me your number. I will send it now." It's a new trick to get someone's number! ;)

She gave her number.

"Madhu Malik, right?" He confirmed with her before making payment.

"Yes"

"How much?"

"30K"

He made the money tranfer and then saved her number.

"Bhai, Trishna came?" Dipali asked.

"She will be reaching home in few minutes."

"Okay." Then turning to Madhu, Dipali said, "Trishna is my baby sister. She is coming from Delhi today. I will recommend your parlor to her as well."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"I will be visiting your parlor regularly too as my in-laws house is also nearby only."

"Oh great." Madhu thought she would be losing her elite clientele once she got married and moved somewhere but now that was a relief.

Right then Radha came into the room to check on her daughter.

"Rishu, what are you doing here?"

"Came to see her. Isn't she beautiful, maa?" He asked glancing at Madhu.

"As always. My baby." Radha affectionately caressed Dipali's head making her eyes well up.

"Ma'am, please, no crying. You will ruin your makeup."

Dipali chuckled and blinked back her threatening tears.

"You have done a great job, dear." Radha said pleased with her makeup. It looked so natural as the makeup blended so well with her skin tone.

"Thank you, ma'am." Madhu smiled.

"Your work done here?" Radha asked.

"Yes."

"Then can you put makeup for my younger daughter as well?"

"Sure." Madhu agreed. More business means more money.

"Trishna came?" Rishab asked.

"Just now"

"I will go see her then" Rishab turned to leave but stopped. "Come with me. I will take you to her room."

"Okay." Madhu agreed and followed him.

"Is your salon unisex?" Rishab asked as they walked upstairs to Trishna's room.

"Yes, sir."

A part of him didn't like the fact that it was a unisex salon as she would be doing beauty treatments to men but an other part of him liked it because he was going to be her client from tomorrow. He would love to get a head massage and facial done by her soft hands.

"Trishna?" Rishab slightly opened her room door seeking permission to enter in.

"Bhai!" Trishna came running to him and hugged him hard. "I missed you."

"I missed you too. How did your exams go?" She was studying B.Arch in Delhi.

"Great. Btw who is she?"

"This is beautiful... I mean beautician Madhu. She is here to do some beauty stuff for you."

"Oh thank you so much. You are my saviour." Trishna said taking hold of Madhu's hand.

"Okay. I will let you get ready." He said to Trishna and then looking at Madhu, he added "Make it fast, please."

--0--

The wedding went well. Dipali was happily married to her childhood friend cum lover, Mukkund Dixit.

Rishab got busy during the ceremony and missed to keep an eye on his beauty and now he was looking around for her but couldn't find her anywhere.

He walked to the garden area where they had arranged buffet. He scanned the entire place but she wasn't there. He spotted Trishna with her friends so he walked to her and asked "Did you see Madhu?"

"Madhu? The make-up artist?" Trishna asked.

"Yes. I think she left." He sighed. How did I miss to follow her to the buffet area where she would be obviously removing her mask to have her food?

"Why are you looking for her?" Trishna asked narrowing her eyes. She got suspicious of her brother's strange behaviour. He had never spared a glance at Dipali's or her friends or at any girl for that matter but now he was looking for a girl whom he hardly knew.

"Did she eat? Or left without having lunch? God! What a poor host are we?" He said ignoring her look.

"Bhai..." Trishna moved closer to him and asked in a whisper "...do you like her?"

"What?"

"Do you?" She asked wiggling her brows.

"I don't know. I just want to see her face."

"She is beautiful."

"You saw her?"

"Yep!"

"When?" He envied her.

"When she was putting makeup for me she took her mask off for a moment to drink water."

"Oh"

"She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. She will be perfect for you."

"You think?" Rishab asked grinning.

"Hey! What are you two whispering?" Dipali came from behind and threw her arms over Rishab's and Trishna's shoulders.

"Dips, bhai found someone!"

"Finally!" Dipali shrieked. "You always worship work so I thought you will never get committed to a girl, bhai!"

"I blame you, Dips..."

"Why? What did I do?"

"For not setting me up with her!"

"With whom?"

"Madhu" he softly said her name.

"Yeah, bhai is right! You go to her place every weekend to get your bits waxing and fix your face but not even once you brought her home and introduced her to bhai! At least you could have told about her to bhai..."

"Hello! Bhai met her today only because of me! Don't forget that!" Dipali said with attitude.

"You should have done it much earlier! If you had, then bhai would be married to her by now. Why even he would have had two kids with her now!"

"Two? You are gonna have two kids, bhai? Mukkund and I have planned to have only one child."

"Two would be nice, Dips. A boy and a girl. They will have each other you know." Rishab said already dreaming of having two kids with Madhu, the girl, he hadn't even seen her full face yet.

"I don't want kids at all." Trishna said making a face.

"First you grow up, kiddo! Later you can decide" Rishab said pulling both his sisters in his arms. He loved them so much. Dipali was 4 years younger than him and Trishna was 10 years but both were like babies to him.

--0--

Next day, Rishab kept looking at the clock. As soon as it struck 10, he ran out of his house and went to Madhu's parlor. Dipali had told him it was the time she opens it.

Madhu looked up surprised when someone pushed the door with little force but sighed seeing it was Rishab.

"Hi" Rishab breathed. Still mask on?

"Hi sir. Please put your mask." She gently told him. He obliged.

"Are you busy?' Rishab asked pointing to the broom she was holding in her hand. She was sweeping the sitting area.

"I wasn't expecting a client this early..."

"I have a business meeting this afternoon..."

"Okay"

"Foreign clients are coming..."

"Okay"

"I want to look good..."

"You already do." Madhu blurt out. Rishab smirked but she couldn't see how sexy it was because of that damned mask.

"I need a detan"

"Oh"

"What oh?"

"Will you wait for ten minutes?" She asked.

"Sure" he thought she wanted time to sweep the place. "I will wait inside?"

"Sure"

He walked into a room adjacent to the waiting room, where she had set up the mirrors and chairs.

He sat comfortably on a chair and leaning his head back, he closed his eyes, waiting for Madhu to touch and feel him.

After what felt like eternity, he felt a hand pushing his hair up and wrapping a cloth band just above his forehead.

He opened his eyes to see a guy smiling down at him, holding a facial sponge in his hand.

"Who are you?" Rishab asked sitting up on the chair.

"I am Sikky, sir"

"Where is Madhu?"

"Madhu di is having her breakfast."

"Okay. Let her finish her breakfast and come. I will wait for her to do me detan."

"Madhu di handles only female clients, sir."

"Oh!" Rishab stood up immediately. "Then I don't want a detan at all."

"Why sir?"

"I have better business to do than let you scrub my face." Saying that he stepped out of the room.

"Sir..." Sikky followed him. He didn't get why his customer was leaving. "...I do a decent job, sir. You can trust me."

"What happened?" Madhu asked looking up at them.

"Finally!" Rishab said excitedly.

"What?" Madhu swallowed the food and placing the tiffin box on the couch she stood up.

"I saw your face."

Madhu gave him a confused look.

"And you look beautiful"

"Sir, you may leave!" A moment ago Sikky was begging his customer to get a detan but now he wanted to kick him out as he didn't like the way he was looking at his sister.

"Will you do me de-tan?" Rishab asked huskily.

"No!" Sikky replied though the question was asked to Madhu.

"Sir, I generally don't attend male clients..."

"Good! I can be your only exception."

"Sir..."

"Please. I have an important meeting."

"Madhu di, you don't have to..."

"Okay" Madhu agreed.

"Great" Rishab beamed. Not even when he had cracked a million dollar deal he felt this euphoric.

Rishab sat on the chair feeling relaxed as he enjoyed Madhu's soft hands massaging his face. Every now and then he would look at her through the mirror but she never spared a glance at him. She was very focussed on her work. She applied a face pack and let it dry. She went and sat with her brother who kept glaring at Rishab.

After 40 minutes, she was done de-tanning his face and he looked all the more attractive.

"Good job, Madhu. Thank you. See you soon!" He made payment and left her parlor.

--0--

"Hi, Madhu"

Madhu looked surprised to see Rishab at her salon the next day too.

"Hello, Sir. What can I do for you?"

"Um... eh... Pedicure?" He came there to see her but he couldn't tell that to her so he gave this excuse.

Pedicure? Seriously? I have never done pedicure in my life.

"Please sit here and place your feet in this foot soak and massager, sir." Madhu brought the pedicure kit and sat in front of him on a small stool and took his right foot in her hand to wash it.

"Hey! No!" Rishab held her hand stopping her from cleaning his feet.

"Sir..."

"Sorry, I don't want this. I don't want a pedicure." He couldn't see her in this position. It didn't feel nice to him.

"Why, sir?" Madhu looked disappointed.

"I don't like you touching my feet..."

"Oh" Madhu blinked not understanding clearly.

"I am sorry... I wasn't thinking when I asked for this service in the first place..."

"There is nothing wrong about this, sir. It's part of my job."

"I know but I don't like it. I am sorry. You can do something else for me."

"What? What do you want me to do?" She wondered. "Sir, I can nicely scrub your feet. It will be so relaxing." She tried to convince him to get a pedicure.

"No, Madhu. Not this. Just do me something else. Maybe a facial."

"Yesterday only I did detan along with facial for you."

"Hmm... Then cut my hair."

"It's perfectly trimmed already."

I know, woman but just do me something so that I can spend some time with you.

"How about you get a manicure?"

"I don't want you to paint my nails." He looked horrified.

Madhu laughed making his heart swell.

"No, sir. No, nail painting. I will just remove the cuticles and shape your nails."

"Okay" he gave his hands to her and let her do her work while he admired her beautiful features.

Why is she this cute?

Cute like a baby.

I so wanna pull her chubby cheeks and kiss them.

"Done, sir."

"So soon?" Rishab asked in disappointment as he looked at his fingers. He found no change in it. They looked just the same. Neat and clean. Maybe his long nails were clipped a bit.

"Sir?"

"Nothing. How much?"

"Rs.400/-"

--0--

"Where is your brother?" Rishab asked as Madhu gave him a head massage. He was there in her salon for the third day in a row.

"College."

"Oh. What's he studying?"

"MBA Finance. Final year."

"Oh. Then what was he doing here the other day?"

"He was on leave that day so he came here to help me. Daily after college hours he comes here and deals with male clients."

"I see"

"He did a short term beauty course after completing his UG and started working with me, just to reduce my work burden." Madhu said with a fond smile. "But I only asked him to continue his higher studies as another two years of hardwork will take him to a better position. He can earn well and support the family, right?"

"Who are all there in your family if you don't mind me asking?"

"My mom, my brother and myself."

"Hmm."

"My papa passed away 10 years ago."

"I am sorry."

"It's okay."

"What did you study, Madhu?"

"Um... I didn't go to college." She said feeling little embarrassed. "I was in my 12 grade when papa left us. We had spent a lot for his treatment and we were in financial crisis then..."

"Your mom isn't working?"

"No. She is a stay-at-home mom..."

"Oh"

"She was in no state to work when Papa left us. She was devastated. So I started working to feed our family."

"Hmm... If you had had a chance then what you would have studied?"

"Fashion designing"

"Nice"

--0--

A month later, Rishab was getting yet another facial but this time he wasn't relaxing himself. He was heck nervous.

"Madhu..."

"Don't talk. Let the face pack dry."

"Okay"

Few seconds later, he asked "How long will it take to dry?"

"About 20 minutes"

"After that?"

"I will wash your face and you are good to go."

"Hmm.. can you make it quick?"

"Why? Do you have any important work, sir?"

"Yes. I have a dinner date."

"Oh" Madhu couldn't understand why she felt little hurt hearing that.

Rishab had cucumber slices on his closed eyes so he missed to see her disappointed look.

"Where is your bro?"

"He has an exam tomorrow so he didn't come today."

Perfect!

"I see" Rishab decided to shoot his next question "At what time will you be closing the parlor?"

"It's almost 8 so I will be closing it once I am done with you, sir."

"Okay good"

"Madhu..."

"Sir?" Madhu asked as she wiped of the face pack.

"Will your mom get worried if you go home late?"

"Sometimes she gets worried when I forget to inform her."

"Then can you inform her please?"

"Today I won't get late, sir. We are done." She said as she dabbed his face with a clean towel.

"Madhu..."

"See, you look bright. You will glow more in a couple of days."

"Thanks. How much?"

"Rs. 1200, sir."

He Gpay the amount.

"Madhu..."

"What is it, sir?"

He cleared his throat before asking her "Will you go out with me?"

"What?"

"Now? For dinner? Like a date?" Rishab asked hopefully. Madhu gaped at him blankly. She didn't know what to tell as she wasn't expecting him to ask her out.

"Sir..."

"Madhu... I really like you. I want to date you." He said that bringing up all the courage he possessed.

"Sir, I am sorry. I.. I can't..."

"Madhu, please..."

"I am not that kind of girl."

"And I am not that kind of a cheap guy."

"I am not a girl from your class of people."

"I know"

"Then why do you want to date me?"

"Just now I told you. I like you."

"Is that why you are coming to my parlor every other day?"

"As if you didn't know? I thought I made it pretty obvious to you that I have a thing for you."

Madhu looked away because she did wonder why he was coming to her parlor regularly. To see her. Her heart kept saying that but she refused to believe it.

"So... Will you go out with me for dinner, tonight?"

"No"

Rishab wasn't surprised that she had turned him down. He was actually expecting it because Madhu wasn't like other girls who would love to flaunt with him.

"Madhu, please..."

"I don't want this..."

"I didn't get you"

"I don't want to encourage this relationship."

"Why?"

She shrugged not knowing how to put it in words.

"Tell me, please?"

"I have commitments."

"I know. I can help you."

"I don't want your help."

"Alright. I won't. You keep doing what you are doing for your family. I just need some time with you to know you better and for you to know me better."

"Sir..."

"Please, Madhu! I have done a facial today hoping I would be going out with you." Rishab made a cute face making Madhu smile.

"Is that a yes?" Rishab asked grinning.

"Um.. no"

"Please"

"Okay fine..." Madhu reluctantly agreed to go out with him "...but where do you want to take me?"

"I haven't planned that yet but wherever you like to go, I would love to take you there."

"Don't take me to any over-the-top restaurants. I am not dressed well for the occasion. Take me to some local place where people won't look down at me."

"Madhu, you look beautiful and you will fit in any place."

"Still.."

"Alright. I know a place near the beach. It's called The Titanic. A fast food center. They cook the best fried-rice and chilli chicken. Will go there and try them with me. Btw do you eat non veg?"

"I do and I am surprised to know that you have been to local food stalls."

"I am a foodie, Madhu, and I eat anywhere I get tasty food."

--0--

Rishab was driving the car to the food center he had mentioned earlier.

"I love beaches." Madhu said in order to make some conversation.

"We can go for a walk after dinner" he suggested.

"No. Not today." She didn't want to get so late in getting back to her home. Her mother would worry.

"So you are up for another date with me then?" Rishab asked grinning.

"Um... No... I didn't mean it like that..." She stammered. Rishab smiled knowing she would go out with him again. 

After that they remained silent for a while not knowing what to ask or say. It was a comfortable, no awkward silence but it was broken when Rishab's phone started ringing.

"Hey, Trish. We are on speaker." Rishab warned her before she could blabber.

"Ooh... You are forewarning me and that means someone is sitting beside you and listening to our convo. Am I right, bhai?"

Rishab rolled his eyes. Madhu smiled.

"Trish, why did you call me?"

"Wait! I will bring Dips on line." She ignored his quesion and put their call on hold so that she could merge Dipali.

Few seconds later the car was filled with Dipali's cheerful voice. "Hey, Trish"

"Di, we are on conference call."

"Oh. Who are all there?"

"You, me and bhai. Oh and one more special person is listening to us."

"Who is that?" Dipali asked curiously.

"Who else could it be?"

"Who?" Dipali sounded clueless.

"You are so dumb, di? I figured it out without bhai telling me, you know." 

"Hey!"

"Okay. I will give you a clue. You lost your bet."

"Omg! Bhai! How could you do this?" Dipali screamed at her brother like a crazy woman that she was. "I lost 10K to her because of you."

"What did I do?" Rishab asked, puzzled. What were his sisters talking about?

"You are taking Madhu on a date, aren't you?"

"Yes"

"Nooooo!" Dipali cried. "I had a bet with Trish that you would take at least a year before you plucked the courage to ask Madhu out." Dipali explained.

"But bhai, I had such confidence in you that you would take her out like real soon and you did." Trishna said cheerfully.

"Can't believe you guys were betting on me."

Both the girls giggled.

"Bhai, it was so fun to see you go to her parlor every other day and get new things done to your face or hair or nails. Btw Bhabhi, that was one fine haircut. Bhai looks all the more handsome now."

Bhabhi? Both Rishab and Madhu shared a shocked look.

"Thank you, Trishna" Madhu said recovering from her shock. 

"So tell me, Madhu, you like our brother or not." Dipali asked outright.

"Of course, she likes bhai otherwise why would she be sitting with him in his car now and going out on a date?" Trishna interjected.

"Dips, Trish, I am hanging up! Bye." Rishab said before disconnecting the call. "Sorry, they got little excited..."

"It's okay" Madhu softly smiled.

--0--

"I like this place and the food was great. Thank you." Madhu said as they walked back to the car. 

"I am glad" Rishab smiled.

"One day, I will bring Sikky here. He loves fried rice."

"Sure. Do you want to try malai kulfi? There is a famous shop here..." Rishab somehow wanted to prolong their date but Madhu politely denied him.

Hiding his disappointment, Rishab walked her back to his car.

"I like your car." Madhu said casually. "I have always admired it from afar but never thought I would be travelling in it one day. It's like a dream come true." Madhu confessed. Rishab was overjoyed that she liked his favourite toy, his Jaguar. It was one of his prized possessions as he bought it out of his hard earned money.

"Oh, so you have been noticing me for long?" 

"I was noticing your car, not you. I didn't know it was yours until you came to my salon for the first time."

"I see." He said with a smile. "Do you drive, Madhu?" He asked suddenly wanting her to drive his car and see how thrilled she would be.

"No, I don't know to drive a four wheeler."

"Oh. Only train and plane?" He joked making her giggle.

No issues, baby, I will teach you.

"What else do you like, Madhu?"

"Um... Um... If you ask me suddenly... I don't know what to tell..."

"Do you like to watch movies?"

"Yes."

"Favorite hero? Heroine?"

"No one in particular."

"Hmm. Why don't you ask me something?"

"Um... Do you cook?"

"Cook?" He laughed. He wasn't expecting her to ask that. He thought she would want to know what business was he doing. "I do cook but very basic. Nothing complex."

"Hmm"

"You, a great cook?"

"Nah! Average. Mama does cooking and other household chores. Only when she is unwell I enter the kitchen."

"Hmm. How is your business doing?"

"Good. Profitable, mainly when I have elite clients like you and Dipali madam."

"Ahaan. I will send mom and Trishna to your salon too."

"Thank you" 

Soon they reached Madhu's place. Rishab stepped out of the car first and went around her side to open the door.

"Won't you invite me?" Rishab asked hopefully.

"And introduce you as what?"

"Your boyfriend" Rishab winked.

Madhu gasped. "My mother would get heart attack."

"Oh"

"See... we are not sure about this relation..."

"I am... I really like you, Madhu" Rishab interjected.

"But sir..."

"Rishab. Please call me Rishab."

"I think it's too early for you to meet my family... Well, you have already met my brother and you know how he reacted..."

Rishab chuckled. "He is such a protective brother. I like him."

Madhu smiled.

"Alright. I understand your hesitance. When you are ready I will bring my family and ask for your hand in marriage."

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! You are too fast! You just asked me out wanting to know me better. Then you said you like me. Now this proposal. God! I am so confused."

"Madhu, relax." Rishab wished to take her in his arms but he didn't knowing she would freak out. "You are making me nervous. I have never done this before so I don't know whether I am too fast or too slow. All I know is I fell for you the moment our eyes met!"

"Now you love me?" Madhu asked. She was on the verge of tears. She couldn't believe anything he was saying. She thought going out on a date with the Rishab Kundra was a huge mistake.

"Madhu, please trust me. I am not faking my feelings. It's so genuine and deep."

"I didn't say you are faking it."

"But you don't seem to be convinced. You are not trusting my words."

"You are so rich..."

"So?"

"How could you fall for someone like me?"

"I see a very strong girl standing in front of me who is shouldering her entire family's responsibility. So what's wrong in falling in love with her?"

"Sir..."

"Rishab" he corrected her.

"Please go home. It's getting late." Madhu said and turned around to find her mother standing there.

"Madhu, who is he?" Padmini asked with a confused frown.

"Maa, woh... He.. he is..."

Before Madhu could introduce him as her friend or a mere client, Rishab jumped in and said "Aunty, I just proposed to your daughter. I want to marry her." 

"Come in" that was all Padmini had to say before walking back to her house.

Rishab looked at Madhu in surprise.

--0--

Padmini asked Rishab to sit and gave him a glass of water.

"Thanks, aunty." He took a sip before placing the glass on the table.

"Madhu, who is he?" Padmini asked after some deafening silence.

"Maa, he is Mr. Rishab Kundra. You know Dipali madam, right?"

Padmini frowned as she couldn't remember her.

"Maa, my favorite client. Last month also she got married and I did her makeup. You remember?"

"Oh yeah! She lives in that big house, right?"

"Yes. He is her brother. He is also one of our clients."

"Oh" just by seeing his ship like car, Padmini knew he was rich and that was worrying her.

Rich men value money, not women! That was Padmini's strong thought.

"Just a client?"

"Maa, he said he liked me and wanted to take me out."

"You went out?"

"Yes."

"Why did you go?" Padmini asked in shock.

"He convinced me in a funny way. Sorry, maa." Madhu said wringing her fingers in nervousness.

"Hmm"

"He came here to drop me and only then he told me he has feelings for me and wants to marry me."

"What about you? Do you have feelings for him?" Padmini asked. Rishab hopefully looked at Madhu but she shook her head in negation disappointing him. Padmini breathed a sigh of relief.

"I think you got your answer, son. You may leave now."

"Aunty, please listen to me..."

"Son, I could have had this conversation outside itself and sent you back home from there but I didn't want to create a scene... You see our neighbours are nice people but they are little curious and nosy too. They would want to know who you are and what you guys were talking outside. They would start talking rubbish and ruin my daughter's name if they see you with her again. I don't want that for her. She has lived a very decent and dignified life so far so let her be this way and you better stay out of her way."

"Got it, aunty. I truly respect your feelings." Rishab stood up and turned to leave but stopped.

"Aunty, are you ever planning to get your daughter married?" He asked. He wanted to give one last shot.

"Yes. I have already registered Madhu's profile in a matrimony site."

"May I know which site?"

"Why?"

"So that I can register my profile as well and send you a request showing my interest on your daughter."

Padmini couldn't help but chuckle.

This boy is funny! She thought.

"You want your daughter to have an arranged marriage?"

"Yes."

"Your daughter will say yes to your choice?"

"Yes" this time Madhu answered.

"Alright. I will come here with my parents tomorrow with a marriage proposal."

"Hey! We don't know you in the first place."

"Right..." Rishab agreed thoughtfully. " Please sit, aunty, we will talk."

Padmini sat opposite to him and patiently waited for him to tell about himself.

"Shoot your questions, aunty."

"What questions?"

"You wanted to know me, right? So ask me anything."

"Um... Tell me about your family?"

"My dad Mohan Kundra is the chairman of Kundra Automobile Industry. (KAI) My mom Radha Kundra is a nature lover and she does organic farming. They had a love marriage."

"Okay"

"I have two sisters. Dipali is an interior designer and she is happily married to her long term boyfriend Mukkund. Trishna is studying Architecture in Delhi."

"You are the eldest?"

"Yes"

"What have you studied?"

"I studied automotive engineering in Germany. I do business along with my father. I am the managing director of KAI"

"Automotive engineering?" Padmini hadn't heard about it before so she wondered what it was.

"I design and develop cars."

"I see."

"What's your age?"

"30"

"My Madhu is 27..."

"Just 3 years age gap, aunty... I think it's fine."

"Yeah, yeah, her father and I had an age gap of 9 years."

Uff! Rishab sighed.

"Your zodiac sign?"

"Leo"

"Hmm... Matches with Madhu's"

Rishab smiled "So you are saying yes?"

"No"

"Why?"

"You are all so wealthy and it's quite intimidating us."

"Aunty, you can't reject me just because I am rich. My dad and I have worked hard for it."

Fair point!

"My Madhu... She hasn't gone to college."

"I know and I also know she wants to do fashion designing. She will be doing that after marriage. Education is really important."

"That's true." Padmini momentarily looked depressed. "My Madhu was a bright student but she had to quit her studies to feed us. Her papa..." Padmini's voice quivered thinking about her husband. Madhu placed her hand on her shoulder trying to console her.

"I know, aunty. Madhu told me."

"I should have gone for work..."

"You should have" Rishab agreed.

"I am sorry, Madhu" Padmini took her hand from her shoulder and pressed it against her forehead and started crying.

"I am not a good mother to you"

"Maa, please don't say that..."

"Aunty, you are. You have raised Madhu so well."

"You know, Rishab, she worked so hard to give a good education to her brother..."

"She is selfless. I love her more for that." Rishab said looking straight at Madhu's eyes which was now brimming with tears seeing her mother cry. 

"Do you have any bad habits?" Padmini asked after composing herself.

"I drink but occassionally."

"Not an addict, right?"

"Absolutely no. And I don't have any other bad habits."

"Girlfriend? Love?"

"Madhu is the first and last woman to enter into my life."

"Hmm"

"Anything else aunty?"

"You truly love my Madhu" she stated.

"Yes" he replied thinking it was a question.

"You will take care of her well?"

"Yes. I fully intend to."

"Okay. Bring your parents tomorrow or whenever possible..."

"Tomorrow" he promised.

"Okay, then we will talk further."

"Thank you so much, aunty." Excited, he hugged her.

"Um... Sorry." Rishab pulled back feeling Padmini's awkwardness. "See you tomorrow, aunty. Bye."

"Hey!" Madhu called when he was about to walk out without saying a bye to her.

"Yes"

"You are just leaving without saying a word to me"

"You just rejected my love so I am mad at you." Rishab pouted. "Once our families fix our wedding, we will start talking and get to know each other. Bye."

"Bye."

--0--

Rishab was sitting with his family for dinner but he had lost his appetite as he was too happy and excited. Madhu's mother approved him! Yay!

Now he had to convince his parent and take them there to meet Madhu and her family, tomorrow. Well, that wouldn't be as tough as convincing Madhu or her mother. His parents were cool. Since they had a love marriage and also their easy acceptance towards Dipali's love gave him confidence that they wouldn't be a wedge to his love.

Seeing Rishab grin like a loon looking at his food plate, his family gave him a weird look but he didn't notice it.

"Bhai!" Trishna shouted when Rishab didn't respond to her previous call.

"What?" He came out of his thought and looked up at his sister.

"How was your date?" Trishna asked wiggling her eyebrows.

"Um... It was good." Rishab said and glanced at his parents.

"You went on a date, Rishu? You didn't tell me?" Radha asked in surprised joy. It was novel. He hadn't gone on a single date so far and he was 30 already. What a shame!

"Mom, I didn't plan it. I just asked her out and she agreed."

"Well, who is she? When do we get to meet her?"

"Tomorrow"

"You are bringing her home? Wow!"

"No, we are going to see her and her mother and fix our wedding."

"Wedding?" Mohan asked shocked.

"Yes, dad. I love her. I want to marry her. I just spoke to her mother in person and told my intention clearly to her. She kinda likes me and she wants to meet you all."

Turning towards Trishna, he said "Close your mouth, Trish!"

"Bhai! You are unbelievable!" Trishna said in disbelief. "I truly didn't expect this twist. Dipali is going to freak."

"I know it all happened suddenly but I am pretty sure that Madhu is the one for me."

"Madhu?"

"Yes, mom. Her name is Madhu. You know her very well."

"The beautician?"

"The very same."

"When did you two start loving?" Mohan asked.

"Only I am in love with her. She is not."

"Oh!"

"I have been seeing her for a month now but I fell for her the day I met her, on Dipali's wedding."

"You know her hardly for a month. Is that time enough to know about someone?"

"Dad, you always say I have a very good instinct, right?"

"Yes"

"And my instinct says Madhu is a beautiful person inside out."

"Rishu, you know we had a love marriage and we didn't oppose your sister's love..."

"Yes, I know and I am sure you won't oppose mine as well."

"That's right but what I would suggest you is take things slow. Don't rush as this is a life time commitment and you have to be sure about it." Mohan advised.

"I am dad" he said confidently. He had no second thought at all. "You agreed for Dipali's marriage instantly then why are you..."

His father cuts him off saying "That's because we know Mukkund and his family for years now. We also know they were in love for a long while and they would eventually get married one day after they got settled down."

"I agree."

"So think about it, Rishu."

"Dad, please come and meet her tomorrow, you will like her instantly. She is that kind of a person. So sweet and kind."

"Alright. For your happiness, we are willing to go by your words."

"Thanks, dad" Rishab beamed in happiness.

--0--

Next day, the Kundras visited Madhu's place and they were quite impressed. Though it was a small house it was neat and cosy.

Padmini and Madhu's brother Sikky warmly welcomed them and both the families made a brief introduction.

Rishab's eyes restlessly searched for Madhu but she wasn't there.

"Madhu is getting ready" Padmini replied as she smiled at Rishab.

"Oh. Dips, Trish, why don't you go help your bhabhi?" Rishab suggested.

"Sure, Bhai" Dipali and Trishna said in unison and sprinted to the room from which Padmini just came out checking on her daughter.

"Bhabhi already?" Sikky asked.

Rishab shrugged. "They have accepted her as their bhabhi. Now only you have to accept me as your jiju."

"Let you two get engaged first... Then maybe I will start calling you jiju."

"Engaged? We are getting married directly!" Rishab said sternly.

"Rishu, we will decide that, okay?" Radha said calmly. Rishab nodded his head.

"So what are you doing, son?" Mohan asked to make some conversation with Sikky and get to know him.

"I am studying MBA, final year."

"What major?"

"Finance"

"Nice."

"After that?"

"Find a job" he said and suddenly looked upset.

"What's wrong?" Mohan asked in concern.

"Thought I would start earning and save money for my sister's wedding but now it seems like she would be getting married even before I complete my course."

"Oh"

"She has done a lot for me but I couldn't do anything for her. That hurts." Sikky confessed.

"Look son, she didn't do all this expecting something in return from you so you don't have to feel guilty." Radha said warmly.

"You are right, aunty, but I wanted to do something for her to show my gratitude."

"You could still." Mohan said.

"How?"

"Don't get me wrong for saying this but you won't be able to earn money for her wedding expense in a month or two. You would be needing at least a couple of years."

"That's right" Sikky agreed.

"And do you think it will be right on your part to make your sister wait for two more years from getting married so that you could give her a beautiful wedding?"

"No"

"So all you can do now is make some contribution or give her some gift for her wedding and for that you should start doing some part time job and save money." He suggested.

"I already work in my sister's salon after college hours."

"But do you get paid for that?"

"She gives me pocket money but I can't save much out of it."

"We have an opening in our company? Why don't you join as a trainee?"

"Uncle.. I.. I can't... It's not right. You are here for my sister and I can't take advantage of this situation."

"This is like not taking advantage. This is... How to put? Um... Like grabbing opportunity."

Sikky looked at Mohan confused.

"Come to office after your college hours. Learn your job. Work dedicatedly. If you perform well, you will be appointed as a permanent employee once you acquire your degree certificate. What say?"

"Um... What if I didn't perform well?"

"You will be sacked!" Mohan said with a cool smile.

"Good. I don't want to put you in a position where you couldn't even sack me for my incompetency just because I will be your son's brother in law."

Rishab admired this boy with a smile. He wasn't greedy and jumping in on the opportunity. He was thinking about all the consequences. Good boy!

"Seeing all your rowing trophies..." Mohan pointed his chin at the shelf where too many medals and trophies and framed certificates were kept "...I don't think you are an incompetent guy. But I assure you, you will be getting this job only on your own merits."

"One last question... This... You offering me a job... It won't affect my sister's personal life anyway right?"

"What this has to do with your sister's personal life?" Rishab asked, offended.

"I don't know... I am sorry I asked that." Sikky apologized as he couldn't express himself clearly but Mohan understood what he meant and responded "Son, even if you do a mistake and we incur loss, we won't bring it to your sister. We keep our professional life aside from our personal life so don't worry, okay?" 

"Thank you. Thank you, uncle." Sikky said with a grateful smile. Padmini joined her hands together and thanked them.

After what felt like eternity, Dipali and Trishna walked Madhu out of her room.

One look at Madhu, Rishab could tell she was heck nervous but at the same time she looked breathtakingly beautiful in a deep red saree with golden border and minimal makeup. She had french braided her long and sleek hair and kept jasmine flowers. A cute little neck chain with a butterfly pendant and a matching pair of butterfly earrings were the only gold jewels she had adorned.

Sweet and Homely! Radha thought as she had a wide smile of approval on her face. Mohan also looked pleased. Rishab sighed in relief seeing their happy faces.

"Come, sit here, Madhu" Radha asked her to sit next to her on the sofa.

Madhu smiled shyly and sat next to her.

"Everyone appreciated Dipali's wedding makeup. You did a great job."

"Thank you, aunty"

"Dipali, show your wedding photos to Madhu"

Dipali took her phone, opened the gallery and then passed it to Madhu.

"You can swipe next. There is no mushy mushy pics in this folder" Dipali said winking. Madhu smiled and checked the pics one by one.

"You don't have to push bhai's pics quickly. We won't say anything as you have all the right to admire him. Why even you can send his solo pics to your WhatsApp and drool over it all day and night." Trishna teased.

"No, I... Um.." she nervously looked at Rishab and he just smiled at her.

Meanwhile, Padmini served them snacks and coffee.

"Mom" Rishab softly called her and mouthed "Talk"

"What?" Radha asked confused. Rishab rolled his eyes.

"What are we here for? Talk about that matter?" He said impatiently.

"Oh yeah, right!" Radha grinned goofily for forgetting about that.

"Mohan, shall we?"

"Yeah, go ahead"

"Padmini, our son Rishab likes your daughter Madhu..."

"Loves, mom" Rishab corrected her.

"Keep quite" Radha ordered. Rishab obliged.

Padmini softly chuckled.

"He wants to marry her."

"Yes, he told me, yesterday but what do you think about his decision?" Padmini asked, worried.

"We are very much happy with his decision. Right, Mohan?" She asked her husband for confirmation.

"Yes. Yes. We like your daughter." Mohan agreed.

Padmini smiled in relief.

"Now tell us your decision, Padmini?" Radha asked.

"Madhu is a bit worried. So am I."

"Why?" Radha asked in concern. "Don't you like my son, Madhu?" She asked now looking at Madhu.

"Um..." Madhu breathed heavily as she didn't know what to say. She looked at her mother for help.

"No, we like your son. He was very honest and humble when he spoke to us, yesterday." Padmini replied.

"Then?"

"It's just that we didn't expect such a big alliance for Madhu. Our statuses drastically differ."

"Oh, Padmini, wealth is not going to define anyone but character does. I am sure your daughter is rich in character. And if you think the same about our son and trust him enough to take care of your daughter then please do give them your blessings"

"Yes. I trust him with my daughter." Padmini said smiling. "I am so happy my Madhu is going to be a part of your family soon"

"We are happy too." Mohan said with a genuine smile.

"Okay then we will take your leave now." Radha said as she stood up.

"Mom..."

"What, Rishu?"

"What about the engagement?"

"We will have that discussion another day. We have to look for an auspicious day and fix it." She told him.

"Mom, can't we have it today?"

"Don't be crazy, Rishu. We don't even have rings to exchange."

"I have." He fished out a jewel box from his pocket and showed them a gold couple ring.

"You said we will go see Madhu and her family today! You didn't mention anything about getting engaged! When did you plan this? When did you get this ring?" Radha asked pissed and embarassed.

"This morning I bought these rings hoping we would get engaged today." Rishab said looking at Madhu who looked ready to faint.

Radha looked at Padmini helplessly and asked "You must be having close friends and relatives whom you would like to invite for your daughter's engagement, right?"

"Obviously" Padmini replied.

"See!"

"Can't they be invited for our wedding, aunty?" Rishab asked.

"Yeah, but they will ask why they weren't invited for the engagement!"

"Give them lockdown as an excuse."

"Why this hurry though?" Padmini asked.

"I don't know. I just find it hard to stay away from your daughter."

"We are just two streets away from your place. Her salon is right opposite to your house where you will be seeing daily so I don't get your point."

"You told me yesterday your neighbours are nice but nosy. They will talk rubbish if they saw me around your daughter again. That will spoil Madhu's name. I don't want that for her. If we get engaged today, you can boldly tell them that I am your daughter's fiance and that will shut them up."

"Right" Padmini asked. "But what about your close relatives and friends? Won't they question you?" She asked guessing Rishab's family circle must be wider than hers.

"Same reason to all. Corona. Lockdown."

"You can't give that excuse to my husband!" Dipali shouted. "If you have had this plan in your head then you should have told me. I would have dragged him along with me! I don't want my husband to miss my bhai's engagement."

"Dips, we still have time. Ask him to come here right away."

"He has gone for work!"

"Then bring him on video call so that he could witness the ring ceremony."

Dipali scoffed.

"Trish, you call Sultan." He couldn't miss out his best friend.

"Sullu Bhai is going to kill you." Trish warned him. He decided to deal with him later.

"With your permission, can I have a word with Madhu in privacy, aunty?" Rishab asked politely.

"Sure"

"Madhu?" He called. She just turned around robotically and walked into her room. He followed her and closed the door but didn't lock it.

"Are you not happy?"

She didn't reply. She just turned away from him.

"You didn't answer to my mom's question. Do you like me or not?"

Silence.

"Madhu? Talk to me please" he turned her around to face him and lifted her chin up to see her face.

"Why are you crying?" Rishab panicked. "What's wrong?" He held her face with his palms and softly circled her cheeks with his thumbs.

"I am scared" Madhu whispered.

"What? Scared? Of what?"

"You"

"Me? Why? What did I do?"

"Don't know. I am just scared of you." She continued to cry which pained him.

"I am not a monster, baby" he softly spoke to her as he resisted his urge to plant tender loving kissing all over her face.

"What do you want from me?"

"I want you to be my wife."

"That's all?"

"That's really a big thing to ask."

"Really?"

"Yes"

"I am not in love with you yet." She confessed.

"It's okay. I will wait till you remove that 'Not' & 'Yet' and say the rest to me."

"What if I take too long?"

"I have confidence in me. I will make you fall in love with me like real soon."

"Okay"

"What else?"

"You are too fast. Too decisive."

He chuckled. "For the first time, I am 100% sure of what I truly want in my life, Madhu."

"Really?"

"Yes"

"Not when you chose your career?"

"No! When I was a teenager I wanted to join the Indian Army but somehow I changed my path. Maybe because of my dad's influence."

"Oh. You weren't this sure when you chose your car?"

"I was confused whether I wanted Jaguar or Audi."

"Oh"

"Trust me, Madhu, it's only you I surely want in my life."

"Why?"

"Please, Madhu, no more of why's! I don't know how to answer to it. I get it, it's all happening so suddenly for you but what can I do? Love happened for me."

Madhu smiled hearing that. "You are crazy."

He grinned. "Now shall we go out and exchange rings?"

"Sure"

Taking her hand in his, he led her out of her room. Their families looked up at them anxiously and they smiled reassuring them.

"All okay?" Padmini asked.

"Yes, aunty" Rishab replied with a wide smile. Madhu nodded her head in agreement.

"Sorry, I didn't give you a chance to choose our engagement ring together." Rishab said as he passed his ring to her. "If you feel your ring is too simple, we will get another one for you of your own choice." It was a beautiful gold band with a small diamond studded in the center.

"No, I like simple." Madhu said smiling.

"I know" Rishab smiled proudly. He made the right choice.

"So shall we?" He looked around his folks seeking their permission.

"Mukkund, can you see?" Dipali asked as she connected him through video call.

"Yeah. Congrats, bro!" He wished Rishab.

"Thanks, bro"

Rishab held Madhu's hand and was about to slip the ring onto her finger when someone yelled "Sister, don't marry him!"

Madhu withdrew her hand from Rishab and turned towards the source of sound.

Padmini and Sikky wondered who was the strange man at their door steps. 

"That's my best friend Sultan." Rishab informed them. "I am surprised you managed to come on time."

When Trishna informed him about her brother's sudden decision to get engaged, Sultan left all his works and came running here! 

"I had to drive like an F1 racer to reach here so that I could stop this engagement, RK." Sultan said glaring at Rishab.

"Sister, don't marry him!"

"Why?"

"He is so ungrateful! He didn't invite ME for his engagement!"

"I only asked Trishna to call you!" Rishab pointed out.

"But why didn't you tell me about this engagement plan yesterday? Did you forget it was me who boosted you up to take her out on a date? It all happened because of me."

"Oh c'mon! I was anyway going to ask her out."

"When? After getting hundreds of facials and hair cuts?"

"Sultan!"

"Sister, he is so adamant and arrogant. He wants everything to go by his way."

"That's true." Madhu agreed.

"He is a workaholic!"

"I figured it out" Even when he was in her salon getting some service, he would attend hundreds of work related calls or keep sending official mails.

"He is so unromantic!"

"Oh! Neither am I!"

"He is so intolerable!"

"I will manage." Madhu said with a soft smile.

"He is so stingy! See, he didn't even give you a proper engagement!" Sultan used his final card. "So please don't marry him."

"Sultan, shut up!" Rishab admonished him.

"I like him" Madhu said to Sultan.

"You do?" Both Sultan and Rishab asked in surprise.

"He is an honest man."

"That he is!" Sultan proudly said patting the back of Rishab. "See, I have told you everything negative about him but still you want to get engaged to him, right?"

"Right"

"Great then" Sultan grinned widely. "You have chosen well! She is perfect for you, RK." He gave a tight hug to his friend.

"Thanks, Sultan" Rishab hugged him back.

"Madhu?" He called as he stretched his hand out for her. She gave him her hand and he quickly slipped the ring onto her finger before someone stopped them again. She reciprocated the process and then they took blessings from their family.

--0--

One night Rishab came little late from his office and he was surprised to see Madhu's salon still open. He parked his car outside his house and went to check on her.

He walked in to find her with a client. She was blow-drying a lady's hair. She looked tired but smiled brightly when she saw him.

"Hi" Madhu greeted him.

"Hi! Are you done?"

"I have to iron her hair."

"Oh! How long will it take?"

"20 minutes"

"Hmm" he checked his watch and it was already 9.30 pm. "Usually you close by 8 or 8.30 right?"

"Had a busy day. I could give her appointment only at 7."

Even he had a busy day with back to back meetings. He thought today he wouldn't get time to spend with Madhu but seemed like he was lucky. 

"Oh"

"Hair smoothing takes time." She explained why it went too long.

"I see"

"Can you please plug in that straightener for me?"

"Sure. Do you have another one?" He asked.

"Yes but why?"

"I will help you."

"No, no, you don't have to ..."

"Don't worry, Madhu, I know how to use this thing."

"Oh"

"I used to iron Dipali's hair."

"Oh really?"

"She stopped coming to me when she found your salon four years back."

Madhu smiled.

Once she was done with the blow-drying, she brushed the lady's hair well and sectioned it into four and clipped it securely. Meanwhile, Rishab removed his suit and rolled his shirt sleeves up.

"Ma'am, do you have any objection with me doing this...?" Rishab asked the lady holding the heated straightener in his hand.

"No! Just make it quick. I have left my kids with their dad. Don't know whether they had dinner or not."

"Just 10 mins, ma'am." Rishab spoke like a professional.

"Take small, small strands okay?" Madhu instructed him.

"Understood, ma'am" Rishab saluted making Madhu chuckle and then they started ironing the lady's hair from both the sides.

"Done" Madhu declared.

"Silky" Rishab commented, testing a strand of her hair. "Your husband is going to love your new look, ma'am."

"Thank you. It's our 10th wedding anniversary... coming Sunday, so I thought I would get a makeover!"

"Great"

"How much?" The lady asked Madhu.

"Rs. 5999/- for Hair Smoothing and Rs. 1200/- for Gold Facial. So totally Rs. 7,199/-"

The lady gave her card and Madhu quickly swiped it.

"Thank you." Madhu said with a smile.

"Keep coming, ma'am. We will give you more offers and discounts, next time." Rishab added.

"Will come round... for you, handsome!" The lady said with a wink and walked out of the salon leaving Rishab blushing and Madhu burning.

"Come, I will drop you home." Rishab said once she had packed her handbag and locked the salon.

"No, I will go." Madhu said looking pissed.

"Madhu, it's late."

"I am in the mood to walk."

"Then I will walk along." He quickly went to his car and opened the door to threw his jacket and laptop bag in.

"Come" he took her hand in his and they walked slowly and silently.

Soon they reached Madhu's house but neither of them wanted to let the other go.

"Shall we go for a walk?" Rishab asked. Madhu nodded feeling happy but she didn't show it on her face.

"What's bothering you, Madhu?"

"That lady..."

"What about her?"

"I saw her eying you through the mirror all the time you were straightening her hair."

"Was she?" Rishab didn't notice it as he was busy doing his job. He didn't even look at Madhu. He was that sincere on his work.

"Then she openly flirted with you."

Rishab chuckled. "Are you jealous?" It felt nice to see this side of Madhu.

"Maybe. I didn't like it." She admitted honestly.

"I am sorry"

"Why are you saying sorry?"

"I shouldn't have spoken to her."

"You were only being polite with her."

"Yep!"

"She has a husband then how could she call you handsome?"

"Maybe her husband isn't handsome... So she found me handsome" he joked.

"Next time I see her around..." Madhu fist her hands in anger.

"Hey, chill, baby... Next time when you see her, just tell her I am your fiance and I am madly in love with you, okay?"

"Okay" Madhu smiled.

"Shall we go back to your home? Your mom must be waiting for you."

"I texted her I am with you and I will be late." She said hinting she wanted to walk little longer with him.

"Okay" He smiled happily. She wanted to spend time with him. Yay!
They continued walking.

"There is always crowd here." Madhu said looking at a street food stall.

"Namma Anna Kadai!" Rishab said in Tamil.

"What?" Madhu didn't understand.

"That's the shop's name. Namma anna kadai means our brother's shop. They cook tasty south Indian foods."

"Oh. You have been here?" She asked in surprise. She couldn't imagine a rich guy like him eating food from a road side shop.

"Yep! Sultan and I come here often. It's one of our favourite places to handout."

"Oh. I always wanted to try food here but mom says it's unhygienic. Besides, there is always too much of male crowd here so I hesitate..."

"You want to eat here now?" Rishab asked wanting to fulfill her small wish.

"Um... Mom would have made something for me at home..."

"Keep it in fridge and eat it tomorrow for breakfast."

"Okay" Madhu looked excited.

"What would you like to eat?"

"What do they have?"

"Dosa, chappati, parota, noodles, omlette..."

"Um... Anything is fine. You choose."

"Anna, 2 kari dosa and 2 masala kalaki!" Rishab ordered loudly.

"Okay, Rishab thambi (Little Brother)" the shop guy took their orders and started preparing them.

"What are they?" Madhu asked as she hadn't eaten Kasi dosa or kalaki before in her life.

"Kari dosa is a thick dosa topped with minced meat gravy. Kalaki is different version of egg omlette. Both are my favourite."

"I see." Madhu's mouth started watering already. "So you know Tamil?"

"Been coming to this place since school days and thus learnt a little bit of Tamil from this shop anna (big brother). He is very friendly."

"Nice."

"Come, let's sit there." He took two stools and went a little away from the shop, to sit under a tree where there was no one.

Then he went back to collect their foods.

"Here" he gave her a plate of food and sat next to her holding his plate in his hand. He waited for her to try the food first.

"Wow! This egg is so soft. It literally melted in my mouth." Madhu said as she gobbled the egg fully.

"If you want you can have mine as well." Rishab offered.

"No, you have. I have to eat this dosa. It seems big."

"Okay"

"Hmm.. it's too spicy but I like it."

"I am glad"

"Will you bring me here again?" Madhu asked hopefully.

"Anytime" Rishab promised.

--0--

Next day, Rishab parked his car outside Madhu's house and waited for her to come.

Leaning on his car, he scrolled his phone when someone said "Hello"

He looked up from his phone to see a middle aged lady smiling at him.

"Hello" he politely replied.

"I am Padmini's neighbour - Meera"

"I am Madhu's fiance - Rishab Kundra"

"Padmini told me about her daughter's secret engagement with you last week."

"Not secret but sudden!"

"You look good..." Meera said as she enviously eyed his shining car. "You seem rich too..."

"Okay?" Rishab waited for her to finish.

"You could find someone better than Madhu..."

"What's your problem?" He asked rudely.

"See, yesterday night, my husband saw her roaming around with some guy..."

"That guy was me! She was with me only so don't you dare talk nonsense about her." He cuts her off with a firm warning.

"Oh... Um..." she looked embarassed.

"Padmini aunty said her neighbours were nice but you seem to be a nosy bitch."

Meera glared at him for calling her a bitch.

"Get lost!" Rishab said pissed. She had spoiled his good mood. Fuck!

She was of his mother's age but he had to talk to her disrespectfully. Well, she deserved it for what she said! No one talks bad about his Madhu!

Couple of minutes later, Madhu came out with a smile but it faded seeing his irritated face.

"Are you okay?" Madhu asked in concern.

He nodded and opened the car door for her.

"Where are you taking me? Don't you have office today?" Madhu asked as soon as he took the driver's seat. He had text her last night itself asking her to take half day off as he had plans.

"Post lunch I have a meeting."

"Then go to office."

"But I have to get this job done first. It is more important."

"What is it? Where are we going? I have been asking you since last night but you are not answering me..."

"To get an admission for you in a fashion institute."

"What?"

"Yes. You are going to start college soon."

"But..."

"What, Madhu?"

"Our marriage is in two months" Rishab wanted to get married to her by the end of this month but their parents strictly said no! They needed time to prepare for the wedding so they gave an excuse that there was no auspicious day in this month.

"So?"

"I will be busy, right?"

"It's just a two days event, Madhu and for that you can't waste an academic year."

"Hmm"

"Just take a couple of days leave for our wedding and then you go to college regularly. When you get long holidays we will plan our honeymoon."

"Okay" Madhu said blushing.

"Why do you look so pissed?"

"Nothing, Madhu"

"Please tell me?" She insisted

He took her hand in his and kept it closer to his chest but didn't say anything.

Two minutes later, he said "I am calm now. Thank you." He placed her hand back on her lap and smiled at her adoringly.

"Do I calm you?"

"Yes. You are a serene goddess!"

Madhu smiled as her heart swelled with joy.

--0--

Madhu picked at her food as she looked at the form kept on the table in front of her. She wasn't sure whether she wanted to fill it or not. She decided to talk her mother once more before going ahead with the process.

She looked up when someone opened the salon door.

"Hi" Rishab said widely smiling.

"Hi" Madhu stood up placing her food plate on the table. Most of the days she would pack food and have it in the parlor. If she go home she would take a nap post lunch which would affect her business so she wouldn't go home for lunch though her house was nearby.

"Hey, you sit and eat. I felt like seeing you so came here." He knew she would be free during lunch time.

"Office work got over early?"

"Yes. So thought I will come here and get a head massage."

"Sure" she was about to cover her food and eat it later when Rishab stopped her.

"I will wait. You first finish your food."

"No, I will eat later. I can't keep my client waiting."

"Madhu, don't do this. Ask your clients to wait. If they can't then let them go but always eat on time. We all work hard for this only. Food is primal."

"You ate?" She asked as she took her plate back in her hand. He nodded in yes and sat beside her on the sofa.

"But I don't mind tasting your food." He said that wanting her to feed him with her hand.

"Here" she offered his plate.

"You feed me"

Smiling, Madhu took some tomata rice and potato fry in her hand and fed him, her fingers touching his lips.

"I like potato fry."

"Me too"

"You cooked?"

"No. My mom. I told you I don't cook often."

"Hmm. She is a great cook."

"I will tell her you told this. She will feel happy. You want more?"

"No, you eat." He said and watched her with a loving smile. 

"Stop staring at me" Madhu chided him as she blushed.

"You are beautiful"

She blushed profusely.

After finishing her food, she went to wash her hands and plate and that was when Rishab noticed the form kept on the table. It looked like a loan application so he curiously checked it.

"Madhu, what is this?" He asked her showing the form. "Is this why you went to bank?" Morning, he only dropped her at the bank on his way to office but then he didn't think she had approached the bank for loan purpose.

"Woh..."

"Loan against property?" He studied the photostat attached to the form. "Sale Deed of your house?"

"Um..."

"Are you in need of money, Madhu?"

"Yes"

"How much? I will give you." He didn't even ask her for what purpose she needed the money. He just wanted to help her out of her debt.

"No. I can't take money from you."

"Why? What's wrong in that? You are going to be my wife. Whatever mine is yours."

"Mama wouldn't like it."

"Madhu, please explain!" He held her hand and made her sit beside him.

"Mama wants to sell our house but I didn't agree to it because it's the only thing my father has left for us so I thought I will mortgage it..."

"But why? Are you planning to expand your business? Opening another branch somewhere? Or Sikky is going to do some course?"

"For our wedding"

"What?" He shouted in shock.

"To buy jewels and for other wedding expense."

"Madhu, sorry, but I have to do this" he tore the application form into pieces.

"Hey, why did you...?" She asked upset.

"I love you and I am marrying you. I am going to take care of all the wedding expense. You don't have to worry about it."

"But mama wishes to..."

"I will talk to her and convince her."

"See, we can't burden you like this..."

"And burden yourself by taking a huge amount of loan?"

"Yes"

"Madhu, you are going to start college soon so you won't be able to run your parlour full time. Your earnings won't be enough to pay the due..."

"Sikky will support me"

"He just started his internship..."

"But you are paying him well"

"Madhu, listen... he is too young to handle this responsiblity."

"I know..." Madhu was burdened with family's responsibility at a very young age so she knew how difficult it would be and she didn't want her brother to go through the same. She wanted him to have a peaceful life without any worry of paying debts.

"Madhu, first of all, I don't want you to spend a penny for our wedding. If you still insist on it then we will have a simple court wedding but surely I won't let you take this loan or sell the house where your father lived."

Hearing his words, Madhu got emotional and started crying.

"Madhu, please don't cry yaar. Please. I can't bear it." He begged but she cried inconsolably covering her eyes with her hands. "Just try to understand my concern. I don't want to put Sikky in your position. I don't want him to struggle. I am here for you now so leave it to me, baby. I will take care of you and your family."

"I love you, Rishab" Madhu cried as she hugged him tightly.

A beautiful smile spread on his face as he hugged her back.

"I love you more, Madhu" Rishab pressed a tight kiss on her forehead and wiped off her tears.

"That was unexpected" Rishab said with a chuckle. "But didn't I tell you that I have confidence in me and I will make you fall in love with me like real soon."

"You did" she agreed with a grin.

Two months later, they got happily married in a grand way as Rishab wished as his Madhu deserved nothing but the best in life.

--0--

3 years later,

Rishab and Madhu had returned home from their Swiss trip and found their entire family gathered at the living room. They all seemed overjoyed making them wonder what was the matter.

"Bhai" Dipali was the first one to notice them at the door way and she ran to them. She threw herself at her brother in joy and hugged him.

"Hey, what's up?" Rishab asked hugging his sister.

"You are going to become 'uncle' soon" Dipali said smiling happily.

"Omg!" Rishab looked dumbstruck for a moment.

"Oh wow! Congratulations, Dipali." Madhu hugged her and then moved to hug Mukkund. "I am so happy for you guys."

"Thank you, sis" Mukkund hugged her.

"Bhai, say something"

Rishab eyes glistened with happy tears. "Dips, my baby..." He pulled her in his arms again for a hug "...thank you for giving us this good news."

"Aww, Bhai... You are making me emotional."

"Oh please no! Don't start crying, Dipali" Mukkund warned her as he couldn't handle her mood swings lately.

"Did you guys bring us some Swiss chocolates or not?" Trishna asked Madhu.

"Of course! We bought lots." Madhu took out a box from her bag and gave it to her.

"Yay! Let's celebrate this good news with Swiss chocos" Trishna screamed like a mad girl.

--0--

That night, Rishab and Madhu had settled in bed but they weren't sleeping. They were working as they had lot to catch up. One was busy with the laptop, designing a car and the other was busy sketching a dress for a local model for a beauty pageant.

They were disturbed when they heard a knock.

"I will go see" Madhu placed her work book aside and went to open the door.

"Trishna" Madhu looked worried seeing her in tears.

"Bhabhi, I want to talk to you and Bhai... Can I come in?"

"Yeah, sure, come in." Madhu gave her way.

"What's wrong, Trish?" Rishab asked in concern. Trishna remained mute.

"Trishna? Answer me!"

"I am in love"

"Okay"

"But there is a problem"

"What problem? You know our parents won't..."

"It's not from our side, bhai..."

"Then?"

"The guy I love... He reject my proposal."

"What? How dare he say no to my sister? Who the fuck is this guy?"

"Bhai!"

"What?"

"Respect"

Rishab rolled his eyes. "Who is this highness?"

"Bhabhi..." Trishna turned her look toward Madhu and immediately she knew who this guy was.

"You love my brother?" Madhu asked not so shocked as she always knew there was something going on between the two but they always tried to keep it low.

Trishna nodded her head. "I don't know how and when this happened but I have fallen for him deep and hard. I have confessed my feelings to him a couple of times but he had rejected me. I am so hurt and I can't take his rejection anymore. I want him in my life. I want to marry him."

"Okay"

"But he is so stubborn..."

"You want me to talk to him?" Madhu asked.

"Can you please?"

"I will try but I can't compel him, Trish." Madhu said apologetically.

"Do you know why he doesn't love you? Have you ever asked him, Trish?" Rishab asked.

"He keeps saying he doesn't want to create any problem in his sister's life."

"Silly! No one can ever create a problem in our life. Our love is stronger than anything." Rishab said with his usual confidence.

"That idiot doesn't get that." Trishna said pouting. "He is also too loyal to dad as he gave him a job. He thinks he would be deceiving his employer if he fell in love with his daughter."

"We see him as our family but he sees us as his boss? Too bad!" Rishab shook his head in disappointment.

"Yeah"

"Do you think he loves someone else?" Madhu asked.

"No"

"Have you ever felt that he likes you?" She proved further.

"Yes! Since the day we met at your place, on your engagement, he has an eye for me but he is simply denying it."

"Alright, I will talk to him."

"No, Madhu, we are not going to talk to him."

"Rishab... I will make him understand..."

"No! We are going to take a marriage proposal to maa tomorrow."

"Really?" Trishna asked super excited.

"Yes. Now go inform dad and mom about your love and ask them to get ready tomorrow. Oh and you get ready little early. I will take you to a jewellery shop to pick your engagement rings."

"You can't be serious, Rishab!"

"I never joke when it comes to love, Madhu!" He winked.

"I am getting engaged tomorrow?" Trishna asked already starting to dream.

"Yeah! We, Kundra's, don't give much option to the Malik's! They have to say yes and only yes." Rishab smirked with an arrogant streak. Madhu started hitting him playfully for saying that.

Next day, as promised Rishab got Trishna and Sikky engaged and it was lot more easier than his time. He had rightfully asked Padmini to take his sister as her bahu (daughter in law) and she was only too willing to oblige him as he had gained that much love and respect from her. Sikky was little hesitant as ever but Mohan had made him understand things like he did before when he offered him a job.

--0--

A month later, when Madhu didn't get her periods she was hopeful that finally they conceived a baby. She took a pregnancy test at home and much to her disappointment, two red lines didn't form in the stick.

Negative!

Negative!

Negative!

It's always negative!

With angry tears she threw the stick and walked out of the bathroom and went to the terrace to calm herself before Rishab came home. She didn't want him to see her like this because seeing her upset would hurt him more than not having a baby.

A while later, she sensed her husband coming closer to her and slipping his hands around her waist. She always loved it when he hugged her from behind.

"I was looking for you everywhere.."

"Oh"

"What were you doing here?"

She shrugged. "I needed some fresh air..."

"I found this in the bathroom..."

She turned around and hugged him.

"Madhu..."

"I am so worried, Rishab" she cried as she couldn't control herself how much ever she tried.

"Why, darling?"

"It's been over a year since we started trying for a baby but still I couldn't conceive..."

"Madhu..."

"We thought we were so busy with our work life and that stress was taking a toll on us... So we took a break and went on a trip last month... We had a good time there. We didn't think about work or anything... All we did was relax and make love... But still... nothing worked!"

"Madhu... Stop crying."

"It's killing me that I couldn't have your baby..."

"Madhu..."

"Let's go see our doctor again. Let's do something about this, Rishab... I will go mad otherwise..."

"Madhu, we will surely see your gynaecologist."

"Yes"

"Because you are pregnant" he announced the good news with happy tears in his eyes.

"What?" Madhu looked up at him in shock.

"Yes" he opened his palm and showed her the stick she had thrown away earlier.

"Oh my God!" She cupped her mouth with her hands preventing herself from crying out loud. "Rishab..." She looked up at him with tears streaming down like a river.

"Yes, darling..."

"Is this true?"

He nodded with a smile.

"But Rishab, I was waiting and waiting and waiting but this bloody thing didn't change at all. I was staring at that single red line for long hoping another line would form but it didn't form..." She cried. "This damn stick cheated me" she complained like a baby.

"It's okay, Madhu. It's okay."

"I still can't believe it. I am going to take another test." She quickly went down to her room to take another test. Rishab followed her.

She poured her pee on the stick and then  left it on the bathroom shelf.

"Madhu, stop pacing around"

"I can't help it. I am nervous." She said biting her nails.

"Rishab, you are the lucky one so you go check it."

"Let's wait for two more minutes"

"No, go!" she said impatiently. Sighing he went into the bathroom and quickly came out.

"What's the result?"

He showed her thumbs-up.

"OMG!" Madhu shrieked. "It's positive?"

"Yes"

"We are having a baby?"

"Yes! Yes! Yes! We are going to be parents soon."

"Oh Rishab..." She cried

"I am so happy, Madhu. Thank you. I love you." He kissed lovingly.

"Love you, Rishab" Madhu cried in joy.

--0--

Rishab felt so restless sitting at office so he left early skipping a meeting.

On his way back home, he called his wife wanting to know whether she wanted something to eat. 

"Hello?" Madhu sounded weak.

"Did you eat anything?"

"No"

"Shall I get something for you?"

"No"

"Ice cream?"

"No"

"Did you throw up again?"

"Four times"

"I am coming home."

"No, please..." 

"See you in ten minutes" Saying that he hung up.

Rishab walked into his house to find his sisters and mother sitting at the living room and gushing over something.

"Hey, Dips. How are you doing?" He asked his 4 months pregnant sister.

"I am good, bhai. Here, see this." She showed him her latest scan report.

"Wow. So cute. I can see the baby's hands and legs now." He hugged and kissed his sister's temple affectionately. "It was just a tiny clot in the previous scan right?" He said in awe.

"Yeah. Your baby will also grow big in a couple of months."

"Hmm"

"What's it, bhai?" Dipali asked sensing some tension.

"I am so worried for Madhu and the baby. She hasn't eaten properly for the past two weeks. She is getting so weak."

"Did you consult her doctor?"

"Yes. She said it was quite normal and prescribed some meds to control nausea and vomiting but that didn't work. Madhu is still puking her gut out. Even swallowing her saliva is paining her as her throat is fully ruptured." 

"God!"

"Was it this bad for you, Dips?" Trishna asked curiously.

"No, I had mild morning sickness."

"Lucky you. Bhabhi is suffering bad. She can't even sit and talk."

"Yeah, I saw. Take care of her, bhai."

Nodding, Rishab went to his room after grabbing a glass of juice for her on his way.

"Madhu..." He sat beside her on the bed and gently caressed her head. "I have got you some fresh juice. Please drink it."

"Why did you come? Already you have taken too many leaves..."

"I couldn't concentrate in work, Madhu"

"I said I am fine." She said meekly.

"Oh really? Then drink this juice."

"Rishab, please."

"Since last night you haven't eaten a morsel of food, so at least drink this. You will get some energy."

Sighing, she forced herself to a sitting position and took the glass from his hand. She briefly hesitated but took a sip as he kept watching her closely. She scrunched her eyes tightly as she struggled to push the juice down her throat. She took one more sip and started gagging. He quickly took out a barf bag from the side table and collected her vomit in it as he didn't want her to run to the bathroom.

"I can't drink anymore." She placed the glass on the table and laid back. He left her side for a minute to dispose the barf bag and then came back to her.

"I am sorry." He planted a kiss on her forehead. She frowned wondering why was he saying sorry.

"When will this stop, Rishab?"  She asked helplessly.

"Soon, baby" he said and laid beside her on the bed.

Her doctor had said once she crossed her first trimester her morning sickness would stop.

"Hmm." She scooted closer to him and placed her head on his chest. "Do you think your baby loves me, Rishab?"

"Of course but not more than me! I love you the most." He said and pecked her lips.

"Then why is he troubling me so much already?"

"Baby, stop troubling momma." He cooed to her tummy and kissed her there.

"I wish he listens to you and this morning sickness comes under control soon. I have lot of pending work to do."

"Don't think about work now."

"I have to design Trishna's wedding lehenga."

"You have plenty of time for that."

Sikky and Trishna's wedding was in two months.

"No"

"Madhu, sleep now. You need rest."

"You look tired" Madhu lifted her head off his chest and looked at his eyes. Even he hadn't slept well for the past few days.

"So are you. So let's sleep, baby"

"Okay" hugging each other, they slept.

--0--

One night, Madhu woke up feeling hungry. Beside her, her husband was sleeping loosely hugging her. She contemplated whether to wake up him or just go in search of food.

She decided with the later and went to the kitchen on her own.

"Oh no" There was no left over food in the fridge. Only fruits, nuts and sweets were there but she was in the mood to eat something hot and spicy.

"Madhu, what are you doing here?" When Rishab couldn't find her in the bed, he came looking for her.

"I am hungry" Madhu said rubbing her tiny baby bump.

"Really" Rishab couldn't believe she said that. She had completely lost her appetite and he was literally force feeding her for weeks now.

She nodded.

"Oh baby" he hugged her in joy. "I am so happy you are hungry. What would you like to eat?"

"Um... Fried-rice from The Titanic."

"What?"

"Will you take me there now?"

"But the beach stall is far from our place..." Will she hold her hunger for that long?

"Yeah, right. No worries. I will go sleep."

"No. You are hungry. You will eat what you like. I will go grab my car key and come."

"Thank you"

"It feels like yesterday you brought me to this place for our first date... But it's almost four years since then."

"Yeah. Time flies."

"What would you have done if I had said no to go out with you that night?" Madhu asked as she ate her fried rice.

"I would have come to your house the next day and asked your mother to get you married to me. Simple."

Madhu laughed.

--0--

Rishab was upset because Madhu was upset. He hate to argue or fight with her. But he didn't get why she refused to see his reason. Why was she so stubborn?

Sighing, he went to her salon. He knew she would be there. She was always there when they had a fight. It was her sanctum.

Madhu hadn't let the place go even after starting college. She used to work in the salon after college hours. But once she started fully focussing on her dress designing job, she hired a beautician named Roma to run her salon.

When Rishab walked in, he found Roma giving Madhu a head massage. He silently gestured Roma to leave. Once she left, Rishab took over her place and started massaging her scalp gently. Madhu rubbed her protruding belly as her baby started rolling. The baby was so active when Rishab was around them.

"Rishab..."

"Are you calm now?"

"Yes"

"Then shall we talk?"

"About?"

"The same issue"

"No! I am going to my maa's place for my delivery."

"Madhu, please..."

"Rishab, yesterday after Dipali's baby shower we brought her here, so that your mother could take care of her, right?"

"Do you think I will not take care of you?"

"I know you will take good care of me but there is this procedure, right? Maa will be wishing to see my delivery..."

"Madhu, I didn't know about this stupid procedure till yesterday." He was happy his sister was staying with them but he wasn't happy at all to send his wife to her mom's place after her baby shower which was next month. "Mukkund was fine leaving his pregnant wife here but I am not. I want my pregnant wife to be with me all the time. You know I can't stay away from you two."

"Rishab..."

"Please, Madhu..."

"You can come and stay with me..."

"Madhu, you do know your mom's place is not two streets away now. They have shifted to a place far away from our home and my office." After Sikky and Trishna got married couple of months ago, they had temporarily moved to a flat as they decided to demolish and reconstruct their house with modern amenities.

"Maa will feel bad..."

"Madhu, I will talk to maa and convince her..."

"Rishab, we will discuss about this later."

"Alright. Is he moving?"

"Yes" she took his hand and placed it over her belly.

"Wow! It amazes me every single time, Madhu" he said enjoying their baby's kick.

"I know right" she grinned.

--0--

Couple of days later, Rishab and Madhu were sleeping when someone banged at the door.

"Who is that?" Madhu asked as she struggled to sit up.

"I will see" Rishab went and opened the door. "Mom?"

"Dipali is in labor. We have to take her to the doctor."

"But she is not due yet..."

"Babies don't come as planned, Rishu."

"Right" He rushed to Dipali's room. Radha and Madhu followed him.

"Hey, Dips..."

"Bhai..." She cried in pain as she moved out of her father's embrace to her brother.

"You are alright, baby. You are alright. We will take you to the doctor." Rishab scooped his sister up in his arms and rushed her to the car.

"Somebody call Mukkund. I need him." Dipali yelled.

"I am trying but he is not answering. He must be fast asleep." Mohan informed. Dipali groaned.

"Madhu, you don't worry. Just go to our room and sleep. I will come back soon." Rishab said worrying for his wife as she looked pale witnessing Dipali's labor pain.

"You will be fine, Dipali." Madhu said before Rishab drove off the car to the hospital.

As soon as admitting Dipali in the hospital, Rishab came back home to be with his wife.

She was pacing around the room when he stepped in. "I told you to sleep, Madhu"

"What are you doing here?"

"Mukkund is on his way. He will take care of things there. Besides mom and dad are also there."

"Still you shouldn't have come. You should have stayed till she gave birth."

"We don't know how long will it take"

"But Rishab..."

"Madhu..." He walked to her and took her in his arms. "You know I worry for you, right?"

"I am fine, Rishab"

"No, you are so stressed and worried." He said placing a hand over her tummy where their baby was violently moving around. "Hey, little one, calm down. You still have time to see us. Till then enjoy your stay in mommy's womb" he cooed to his baby.

"Labor pain scares me" she admitted.

"Then opt for caesarean"

"No"

"Okay."

"Rishab..."

"Hmm?"

"I want to be with you."

"I am with you only"

"No, I mean... I don't want to go to maa's place for delivery." Today Dipali was screaming for her husband but he wasn't by her side and she didn't want the same to happen to her as well. "I feel so calm when you are around me."

Smiling, Rishab kissed her forehead. "Thank you"

Two hours later, they got a call from Radha announcing that Dipali had given birth to a beautiful baby boy.

--0--

One and half months later,

"Today, my heart feels so full, Mohan" Radha said with happy tears. "My daughter is having a son and my son is having a daughter. How lovely is that?"

"Hope your other daughter will have twins" Sikky said winking at his wife. Trishna blushed.

"Aww... She looks so pretty" Padmini  gushed holding her cute little grand daughter.

"Bhai, she is your replica." Dipali said caressing the little one's soft hand.

"Our son looks like you! Their daughter looks like your brother! Then what about me and my sister? Aren't we one of the creates too?" Mukkund asked as if he was offended. Dipali showed her tongue teasing him.

Madhu watched their banter with a tired smile and Rishab sat beside her bed holding her hand tightly. He hadn't recovered yet from the shock that their little miracle was finally here. Madhu's fourteen long hours of labor, her screaming and crying were still ringing in his ears.

Feeling his body shake, Madhu looked at him in concern. "I am alright" she whispered.

"Oh Madhu" he leaned his head on the bed and muffled his sob. "I thought I almost lost you."

"You are just exaggerating. It wasn't that bad."

"Oh really?"

Madhu nodded with a reassuring smile.

"You are just acting brave." He countered.

"Whatever! All the pain is worth it in end. Don't you agree?" She asked. He looked at their daughter who was still in her grandmother's hand and nodded his head in agreement.

Someone burst open the door and they all turned toward the sound. Well, it was Sultan.

"I told you not to marry him!" Sultan said in fake anger.

Madhu smiled. He was always saying that. Funny guy!

"See, even his baby is so adamant like him. Took hours to come out!"

Madhu chuckled.

"Such trouble maker he is!"

"She" Rishab correct him.

"She? The nurse was saying it was cute baby boy."

"She would have meant Shravan" Rishab said pointing at Dipali's son.

"Oh. So it's a baby girl?" Sultan confirmed again.

"Yes"

"Then not arrogant as you!"

Rishab rolled his eyes.

Sultan moved toward the baby to take a close look. "Aww... She is such a sweetheart like my sister."

"A moment ago you called her a trouble maker!" Rishab pointed out.

"Um... No! She was so patient like her mommy. She wasn't rushing things like her daddy." he changed his stances.

Everyone laughed at him.

A while later, when it was time for the baby's feed, Padmini gave the baby to Madhu and they all left the room giving them privacy.

Rishab watched their baby suckle from her mother's teat with adoration.

"She is so beautiful" Madhu said as her eyes blurred with happy tears.

"Just like her mommy" Rishab commented back. Madhu blushed.

"Rishab, I love you"

"I love you, Madhu"

Their baby let out a cry seeking attention.

Chuckling, they said in unison. "We love you too, baby. We love you. Please don't cry" Madhu rocked her baby girl in her arms calming her down.

"Shall we name her?" Rishab asked.

"Yes" they had already decided a boy baby name and a girl baby name. They were just waiting for the gender reveal.

At once, they called their baby girl by her name "Ahana"

Ahana opened her beautiful doe eyes and looked at her parents.

"Our beautiful Ahana. Our little world." Rishab said and kissed the little one's cheek. Madhu kissed Rishab's cheek.

___THE END___

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