Shiv

"Ji, I know it is button start. But, don't you see there?" She pointed to the empty car park space infront of us and I wondered what she was trying to say. "There is a pigeon right there nibbling onto something."

I laughed out loud this time, "Anjali! It's a pigeon, it will fly when it will sense a car is approaching and it is very far from you."

She looked at me with tears brimming in my eyes. "Oh My God! Anjali, I am sorry. I didn't mean to laugh like that..."

I immediately took off the seat belt and got my handkerchief out from my pant pocket and gave it to her. "Look look, I am really sorry. I shouldn't have laughed like that."

She took the handkerchief but before she could dab it on her face, tears had already made their way to her cheeks. She quickly buried her face in the handkerchief in her hands and sobbed, "I am just so silly but this scares me!" 

I leaned over and one armed hugged her, "No no. You are not silly, you are juts scared. It happens Anjali. When I taught Shivani to drive, she would go to the extent where she would not even slow down because she would have a brain freeze and then tell me to ask the roadside dog to move out of her way. Can you imagine? Come on, please stop crying, Anjali. "

She was sniffling now, "An-ja-li, I am here. Ok? There is no need to feel scared. Driving a car is very very easy. It's much easier than driving a two wheeler and much safer too. And if you do manage to run over a couple of cars, remember they are here for repairs." I chuckled hoping she would feel better and she did ! She giggled between her sniffs.  

"What if the cars are ready to get back to its owners?" She asked me with clearly visible tears tracks. 

I chuckled, "Sai keeps such cars locked in the garage."

I then saw in the side view mirror that Sai was approaching us. I straightened up and removed my arm from Anjali. "Come on, sssh now. Punjabi aadmi se shaadi hui hai aapki. Sherni wala andaaz hona chahiye aapka. Nothing will happen and the pigeon flew away." I pointed to the empty garage space.

You are married to a Punjabi now. You should have the attitude of a lioness.

Sai was standing by the car window my side, his hands clearly covered in oiling grease. "Shiv Bhai, any problem with the car? I can take a quick look." 

I smiled, "No, nothing like that. We were just getting started." 

Sai wished us good luck and headed back. A few minutes later, Anjali finally started the engine and slowly let go off the break after manually transmitting the gear to the first one. The car began inching ahead but the wife of mine hit on breaks instead of accelerator so we both jumped back in our seats even as the engine turned off. 

"See, good progress! I am proud of you!" I clapped with my hands. 
She blushed and then lowered her gaze. Staring into her own lap while her hands were at the steering wheel, she said shyly, "Shiv, aap bahot ache hain."

Shiv, you are very nice

"Acha ji, ye main jaanta hun. Waise, aap bhi bahot achi hain." 

Oh is it? I know that. Even you are very nice.

********

After a few more attempts, it was safe to say that Anjali was going to learn to drive eventually and that she would be a safe driver too. We were both headed to a store with modern light fittings to buy Anjali bedside reading lamp. She had managed to utter something only after I had basically driven her mad with all the nudging. 

We were waiting at the red lights when I noticed her staring at the small pani puri shop where atleast a dozen patrons had surrounded the vendor who was making pani puri's like it was the most delicious candy in the entire shop. 

"Pani puri pasand hai tumhe?" 

Do you like pani puri?

"Ji. This place is actually quite famous."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, this place is close to my office so my colleagues often come here for evening snack. I have heard from them that the pani puri is really nice and the bhaiyya has 4 different flavours."

"That's nice. Haven't you been there?"

"No. I am always in a hurry to get back home in evening when my team mates usually visit this place." I nodded. She had casually mentioned that she didn't intermingle much with any of her colleagues because it was difficult 

"Let's go now? I am hungry after the car driving lesson that I just took." I chuckled and neatly parked the car on the side and we both headed to the store. 

********

Anjali

Shiv held my hands as we crossed the road to go to the pani puri store. It was a small thing but it meant really big to me. Countless times, I had feared crossing a road and had clinged on to either my mother or father as a child. Then, as a teenager I often crossed roads with Pooja thinking that one day, there will be someone special who would willingly hold my hand and may be give that unnecessary support I will long for. 

I quickly wiped down the tear that had lined up in my eyes while Shiv was looking the other way. The pani puri was definitely delicious and I saw Shiv savoring every piece and carefully stuffing the whole puri in his mouth at once.

After we were done, Shiv handed our his handkerchief which again left me weirdly happy. These were small gestures but they made me feel like I was very cared and supported by my husband. Shiv might not know but these small gestures were actually 
"Shiv, I wanted to make a small request." I said after debating for a really really long time. 

"Yes, tell me." 

"Ummm...I ..as in my work colleagues with whom I go for lunch or tea were asking if you can spend some time to have evening tea with us some day. Just 2-3 people will be there. Shiv, I can absolutely say no to them as well. My boss was also saying he wants to say hello. "

He looked at me thoughtful and then slowly nodded, "Itna ghabra kyun rahi ho, Anjali. It is a very reasonable ask.One of the days next week, when I come to pick you up I can spend time with your friends."

Why are you so scared?

By now, Shiv had paid for the two plates of pani puri at the cash register and we were heading back to our car. Shiv was holding my hand all the while crossing the road again and even after. He only let go when he opened the passenger seat door for me. 

"Anjali, I don't want you to fear when you are talking to me. Kha nahi jaunga tumhe or gun bhi nahi rakhta main saath me." He tucked me in the car was safe to say as he made sure I had also pulled the seat belt and strapped it.

I won't eat you and I don't carry a gun too. 

He then walked around to sit on the driver seat and strapped his own seat belt.   

"Thank you, Shiv. I should tell you something." He raised his eyebrows so I continued, "My boss, Mr. Kulkarni knows my past history. Actually, these 2-3 people know as I was threatened by Ma..Manish..him."  

He immediately reached for my hands, "I remember you had said you made some people in office aware as that was the right thing to do back then. I understand. But please remember one thing, Anjali - Don't hesitate to talk to me. We need to maintain a very open communication between us. "

I nodded, "Ji, I understand."

He slowly smiled, "Haan ji, ye pani puri tikha tikha ho gaya. Ghar ja ke tumhare haath ka halwa khaaunga. Please tell me, there is some left."

So, the pani puri was really spicy. I wish to eat the halwa (sweet pudding) you made after going home. 

I nodded. He chuckled and started the engine. Shiv was clearly fond of food and wanted to reduce weight. I needed to intervene slowly and steadily into his habits. 

I had cooked halwa this morning and had received blessings and gifts from Dadi and Uncle. Uncle had mentioned that I made the halwa just as Shiv's mother made. I did think he was being nice to me but then he bought two bangles and had given to me. The bangles belonged to Shiv's mother at one point.

I actually wasn't so sure if I deserved Shiv's mothers jewelry. For some reason, it made sense that Shivani Didi inherited her mother's jewelry. Just then, I was interrupted by Shiv. 

"Anjali, We have a very old Mr. Jain who heads our accounting department. He was personally hired by Papa when he had started the company. We share family like relations with them. Uncle wants us to have dinner with his family sometime. Do you think we can go there in the next week?"

Although, this part of marriage where I had to meet his side of relatives scared me a lot, I couldn't avoid it for long. Moreover, with Shiv I shouldn't feel anything but secure. "Ji, Sure. You can let me know when and I will be ready accordingly." 

 ********

After dinner, Uncle mentioned he would go for a nightly stroll. Harshit accompanied him too as he said he overate. Dadi had eaten earlier and so she was resting in Shivani Didi's room. 

I, on the other hand was being helped by Shiv to make tea. He wanted to drink tea and I said he should now taste the tea that I make. His help included bringing out cups and sauce pan. It was hilarious upto one point and then suddenly after I had measured enough milk and water and poured into pan, Shiv hugged me from behind. 

"Shiv!" I gasped. 

"There is nobody here. I am so so happy that you love tea just like me." Saying so, he placed a quick kiss on my neck. I could feel my knees becoming jelly. It was going to be difficult to concentrate on the tea making if Shiv was going to romance me like this. 

I shied and lowered my gaze, "Ji, let me get ginger to add to tea." 

"Hmm. Add it but let me help grate it."

Shiv finally left me to get ginger from the refrigerator. He also got the small grater out from one the drawers and placed everything before me. 

He then engulfed me again from behind and grated the ginger for me. While I was loving Shiv's show of affection and I definitely got his subtle hint for the night, I was scared that somebody might walk in the kitchen.

"Shiv, koi aa jayega. Ji, kamre me ..."

Shiv, someone will come. We can go to the room....

He further pressed himself to me, "Kya kya kamre me kya? Kya iraade hain aapke Anjali?" 

What, what do you want to do in the room? What are you planning Anjali?

He placed another kiss on my collarbone and then one on my earlobe too.  I added the ginger to the boiling pan and shook my head. "Kaho na, Anjali."

Please say, Anjali

He placed his hands on waist. I giggled but was surprised when he started singing in my ears,

"Dil diyan gallan
Karaange naal naal beh ke
Ankh naal ankh nu milaa ke

Dil diyan gallan haaye...
Karaange roz roz beh ke
Sacchiyan mohabbataan nibha ke"

In the few moments, the tea was definitely forgotten by me. 

"Anjali, beta. Can you please come?" Hearing Dadi, we both jumped apart. 

Shiv gestured me to go while he took care of tea. 

I quickly washed my hands and headed to Dadi's room. "Ji, Dadi."

Fragile Dadi was sitting up on the bed with her bedside light lamp on.

"Beta, my legs are aching and the pain relief spray bottle is probably in the living room. Can you get it, beta?" She looked apologetic as she asked.

"Ji Dadi. I will get it." 

The bottle was indeed in the living room beside the couch chair that she usually sat on. I handed it to her as she would not let me spray it. 

"Go beta. I didn't want to disturb you but I knew Surya and Harshit are not home yet."

"Dadi. Am I not your daughter? Why are you saying all of this?" I sat down opposite to her as she applied the spray on her legs. 

"No beta. You were with Shiv and it's way past family time. It's now your time with him."

I blushed profusely listening to Dadi who gave me a knowing smile. "Waise, iss khandaan ke sabhi mardon ko gaana bahot pasand hai." 

All the men of this family like to sing a lot.

I literally wanted to become invisible as I realized, Shiv's deep voice must have reached her in the silence of the home at this hour. Also, Dadi's room was closest to the kitchen.

"Tumhare Dada ji bhi mujhe chat pe le ja kar gaana gaate the." She tapped my shoulders as I was continuously blushing.  

Your grandfather would take me to the roof and then sing songs too.

"So, Dadi , which song would Dada ji sing for you?" Shiv's voice came in as he walked in through the door and stood next to Dadi holding her by her shoulders.

"Chup khoteya, Apni Dadi se aisi baatein karte sharam nahi aati?"

Shut up donkey. Don't you have any shame to talk to your grandmother like this?

Shiv roared with laughter. He then continued, "Dadi, was it 'Chaudhaveen ka chaand' ?"

This time, I ended up giggling as well as I couldn't hold back. Dadi's cheeks pinked up a little, "Go now, you two! Let me sleep!" 

********

Back in our room, I was taking off my bangles and other jewelry while Shiv was in washroom. I had already changed into a simple pale green two piece night suit. I wore a night gown or a night suit only in the bedroom.Otherwise, I wore a salwar suit with matching dupatta hung loosely on my shoulders. 

On the other hand, Shiv mostly wore PJs and a round neck tee which he would take off just before slipping into bed. 

After throughly applying a water based gel on my face as part of nighttime routine, I sat on the bed with my laptop. Shiv had taken an appointment for me to take a test for getting a proper learners driving license. The test was supposed to be a multiple choice questions with questions mostly containing picture images of road signs. 

I opened up the Mumbai RTO website with all traffic signs and began pondering over it. A few moments later, Shiv plopped on the bed.

He raised his eyebrows at me, "Office work?" 

"No, I am looking at the traffic signs for taking the learners test on Monday morning." I replied albeit a little nervously as I was fully aware I was being silly again. 

He immediately scooted closer to me to look at my laptop screen while propping himself on his elbow. 

"Ahh, I can teach you this very easily!" Saying so, he closed my laptop and put it on the bedside before resting his head on my lap. 

******Slightly Mature*******

He slid his palm across the length of my arm starting from my fingers and ending at my collarbone, "That's 'Curve ahead' "

I widened my eyes in surprise. He then drew a triangle with the base on my neck and tip being close to my cleavage, "What did I draw?" 

"Ji, a tr...triangle." I shuddered as his touch burnt my skin evoking the desire instantly.

"And a triangle is yield, right?" I nodded my head as Shiv stroked my cheek with the back of his palm still resting on my lap. 

He then moved his palm to my upper arm and began drawing circles with his fingers, "This is a round about, ok?" 

I nodded my head and noticed I was already taking small shallow breaths. Shiv then sat up straight opposite to me.

"Next we will be learning about 'bump ahead'. He nearly whispered in my ears, "Before that, we should set the speed limit." 

He placed a quick kiss right below my ear and trailed more kisses down my collarbone until he reached the valley between my breasts. "Umm, the road is blocked, should it be?" He raised his eyebrows at me. 

My top was not giving him any access. I closed my eyes tight shut already wanting him badly and I lay back on the headrest in the hopes he would peel off my clothes.

"Anjali, I still need permission!" 

Opening my eyes, I locked my eyes with him and mumbled, "Ji, you have it always."  

"I will ask each time." He winked at me before pressing his lips with mine. Each time we kissed, I felt more and more secure. Bad memories were definitely fading out as new ones were being made. Shiv had filled me with light and hope and I sincerely hoped I was in a way helping him through his troubles too. 

The next few hours were spent passionately as we made love in our bedroom while Shiv continued to tell me all about traffic signs. I giggled as I had never in my life hoped that some of the signs I was going to remember because of how he had explained to me. He had fallen asleep instantly hugging me while I continued to take in his way of expressing this form of love as I stared at his very manly face. 

It took sometime for me to fall asleep but when I did, it was the most peaceful sleep ever.

********

Shiv

"20 on 20? Ahem ahem, the way I have taught you , you will likely never forget the signs." I spoke to Anjali on the phone as she made her way from the test center room to our parked car. 

"Shiv!" I was sure her cheeks were all red as she gasped in a very Anjali way. 

"Ok, come now. I am waiting in the car and don't forget to collect your learner's card from the front desk."

"Ji" I was going to drop Anjali to her workplace before heading to my own office.

I was determined to talk to Harshit today. It seemed like he had been dodging me for the past couple of days. I couldn't hit the gym with him because my schedule was slightly messed up with Anjali also getting ready in the morning to leave for work. 

After dinners, he was either locked up in his room or out for a stroll with dad. If it was not today, I didn't know when I could to talk to him. Karwa chauth was in another couple of days and Dadi was leaving the day after. Harshit was going with Dadi to drop her all the way in Punjab which meant he was going for a couple of days atleast. 

********

I was making green tea for Anjali and me. She had fasted all day today as it was Karwa Chauth. It was a working day so she had taken the day off to be with Dadi and learn the rituals in our family home. 

As much as I wanted, I couldn't skip work to be with her. However, when I had reached home, I I was treated to a gorgeous looking Anjali in a red colour saree with golden floral border and a matching blouse. Her hair were neatly tied in a braid and a few strands hung loose on from the side of her head  The moonrise was scheduled at 8PM sharp but a proper glimpse was only seen around 9 as it was a rather cloudy night in the city. 

She had eaten very less in comparison to what she would normally eat and when I asked concerned, she brushed it off saying that the fast had made her loose appetite and she had eaten what she could. 

There was one thing that was bothering me though - Anjali had touched my feet after doing my Puja to break the fast. I had not liked it but I couldn't say anything infront of Dadi who had basically prompted her to touch my feet. I didn't understand it but it made me feel weird. We were supposed to be partners, then why this! 

Maybe, it was good that Shikha didn't actually fast for me in that sense.

I gathered two cups of boiling water and tea bags and made my way to our bedroom. Anjali was working on her laptop. She had said she needed to send a few emails which wouldn't take more than 15 -20 minutes. 

Anjali immediately put the laptop aside seeing me and I handed her the cup. "Thank you, Shiv."
She looked dull and tired after the fast and eyebrows knitted in concern looking at her dull face.

"Don't fast from next year on. It's not necessary. This is enough between us and nobody will tell you anything."

"Ji, but I love doing all of this. I don't mind at all and if I can do anything to be with you then I want to do it." 

I set my own cup on the side table and immediately kissed her forehead. "Yaar, I didn't like you touching my feet. I feel it's wrong. Please don't do that ever."

She stared at me as though I spoke alien language. I grabbed her cup from her hand and put it on the side table too. Gently squeezing, I kissed her hands, "Please."

"Ok, I won't."

I let out a sigh in relief. "I feel like some effing person who does not deserve that kind of respect."

Anjali immediately put her hand on my mouth to shut me up, "No, don't say that. Look Shiv, there are somethings that we follow from our own culture and traditions. If this small gesture was in accordance with the rituals and made Dadi happy then let's just accept it and move on."

"This does not sit well with me. So, please no feet touching."

She nodded.

********

Anjali

Shiv's personality was very different than mine. And, I felt he complimented me very well. He was absolutely at ease talking to everyone at my workplace cafeteria. 

It wasn't a lot of people - just Leena, Ayush, John, Swati and my boss Sudhir Kulkarni. We had ordered masala tea, potato fries and dhoklas. I was holding my breath for most of the time. I was worried that the topic of this being my second marriage or how he would trouble me by threatening to spread the news that I was having an affair with my own married boss would come up one way or the other. But, everybody ended up chatting calmly and maturely.

It was because of this threat that I had decided to tell my colleagues that my marriage on the rocks and I was going to end things even though Manish didn't want to.

We were now driving to Mr. Jain's home who was the accounting head at Raheja exports. I was wearing a light pink chiffon saree matched with a gold and pink blouse. According to Shiv, they were like extended family of sorts and Mrs. Jain had been a good friend to Shiv's mother too.

We had picked up some sweets and savories from local sweet shop for the family hosting us. It was almost mandatory to carry some form of gifts for the hosting family. 

I had been  observing how he drove in the hopes that the observations would come in handy during my next driving lesson with Shiv. He was wearing a navy blue button down full sleeves shirt with the sleeves now rolled up to his elbows.

"Aunty would send lunch regularly for a long time with Uncle for all of us after Ma's untimely death. Ofcourse, Dadi had arrived from Amritsar but it was too much for her to deal with me and Papa and then Harshit who was still in school and Shivani who had broken down completely."

Shiv's eyes were on the road but he spoke with a grim expression on his face. I hummed in response. 

"Uncle and Aunty live with their younger son and daughter in law. The son got married last year. Their older son moved to Bangalore a couple years ago for better job opportunity. Both the sons are well behaved and honestly, give me too much respect. So expect them to give you respect as well." He chuckled.

Soon as we reached their home, we were given a very warm welcome. Uncle and Aunty seemed like good people and thanked Shiv several times for bringing me into their home. I handed over the sweets and savories to Aunty who then called out to her daughter in law, Jyoti. 

Jyoti walked in to the living room with her husband Akash who immediately greeted Shiv like a younger brother. Jyoti was nearly waddling with her pregnant belly. It looked like she duw any day now. Akash was fast enough to help her sit on the couch. 

My heart warmed up to the scene infront of me as the couple looked happy and in love. Introductions were made and I quickly felt at ease with new people around as Shiv was by my side. 

Time and again, out of the corner of my eye I saw Jyoti stroking her belly and I thought to myself would I be given this chance as well ? Carrying a child, Shiv's child in my belly - the thought made my heart skip a beat. 

My thoughts wondered off and it hit me that I was soon due for my annual OB GYN appointment. I was scheduled for annual appointments since the time I faced difficulties due to taking anti depressants. I usually went to the appointments with Pooja. Would Shiv accompany me this time? 

Apart from the one time before our marriage, Shiv and I had never come to discussing starting our own family. It felt like touching a sensitive cord being fully aware of the fact that Shiv's marriage had broken due to the loss of his unborn baby. 

"Anjali beta, khaana kyun nahi kha rahi ho? Didn't you like it? Shall I make something for you?" Aunty's voice had brought me back to reality. 

Anjali beta, why aren't you eating?

"No no, Aunty. It's nothing like that. " I smiled. Shiv placed his hand on my thigh under the table and raised his eyebrows mouthing, "Ok?" 

I nodded and ate a spoonful of rice mixed with dal. 

********

After coming back home, we were so tired and full from all the food that we changed and immediately went to sleep. 

In the dim night light, Shiv cuddled me and whispered in my ears, "It will soon be our one month anniversary. I love spending time with you. It will be long happy journey.What do you think?"  

He tucked my hair behind my ear and kissed my forehead, "Kaho na."

"Ji, I think the same. I am happy here with you too." I dropped my gaze and buried myself in his broad chest. Brushing aside all my thoughts, I felt grateful for having Shiv in my life. 

He kissed the top of my head, "Good night, wife!" 

********

"Anjali beta. Kya hua?" Papa asked me. It was early in the morning and Shiv had gone to the gym alone as Harshit was still in Punjab. 

What happened, Anjali beta? 

"Papa, breakfast is ready. Shiv should be coming back too. Please sit down." 

"Arey waah. What did you make beta?" He sat down on the dining table and placed the folded newspaper in his hand on the side. 

waah = nice/awesome 

"Aloo Parathas. Is that fine?" I asked.

"Beta, that's more than fine. On work days, don't make such heavy breakfast and we know parathas take a lot of time. We always have bread at home for breakfast. You also sit down."

I was about to take seat when the door bell rang. My heart fluttered in excitement thinking Shiv was back from the gym.

"I will get the door, Papa." 

I reached for the door but was shocked to see Shivani Di and a sleepy Riya standing before me. 

"Shivani Di !" Shivani Di looked like she had not slept a wink and had cried a lot.

"Who is it beta?" Papa's voice came from behind.

"Shivani Di and Riya." I responded to him and then it hit me they were still standing by the door so I moved aside. 

"Come in, Di. Riya, come in beta." 

Grabbing Riya's hand, Shivani Di dragged her small trolley suitcase with the other hand and stepped in. 

********

Ok, thoughts? 

How did you like Shiv teaching traffic signs to Anjali? Hot enough ? 

Shivani and Riya are in Mumbai. Thoughts on that? 

I know this was delayed because of many reasons at my end. My own health has not been the best the recent few days and work was hectic as we had to wrap up the year before holidays so people can get a decent break and we have good finances to show for this year when we resume in January. 

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