Anjali

It was such a calm and serene drive amidst chaos. I loved being back in chaos of Mumbai, the busy streets and the constant honking of bikes, auto's, tempo's , cars , buses and trucks was seemingly irritating at times but today after days and days of beach silence, I was loving it all. We drove past Marine Drive when the city was nearing sunset and the picture was excellent.

I was somewhere close to Marine Drive this past weekend and took this scene in :) 

********

I was dumbfounded. Shiv had parked the car outside a creepy looking car garage in an alleyway I would never set foot in. I genuinely thought there was something wrong with Shiv's car which is why he had bought it here. Although, I was still confused because what kind of surprise was this. Needless to say, my heart was pounding against my chest. A young man in his twenties I suppose came by wearing overall suit that mechanics wear. His hands were dirty with oiling grease and I moved an inch closer to standing beside Shiv, my husband.

Shiv and the man greeted each other while I tried to assess the situation. What were we doing in a car garage? 

"This garage is owned by Papa's friend and his son, Mr. SaiKrishna. Here, this is Sai. They actually have a lot of empty space in their backyard and this place is close to us. I was thinking you can learn driving here. I will teach you. What do you say? This place is close to your workplace and close to me too. We can come here after work or basically anytime that is suitable basically."

Sai spoke up, "Shiv Bhai, I also have a learners car which I just serviced up. The car has the foot controls on both driver side and passenger. So really, whatever you and Bhabhi are comfortable with."  

"Shiv ye sab kya hai?." I turned to question Shiv and I saw Sai moving away with a quick "I'll be around." to give us privacy to talk.

Shiv, what is all of this?

His chubby face lit up as he spoke, "You didn't get it yet, did you? Remember, I said I will teach you driving and that this will be the project together for us after we return from Mauritius?"  

Was it even possible to feel butterflies at this time? I could feel flurries in my heart when he reminded of the moment he had said he would teach me driving on our wedding night. 

"Aap ne kaha tha ki aap ko driving sikhni thi lekin mauka hi nahi mila. I think you should definitely learn driving, it will make you independent. I mean, I will be at your service always but it's good to learn to drive. I also think it is a good bonding exercise and will give us some committed time with each other as we settle back in our routine."

You'd said that you wanted to learn driving but never got the opportunity.

He does say things which I have said before.It is absolutely necessary to spend quality time to form a good bonding and I wanted to have the strongest bond with Shiv. I internally smiled, I  love you, Shiv!

I nodded at Shiv, "Shiv, Thank you! This honestly makes me very happy. I wasn't expecting this as a surprise. But, can we come here on weekends? Also, I am nervous about the driving lessons." I didn't say but I would eventually need to get cooking for dinner and weekday lessons would mean somebody else is cooking dinner. 

"We can certainly come on weekends if that is more comfortable. Now, get on the driver seat and I will take a picture."

I resisted much but Shiv grabbed my wrist and practically ordered me to sit on the drivers seat so that he could take a decent picture. 

Shiv said his byes to Sai, the owner of the garage and let him know our plans. We then headed out of the narrow alleyway. We had to eventually drive back to Shiv's home or rather my new home because Dadi said I cannot leave without gifts and sweets that she had already arranged for my parents. 

*********

Shivani

Jai and I were happily watching a show on Netflix this Sunday lazy afternoon. Riya was at her friends birthday party in the next apartment building. My feet were in Jai's lap as we sat on each end of the sofa. Jai was carefully massaging my feet with lavender oil and occasionally eating roasted 'Makhane/FoxNuts' which were a healthy alternative to popcorn. 

With Riya, our screen time and content was massively filtered as we couldn't watch most digital content due to maturity and sensitive nature of these shows. After dropping Riya at the birthday party, Jai and I decided to 'netflix and chill' as the new generation calls it.  Well, our kind of chilling was actually just sitting back and watching TV because routine life was getting more and more busier in these recent days.

Riya and I were catching up on her studies as her mid year term exams were nearing while Jai was engrossed in his work life with his brother. Both the brothers had been touring a lot recently in search of skilled artisans that make top of the class designs on fabric that can be used as bed covers, curtains, sheets in general and women's dresses. The problem wasn't lack of availability but the problem was most artisans were employed with big industries with a long term contract on meagre pay. 

I always loved the kind of charmer Jai was but I absolutely loved that he worked on making sure these artisans always received their fair share and credit. We were blessed with everything and the more I thought about it, the blessings of artisans and their families always ensured that we had everything in our lives. Jai and Ajay were into direct retail with their customers being elite companies that would rebrand the same product and sell it for higher price. 

The show that we were watching suddenly had a sing sequence come up which was very normal for desi tv dramas or web series and I chuckled looking at Jai. Jai chuckled back and said, "Among all the gambling and murder, there is a dreamy love sequence." 

"Without love sequence, desi dramas are not complete."  I shot back. 

"May be, because they also want audience to start some romance for the duration of the sequence?" He winked at me. 

Within no time, Jai was over me on the couch carefully putting down my feet on the sofa and resting his hands beside my head, "Do we have that kind of time?" 

I smiled at him, "Let me check. What is the time now?" I turned to look at the wall clock meanwhile Jai was already kissing the weakest spot on my neck. 

"Jai!" I practically moaned already.

"Yes?" 

"We don't have that kind of time. We have to pick up Tashvi and Riya both." 

He suddenly sat up straight and looked at me, "Tell me one thing - Isn't Tashvi the same age as our Riya?"

I nodded in a yes, "Tashvi is probably a couple months older than Riya but they are in same class. Why?"

"Tashvi looks so big now, as in almost like a young woman. Don't you think so?" Jai said scratching his receding hairline.

I smirked, "Your princess is also big girl now. It's Daddy's eyes that doesn't want to see her all grown up."

He suddenly looked all serious and grim.

"She is growing up, Jai. Almost about to hit puberty now. Your princess is about to become a young woman."

"Don't say that. She is only a baby. How can she be hitting puberty already?" 

I sat up straight too and caressed his arm. Romance gone away! Honestly, he looked so worried and this made me smile a little bit, "It's ok, it happens. Children grow up. Don't you want to see her all grown up and mature and independent?"

"I want to Shivi but I also want her to remain my baby who can just run upto me and sit in my lap and demand a new barbie doll or tell me to go and shave because my stubble hurts her when I kiss her."  

"Jai, you are simply over reacting, hon ! This happens with every daughters father. The girls grow up."

"Are we late in planning another baby? I want a little one." He said turning towards me. 

"Even that baby will grow up one day." I chuckled.

"Cheer up, let's just go out. Maybe, we can eat some ice cream in absence of Riya. She cannot eat ice creams until her exams are done."

"Ok. I am buying her a new toy though. I feel bad already and I cannot bear the guilt of eating ice cream leaving her."

"Ok, Riya's father. As you wish." 

********

Shiv

I had started thinking on the driving lessons the same time that I had made a promise to Anjali. I had asked Harshit to figure out if Sai's garage was available for practise/lessons before I left for our honeymoon. It was basically the same garage that my car went to when it needed any kind of repairs or for annual servicing. This morning Harshit had informed me that Sai's garage would be available and in fact evenings looked better go out them after they closed out to use the space for our driving lessons. It wasn't out of sympathy that I wanted Anjali to learn but out genuine interest, I thought she should learn to drive. 

Driving gives a person independence to do a lot of things and boosts self confidence too. This was something Jai Jeeja had told me. I had completed given up driving and would reject sitting in a car as a passenger for several days after that ill fated accident as I blamed myself for it. 

But, Jeeja had explained that life had to move on, I couldn't just stop driving and give up on life. If people gave up driving up like that, life would stop. Jeeja wasn't wrong and I came around in time. 

Anjali should know how to drive a car in case there is an emergency and waiting for another transport is not an option.

I had asked Pooja and Aniket to meet us directly at Anjali's parents apartment. Anjali was right now being hugged by both her parents after they welcomed us in. I was going to leave after just dropping Anjali but I knew I wouldn't be able to resist if they offered dinner. Little bit of time difference between Mauritius and Mumbai had made me all hungry already.

After a couple of brief minutes, Anjali's father took me in a warm hug too.
"Shiv beta, aapko yahan dekh kar bahot acha lag raha hai. Please feel yourself at home. My other daughter and son, Pooja and Aniket are staying for dinner along with our little munchkins here. Dinner is not grand but we insist you please leave only after dinner. Anjali's mother has made all of Anjali's favorite dishes so really that is the only con today. But, we can bring desert of your choice."

I chuckled, "I will definitely stay for dinner. I have come to know Anjali's likes and dislikes with food a little. Today is a good opportunity for me to learn directly from her mother and I will take full advantage of it. As for desert, Papa, I will not stay for long. Yahan se ghar tak ka zara lamba raasta hai. Kal se office bhi start karna hai." I looked for Anjali who was standing behind her mother with pure happiness radiating on her face. 

Mohini Ma spoke up, "Beta, come sit please. You have been standing. I will just be back with snack and serve dinner these two kids."  

"Anjali Maasi, where are our gifts?" Both Pooja's kids were squealing and jumping around her being children that they were! 

"Yes, I have chocolates for both of you." I forwarded the packet of chocolates to Anjali and she carefully distributed the packs of chocolates between the two. The packets were quickly taken from the children by their mother with the thought that they will get to eat after dinner. Everybody felt sympathy as the kids faces fell but their mother was after all right. There was no use of having chocolates before dinner.

Dinner was not a very grand affair but it was certainly a joyous affair with both parents, Aniket, Pooja with their kids running around. Anjali's favorite turned out to be aaloo tikki, paneer butter masala, kaddu ke kofte in curry, roti, dal fry, rice. Anjali had already mentioned to me that they did not eat non veg food and she had also cutely mentioned that she eats eggs for health reasons but she had no problem cooking non veg for me. 

I got up to wash my hands and was directed by Anjali to the washroom that was just outside Anjali's room. By now, I had understood the layout of this home - there were two bedrooms, one master bedroom with attached washroom that belonged to Anjali's parents and then another bedroom that was Anjali's. The washroom was not attached to the nedroom but was right outside so it was basically a common one for the entire home and then were was a small kitchen and a bigger living room with dining area sectioned in it. There was also a small patio that opened up from the living room which was home to a lot of varieties of plants. 

Anjali's parents were so happy to have her here while I had been constantly feeling the anxiety over separation already. I looked around for a hand towel to dry my wet hands but couldn't find any. Stupidly, I had also forgotten my handkerchief. 

Fortunately, Anjali just came by and stood by the door of the washroom asking if I needed anything, "I can't find anything to dry my hands, Is there a hand towel?"

Raising both her eyebrows, she spoke up "Oh , I will just get it. It'll be in my room."

She turned around and was basically in her room and I followed her. She handed out a clean towel to me and I dried my hands. My gaze move to the different photographs that I had seen when I was here during the 'Roka' ceremony. 

"Which one is you in this picture?" I asked handing out the towel back to her. The picture was basically of two girls in school uniform with braided plates holding out teddy bears each. "The left one is me. The other one is Pooja."

I chuckled, "Why are you two holding teddy bears like that?"

"It was a gift from Lata Aunty (Pooja's mother). Pooja had been ill and had skipped school for a week. Aunty gave us both teddy bears when Pooja resumed school as I had been feeling low going to school without her." Anjali had hung the towel on her chair and I assumed that was for time being. 

I then moved close to her and grabbed her hands in mine, "Do take care of yourself. Let me know if you need anything, ok?" 

She nodded her head and then looked at me, "You take care of yourself too, Shiv. You have barely slept last night. Please take good rest."

"I will." I then moved even closer to her and placed a kiss on her forehead while placing her palms on my belly. She was shocked as she stiffened but she didn't move away, "I would have kissed you better but the door is open."

"Shy Anjali is cute Anjali" Her gaze lowered, her cheeks pinks , she bobbed her head one more time. 

We both stepped into living room and I announced that I was ready to leave without any further delay. I was happy I had gotten a chance to say bye to Anjali in private because everybody walked me to my car downstairs and was there until I had driven away. Anjali, I will come and get you soon !

*********

Anjali

"Chal na, bata bhi de ab. Both me and Aunty are eager to know." Pooja was nudging me along with Ma. I ha shown them some filtered pictured of me and Shiv from our honeymoon as they both had been annoying the hell out of me. 

"Beta, iss baat par bahot dil baitha ja raha hai. I wouldn't pry on this at all but you know why.Just say yes or no. Tum dono ke beech ab duriyaan to nahi hai na?"

I shook my head in a no and shyly smiled. I was immediately taken in a wam hug by my mother. "Bas beta. I just wanted to know this. He is good, right? He makes you happy?" I could feel Pooja's hand on my shoulder and hear her squeal in delight.

"Ma, I already told you. He is nice and takes care of me." I muttered. 

"Yes but you didn't tell me if he makes you happy. You are happy na?" I knew she was worried but this was getting awkward with question after question. 

"Yes Ma, he makes me happy. Please Ma, no more questions now. I am too tired and I will sleep now." I smiled as I responded feeling at peace at bottom of my heart.

My mother kissed my cheek lovingly. "Ok. I will bring in milk for you two. Go and change both of you. One last question Anjali, was he kissing you here in this room before he left?" I knew she was teasing me or perhaps she had seen something !? I immediately pulled away from her .

"Maa. I hate you! " I faked anger and she left giggling and made her way to the kitchen while me and Pooja went to my room. Arya was peacefully sleeping in the middle of the bed.

******** 

Pooja was talking to Aniket on the phone when I went in to change for the night. I changed into my old plain blue salwar kurta and felt very warm wearing it. Ahh, my comfortable space , other comfortable space is the correct thing to say.

As soon as I stepped out of the bathroom and made way to my bedroom, Pooja called out "So, tell me now. I want details, each detail in great detail. Umm, basically all details." She said sitting cross legged and speaking like an excited teenager. I saw Ma had already kept two glasses of warm milk on the night stand for me and Pooja. 

I tied my hair back in a bun and rolled my eyes at her, "Pooja, I am not giving out details. You got what you wanted. We did it and thats it."

"Anjali! this is not fair. You turn to me for advise. I remember you were even trying to ask me before wedding, what kind of weight you were to expect when he is on top of you. I need details for the piece of my mind. Now." She bossed me. 

"You are very bossy." I scrunched my nose in disgust. Then I just let out a sigh and sat down on the other side of the bed. Arya was sound asleep with no care on the world. I, however was now responsible to be Shiv's wife, be his companion and be his ardhangini.

ardhangini - wife in Hindu literature. better explained as adha ang or the half self that completes the couple.

"Kya hua, Anjali?" I heard Pooja's concerned voice. 

What happened, Anjali?

"Pooja.. He has experience. And a lot of it. I feel like I have no idea what I am doing."

She sighed, "Just be yourself, Anjali. Do what makes you happy. If you are happy just receiving it, then do that for now. Remember, it's all about pleasure. Be open to listening to him. From everything that I have heard, he seems to be a gentleman. I was also naive but then Ani and I  started talking after the birth of Arya. I have to say this, communication changed everything in our s*x life. "

I nodded at her and continued staring into my lap. A minute passed by silence which was then broken by the annoyed voice of Pooja.

"Oh come on, details Anjali? Did you wear the lingerie that we bought?" She asked with her voice almost trailing off worried at the last part. 

I nodded my head again. "He made it easier. I could have never managed it otherwise."

"Aww. That's awesome. I am so happy for you, Anjali. Which one, red or black?" Mischief was clearly visible in her eyes. I actually blushed looking at her but then immediately composed myself.

I stared at her in fake ager ad blinked my eyes, "Babe, I said details and I want details." She shot back. 

"Pooja, that's enough. Black one. And no more questions!" 

"What? Why? I didn't stay the night for nothing. Tell me some juicy details. Please, like really puuuhleaaaasssseee."

"Ok. Stop your drama. You will get one last detail. He got the room decorated the room for it, umm for the evening I mean. I felt special you know. I have never felt that way before. He handled it all so well.It was making me nervous but he...He is a gem, Pooja."

"Anjali, I am so so proud of you for taking this second chance and give yourself credit for allowing him to make you feel better and to make you feel special. You must have been rendered in seventh heaven by him. No?" She giggled and I eyed her pointedly and then moved my gaze over to Arya to make sure she was really sleeping. 

I stroked her head lovingly, "I have to say this, you and Aniket Jiju made very cute kids by doing it, you know. I just hope this innocence on her face is never lost when this angel grows up."

"Hmmm"

"Pooja, we haven't spoken anything about starting a family yet. I do want a baby and..." My voice trailed off.

"And communication is important for that as well, Anjali. Look, you know and understand your relationship with Shiv more than I do. So you best know how and when to bring this up as well. You two have to announce and understand and support your insecurities and your needs too."

I nodded and closed my eyes for a little bit. 

"Hmmm. Yaar, you are not giving me juicy details. Did you take his name and did he take yours?"

"Pooja, shut up!" I was about to throw my pillow at her when my phone rang. I quickly turned around and felt myself warm up. It was Shiv calling me. 

Pooja saw the caller name and started singing"Mujhe neend na aaye, mujhe chain na aaye...." I finally threw the pillow at her carefully without harming sleeping Arya which silenced her. 

Mujhe neend na aaye, mujhe chain na aaye - basically a romance bollywood number where the girl is saying she cannot sleep or feel content without her lover.

Receiving the call, I went towards the living room to speak to my husband in solitude. 

"Hello Anjali." 

"Ji, Shiv."

"So gayi thi kya? Disturb to nahi kiya aapko?"

"No no. I was still awake. I was talking with Ma and Pooja. Ma just went to sleep and Pooja and Arya are staying the night so they are sleeping in my room."

"Oh wow! Yaar main to akela ho gaya hun. Bistar me akele hi baitha hun. Jaldi aa jao na. Do raatein akele kaise kaatunga main." I could imagine him resting on the headrest with one hand behind his head. My thoughts started running wild as I imagined running my hand over his soft belly while resting on his chest."

I feel alone. I am sitting all by myself on the bed. Come soon. How am I going to spend two nights alone ?

"Anjali, line pe hi ho ya phone kat ho gaya hai?" I could feel the concern in his voice which brought me back from my wild thoughts. Oh God, periods made me a little funny it seems. 

Anjali, are you still on the phone or has the call disconnected

"Ji, sorry. I am here."

"Don't worry, I understand the tradition and I have already seen the excitement on Ma and Papa's faces when I came to drop you. I was talking to Shivi and Jai Jeeja. It was a video call and Riya joined as well. We initially thought of adding you but then we thought you should spend time there. Everybody was asking for your well being and I miss you, like a lot." 

I giggled on the phone even as I was playing with the edge of my kurta, "Umm I miss you as well." I said that very fast. "I will talk to Di and Jeeja or maybe when I am back we can talk together. Did you tell Riya about her gifts?"

"Yes. She is already excited. But wait, you said you miss me. That's progress! I didn't think you will say it back." He chuckled on the phone and I just wanted to melt in a puddle with shyness.

He then spoke again,"Ok, Are you all set for resuming work tomorrow? Office kaise jaogi? Shall I drop you off?"  My heart all warmed up hearing his questions. Someone was going to be there for me, isn't that all that I wanted?

"Ji. I will take a cab. This house is in completely opposite direction from you and then my office is in middle and besides the traffic will be too much." I said concerned.  

"Ok, that's fair. But let me know, if you need anything. " 

We spoke a little bit more before wishing each other good night. I went straight up to my room from the living room and saw Pooja and Arya sleeping with the latter looking exactly like a carbon copy of the former with the only difference being Arya's slightly small face when compared to Pooja.

I smiled and sat on the bed and then switched off the lights. Pulling the light bedcover over me since this was Mumbai warm weather, I lay on the bed waiting for sleep to take over. I suddenly missed the warmth of my husbands being on the same bed. His scent, his particular way of throwing his arms around me and the way he slept with his face stuck to the pillow on one side. I smirked and closed my eyes

********

How did you like Shiv's surprise? 

A lighter chapter ! 

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