Shiv

I put the phone away after talking to Anjali and grabbed the packet that Harshit had handed me after I came home from Anjali's parents home. The wedding photographer had dropped off a few copies before the big 'digital launch' according to him. I took out all the pictures and silently began gazing at them. AN-JA-LI! Anjali ! My pretty pretty bride! 

She was laughing whole heartedly in one picture. I imagined she was either with Pooja or her kids. It was a candid shot from her mehendi and she looked absolutely beautiful. I put the photo aside and flipped through the others. There was another candid shot of me and Anjali where she was carefully was putting the ring on my finger but I was not looking at the finger but I was fondly gazing at her. I chuckled, it was a great shot! I was sure this picture was going to be the talk of me and Anjali in all the years to come. 

I put this picture aside as well and flipped through the remaining. There was another very formal shot of me and Anjali along with our close family and then one just of me and Anjali sitting on the throne like sofa. I really looked big and so it was time to return to gym. Overall, the pictures were lovely! We had been Shiv and Anjali then and now were together just like the henna design on her hands - ShivAnjali. 

She was sweet, simple, innocent and most importantly, she had trusted me. Trusted me to heal her wounds and stepped into my world with the promise of being my companion. Consummating with her was not a problem, it came naturally but I was slowly getting worried for the feeling of 'love'. May be because, to me love had only meant one person or my definition of love was one person. I felt for Anjali, I felt like protecting her with all my might and I felt like making sure she was happy. I even felt like she had every right over me as a wife. But, I didn't feel 'love' yet. Maybe, my definition of love had to be changed.

Involuntarily, I let out a huge sigh and thought to myself that whatever the case be, I was going to give this my one hundred percent. Anjali is my wife, my companion and I am her husband. Love was bound to happen.  

I then walked over to Harshit's room and found him buried in some papers on his table with him occasionally scratching his jaw. "Little brother, when are you going to gym tomorrow?" 

He looked up at me and chuckled, "So honeymoon made you realize that I am your little brother? " 

I rolled my eyes at him, "Oh shut up! What is with these new clothes and new avatar of yours for the night? I got married and it seems you went shopping! " He had clearly been wearing new PJs with a new shirt. He always wore shorts that ended up at his knees. 

"Papa and I both bought new PJs and night shirts. We realized some of our clothes were not decent enough for us to be infront of Bhabhi, well mine to be precise. Anyways, I will be leaving at 6:30 AM sharp for gym tomorrow morning. Will you join?" 

I nodded at the maturity of my brother. My mind although went back to thinking once more about Anjali and about the morning when she had seen me shirtless and had been all shy! I smiled, "I will come with you. I also need to catch up on everything that I missed out at work with you."  

"Sure, Bhai." 

********

My whole body felt sore after the gym session. A break of almost 3 weeks meant I was worse than before in every activity from warm up to core exercise. My limbs hurt while Harshit kept talking about how some of the deliveries were missed and some were delayed because of incessant rains for two days in Mumbai. 

Return to office after the break was also overwhelming. Nearly everybody had met me one by one and congratulated on my wedding and everyone had also requested to meet Bhabhi ji soon. That's when my gaze flickered to my phone. I had sent Anjali a good luck message in the morning and requested her to call me when she got a chance. 

You:
Good morning, Anjali - Hope you slept well! 
Good luck on returning to work! 
Call me when you get a chance. 

Anjali:

Good morning, Shiv. I am about to reach office.
Took a taxi here. I will call you as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Shiv, hope your return to office is smooth as well.

You:
Thank you, wife! Talk to you soon!

I chuckled looking at our text exchange. It was still a little formal. Hopefully, things will change one day. Just as I was about to put my phone down, it started ringing with the caller name displaying as 'Anjali'.

Swiping up the phone, I spoke,"Yes Anjali. I was just thinking about you. Are you all settled?" 

"Yes. I was running around trying to move everything over to my new workstation." She sounded exhausted already.

"Wait, why did you have to move to a new workstation? What happened to your old one?" That was really odd. 

She sighed and responded, "My company has this policy, workstations are not permanent. Since I was out on a long leave they assigned the workstation to a new joiner who technically filled my position as a temporary worker.He is ending up as a permanent employee now and he will continue to be on that workstation."

"That sounds odd. I hope you like your new workstation though." 

"It is ok. I liked the old one better. Shiv, I have a question for you." She was hesitating for some reason.

"Go ahead, ask." 

Slowly she asked me, "Ji, wo aapke ghar ka pin code 59 aata hai ya phir 60? I actually am filing for change of address so that the transport can pick me up from the new location." 

Does your home have pincode ending in 59 or 60?

I frowned, "Anjali, wo aapka bhi ghar hai ab. It's 60." My voice was a little more stern than I anticipated. 

Anjali, that is your home too.

"Ji, sorry. Wo aadat nahi hai ab isliye. I will take care in future." Now, she sounded all apologetic and probably close to tearing up.

I am not yet habituated which is why I said that.

"Anjali, I want you to feel safe and home with me. Ok? I understand so don't worry too much. Listen, don't worry too much about transport as well. Your office is closer now. I can drop you and later you can drive by yourself too." I let out a sigh. It was difficult gauging expressions over phone. 

"Ji, ok. Shiv aap abhi office me hain?" 

Shiv, are you in office?

"Haan, just trying to get back into schedule. I started gym today morning. So my body hurts a lot."

"Ji, take it a little easy if possible today." She was starting to sound like a wife now. 

I chuckled, "Ok madam, Take care and let me know if you need anything. Ok?" 

"Ji. You too take care." 

Smilingly, I put the phone down and began looking through the pending orders on my laptop. 

********

Anjali

I was helping Ma in the kitchen after returning home from work. I had actually come home earlier than regular schedule second day in a row now since I was still 'ramping - up' with the team again. 

I was simply stirring the cooking pot while Ma was deep frying home made 'samosas' in a fry pan. Shiv was going to come around 7:30 pm and eat dinner with us and then both of us were going to Shiv's home - no, our home. I really hoped Shiv wasn't very upset with me. I had asked him the pin code and accidentally mentioned his home and not our home. 

"Anjali, beta - you look lost and worried. Is everything alright?" My mothers voice bought me back to rolling the roti. 

I smiled at her, I wasn't going to tell her about my small worries, "No Ma. It's nothing. Just feeling tired."

She slowed down the flame of the cooktop and gave me a warm smile, "Beta, I know how you must be feeling. Everything will take it's own due course of time. Shiv and you are still in the understanding each other phase."

I couldn't stop thinking about it and probably thats why I let it out to my mother. "Ma, choti choti baaton par dil ghabrata hai. Dar lagta hai ki kuch galat to nahi kar rahi hun."

I get scared at the littlest of things. I feel worried that I might be doing something wrong.

"Na, meri gudiya. Try and forget the past. Shiv is a nice man. Didn't you say so? Give your relationship time, the bond will strengthen and then leave everything to Mata Rani. Mata Rani has bought Shiv to you so She will find a way through these times too."

No, my child.

Nodding, I silently prayed for all of this to be true. My mother hugged me and kissed me on my cheeks. 

Earlier in the day, I had managed to convince Papa in presence of Ma to let me continue to pay atleast electricity bill, landline bills and mobile bills. They were not ready to accept a monthly deposit or cash but they finally agreed to me paying online bills. Apart from this as well, there were numerous other things that a household needs but I decided to wait it out for some time. 

We heard a voice from living room so we both turned down both the flames of cooktop and immediately hurried to the living room. Shiv was standing there in a maroon formal shirt matched with black formal pants. My heart definitely skipped a beat knowing that its owner was this close after two full days. Seeing him after 2 days had suddenly bought back all the emotions and felt my heartbeats rise.  

He had a box hanging down the plastic bag in one hand and something wrapped in newspaper in the other hand. 

My father greeted him and welcomed him in. He then walked over to my mother and gave her a hug while also handing her the plastic bag first, "Ma, this is ice cream. I got the butter scotch flavor you asked for." My mother nodded while I stood there behind her curiously looking at the two. 

"Shiv beta had called earlier in the day asking which ice cream does Papa like so he will get that." My mother then looked at my father, "He emotionally blackmailed me into telling him that butter scotch was your favorite from that 'Natwarlal's shop'."  

Both my parents smiled at him. I couldn't be more happier and naturally I found my eyes getting moist at the sight infront of me. All my fears and worries had escaped in the moment. He genuinely cared for my parents.    

He was now looking at me even as I tried to discreetly wipe my unshed tears. He gave me the warmest smile and then handed my mother the package that was wrapped in newspaper.  Shiv then unwrapped the package and pulled out a single red rose and presented it to my mother, "Ma, this is for you. You said to not get anything for you. So, I just got something small. My mother used to love roses and Anjali tells me Papa would buy you roses and gajray occasionally." 

My mothers cheeks colored up and she smiled at her son in law. I was pretty sure my dad was getting emotional too. 

"Ma, there are gajray in this. Shall we hand this over to Anjali to cheer her up now?" He was one harm hugging my mother while asking her very respectfully. I dropped my gaze and wanted to disappear as I blushed profusely realizing his little gesture was directed at me. 

My father lovingly pat his back, "Beta, please go ahead. You can hand it over to yourself."

Shiv then walked over to me and placed the package in my hands while both my parents looked lovingly at us. I could hear my heart thudding against my chest as our fingers brushed intentionally. My mother whisked me inside my room saving me from further embarrassment under the pretext of fixing the gajray in my hair.  

I was happy for the fact that he didn't expect me to be bold and accept his gesture by letting him fix it himself in my hair and he actually respected my parents by seeking their permission. 

********

Shiv

After a scrumptious homemade dinner, I was driving us home. Anjali's father had given me a packet of orange candies and a box of cream rolls. He said Anjali's mood could be uplifted any day with the candies from local shop and cream rolls from the near by bakery that apparently she ate out from since childhood.

A/N - I think I mentioned this before but wanted to share a picture of the orange candies here. They are yum! 

I smiled looking at Anjali who was looking outside the window from the passenger seat of the car. She was ever so loved by her parents who had probably raised their daughter as a princess of their house.  I had thanked her father several times for sharing candies and cream rolls with me. I had the right by marriage by having the right by her parents meant everything in that moment. 

********

After reaching home, we spent sometime with Dadi, Papa and Harshit. They wanted to know about Anjali's parents well being and how everything in general felt after returning to work. 

Anjali was now changing into her night clothes while I put the orange candies in the bedside drawer. I pulled out the pictures that I had selected for Anjali to put them at the best place  in our bedroom. 

I handed out the stack of pictures to her when she stepped out, "Here, I like these ones on top and this is the other set. These came from the wedding photographer before the digital launch. I don't understand what that means." I chuckled. 

She took the pictures from me and saw through a couple one's before opening and then closing her mouth like a fish. I smirked, "Anjali! What is it ? Did you not like a particular picture?"

"Ji, it's not that. These are nice." She replied with sincerity. 

I stepped closer to her and closed any gap between us. "I want you to put them in this room where you think will be the best. Also, shall we go shopping and decorate this rather plain bedroom together?" 

I sensed her getting tensed up and oh boy ! Did I touch a wrong nerve there? did I remind her of something ? She didn't say anything for a couple of seconds so I asked her again, "Kya hua Anjali? Bolo"

What happened, Anjali ?  Say something.

"Ji, I will arrange them and yes, we can go shopping together." She responded but it didn't seem right. Why wasn't she excited to see her pictures, she looked lovely. 

I took the photos from her and put them on the bed and then grabbed her hands, "Do you need a hug?" 

She didn't respond but I pulled her in my arms and let out a sigh, "You are with me. Do you feel ok now?" 

I felt her bobbing her head on my shoulder and we stood in each others embrace for a little while. The silence was broken when she asked me meekly, "Ji, are you angry with me for not calling this our home but your home?"

It took me a minute to realize what she was referring to and I pulled out of the hug and shook my head looking at her, "No Anjali! I am sorry my voice was a bit stern. Did I scare you?" 

She shook her head, "No, it was lingering on my mind. Please let me know if I upset you."

I smiled and cupped her face and then kissed her forehead, "I will make sure to tell you very gently. You should too."

Finally, she smiled at me and I noticed her hands on my belly. I smirked looking at her hands and she immediately took them away, "Now, can I make a request?" 

"Ji, tell me." 

This time I leaned closer to her and muttered in her ears, "Can you wear that sari again sometime?" (the honeymoon one) 

I clearly noticed her pretty blush as she lowered her gaze and nodded her head. I chuckled and leaned in to press my lips against her. She responded to my kiss with the same level of passion and need. 

I guided us to the bed anticipating intimacy assuming that she was off her period now. Soon, she was laying on the bed and I was towering her. I bent to kiss her earlobes and her neckline when I immediately winced as I felt the muscle pull from the gym earlier in the day. Anjali looked at me with concern to which I responded, "My muscles are still sore from restarting all the core exercises in the gym." 

To my absolute surprise, she giggled. Seeing her all relaxed and giggling, I joined in on the giggle too and lay beside her instead. "Take it easy, Shiv. Will you go to the gym tomorrow morning?"   

"No, I am thinking I will skip it tomorrow. But we need to talk about what time will work best for you and me both." 

She turned towards me and smiled. "I will help you." She then touched the tip of my nose with her finger and smiled wider. I brought her closer to me but then I turned and shut off the lights leaving the night lamp on. I then turned again and then moved so close to her that our bodies were touching, "Does this feel home for you?"

In the dim light, she nodded her head and kissed my cheek.I was sideways but then I lay on back "Wow. I need one on the other cheek too." She positioned herself on her elbows and left a soft kiss on my other cheek too. 

We didn't engage in the full act due to the soreness in my muscles but we sure kissed and cuddled a lot in the dim light. 

********

Anjali

How had I become so bold! May be it was all because I had been thinking about if Shiv was angry with me or if I had upset him and how do I make it up to him. I was peppering kisses on his face. 

I finally lay in his arms with his body spooning mine and I slowly felt him drift into sleep.  

When Shiv had asked me to put the photos as per my liking or when he mentioned about shopping, I was suddenly reminded of how Manish had yelled at me when I had put wedding pictures in that room few days after our marriage. I didn't want to talk about him or let Shiv know what was bothering me so I was actually glad he took me in his arms without a question.

Shiv had started providing comfort to me even before our marriage - his voice had soothed me and now his hugs and his constant care for me was not unknown but there had been a lingering feeling that what if I upset him, how do I understand him if I am doing something wrong. I let out a sigh and put my hand over Shiv's arm that was rounded along my waist and tried to sleep. 

"You are with me." His voice reverberated in my ears and I managed to finally fall in dreamless sleep. 

********

Shivani

"Your princess is asleep." I told Jai who just stepped out of washroom while stroking my little girls forehead. 

He chuckled, "Already? There are only 20 minutes more to midnight."  

"She must be tired besides it's a school night. Both father - daughter duo were so excited about fathers birthday that you didn't listen to me. Now, she will regret and scold me in the morning that she couldn't get to wish her father first."  Riya had remained awake with me and Jai in our bedroom. It was Jai's birthday tomorrow and Riya wanted to wish him first this year even before her mumma. But the little girl had fallen asleep after the school day and homework and play time. 

Jai sat down on the other side of the bed with Riya between us. "I will tell her I didn't accept your wish and that she gets to wish me first." It was adorable seeing Riya and Jai's bond and made me miss my own father at times. 

"So, turning 42 Jai, how does it feel?" I asked him.

He smirked and then rested on the headboard, "Honestly, old! I feel very old.It's a big number." 

"Hmmm." He had definitely aged since the time we married. Infact, after our marriage we had celebrated his 30th birthday and I remember being terrified because his friends had thrown him a dirty thirty bash.

That Jai had matured from being a young man to being my best friend and companion and then to being Riya's father. 

"Wise I would say, Jai. You have turned wise." I said looking at him. 

"Yeah, one could say that. You contribute to me turning wise." He smiled at me. 

"Are you implying that I imparted some wisdom. Wow! I sure am a good wife." I said naughtily. 

He gave me a cheeky smile, "Ok go on, take credit! But I won't deny that I feel absolutely at peace this birthday. I have everything a man can possibly need in life. Loving and supporting parents, a smart and lovely wife and then my gorgeous and cute little princess." 

And then my phone beeped indicating it was midnight, "Happy birthday, husband!" I leaned forward being careful about not hurting Riya. I also made sure she was really asleep and then gave in to kiss Jai. As much as it was, we weren't comfortable with liplocks in presence of our daughter. Jai and I had definitely stolen cheek kisses infront of her though. 

"Thank you. If Riya is sleeping, she can sleep in her room right? I mean we can get some our time.." Jai asked with a naughty smile. 

I smacked his arm, "No, she wanted to wish her Papa happy birthday. Don't drop her in her room now. She will be upset." 

Jai then kissed Riya's forehead, "Papa's favorite wish is awaited." 

I had only bought a shirt for Jai which I was going to give him tomorrow. With years, we had definitely slowed down on materialistic gifts for each other. It felt right, our bond had become strong. We no longer needed gifts to express ourselves but our presence for each other was everything.

His phone buzzed indicating incoming birthday wishes from family and close friends alike. 

"Shiv sent a text as well wishing me on his and Anjali's behalf. He writes he will call tomorrow with rest of family." He said looking at me.

I nodded and let him respond before turning off the lights for the night. 

********

Shiv

Anjali had moved in her sleep. She was however sleeping soundly and nothing was out of ordinary. I glanced sideways at my phone, it was nearly 3AM.  

Just as I was about to turn back to sleep, my phone buzzed. Since I was up, I swiped to read the incoming message. It was an international number that I did not recognize. However, I recognized the country code, it was +33 meaning it belonged to France. France meant it was coming from Shikha !?

My heart started beating faster as I further read the message. 

+ 33 XXX XXX XXXX:
Shiv, Congratulations on your wedding! I just found out.
I hope you are happy and have moved on truly!
- Shikha.  

I was fully awake now. My marriage news had reached her from someone other than me. I had feared this before even marrying Anjali. I didn't know how to feel. We did have a lot of mutual acquaintances since we attended the same college and then we had been married for a long time before everything fell apart. 

Somebody had let her know! I glanced at Anjali who was soundly sleeping. Shikha was a closed chapter. I didn't want to respond, not initially. 

Sleep was not in sight. I sat up on the bed and ran my hand over my head. I had to tell Anjali about this. I didn't want any further misunderstandings or anything else to brew on. I would tell her when she woke up or rather just show the message. If Anjali supported, I would respond a thank you. I had intended to block Shikha's number. Shikha wanted separation, she wanted us to move on.  

Why was she messaging me ? that too at odd hour? If it was 3AM here, it would probably still be late in night for her. I hope she is ok ! 

Wait, was Harshit still in touch with Shikha? They had shared a good bond too. But Harshit was so mature, I don't think he would have done anything like this. 

Why was this happening to me? I felt for Anjali - she is my wife after all but why was I feeling even anything with this message. I did not want a repeat of honeymoon episode ever. I was really really trying and I wanted this - I wanted Anjali. 

Anjali had to know! I will tell Anjali.  

***********

Is Shiv right in letting Anjali know immediately about Shikha's message ?

What will Anjali's reaction be ? 

Thoughts ?

Do Vote and Share! 

************

Time for my own Khiyali Pulao :D 

I wrote this when I was writing honeymoon chapters for motivation but I didn't know where this fit. But, pasting it here instead for some fun. Do let me know how you find it?

Honeymoon in Mauritius.

Anjali woke up before Shiv. Their honeymoon suite opened up to the beautiful and magnificent sea with the option of diving right in from the room. Anjali was extremely happy after the hot encounter with Shiv last night. Shiv had given her a couple good orgasms. She tied the hotel provided bathrobe and headed to sit on the lounge chair next to where you could dive in. She wasn't wearing anything beneath the robe. Shiv loved sleeping cuddling with her with nothing on. She was soaking in the morning sun, when Shiv walked upto her in another bath robe too. He leaned on the lounge chair, "Good morning ! my lady is already up!" , she scooted a little to give him space, "Good morning, I just wanted some morning sun".Saying so, she saw the hunger in his eyes. She immediately found herself engulfed by him. He had already undone the knot on her bathrobe. He dipped his face in between those absolutely gorgeous and full orbs. He opened his own bath robe and pushed his lower region to touch hers. "I am your morning and evening sun on honeymoon, honey!" She was already dripping wet for him. "Shiv, this is too open. As in, we are in vicinity of birds, sea and its too much light."

"Hmmm. I can carry you but given how wet you are, I am growing hard. Want to see, how hard?" Kissing her deeply, he thrust himself deep within her and the both made love on a lounge chair in broad daylight. 

After their encounter one more time, Shiv carried Anjali to the open jacuzzi which was already bubbling with warm water and placed her in it. Joining in with her, he made her sit between her legs and let themselves soak in new found love and warmth of the water.

********