Anjali

Shivani Di immediately ran inside hugged her father. She started sobbing much to the horror of Riya. Riya stood rooted on her spot and I went to stand close to her. She had a backpack hung on her shoulders but her hands immediately grabbed me by waist and she hugged me tightly. 

Papa seemed equally shocked too. "Shivani, what happened? Itni subah subah ki flight se aayi ho aur kisi ko bataya bhi nahi. Aise kyun ro rahi ho beta. Kya hua?" 

Shivani Di continued crying though. I only imagine what Papa must be feeling because I was scared now. I hugged back Riya and felt her shoulders shaking too. The little girl was definitely disturbed. 

"Where is Dadi, Papa?" Shivani Di asked.

"Beta, she went back a couple of days ago. Harshit went to drop her and will be back tomorrow. Kya hua hai, beta?" Papa made Shivani Di sit on the couch and he said beside her. Shivani Di had buried herself in Papa's arm and wouldn't stop crying. It was then I noticed, she had draped a shawl across herself and she looked ill. 

Papa then looked at me, "Take Riya beta inside, Anjali."

I nodded in response and urged Riya to walk with me. Riya wiped her tears and looked at Papa, "Nana, Why is Mumma crying?"

Papa immediately responded, "Go with your Mami, Riya. Go, wash your face and freshen up. Nana will sit with you and we will listen to new stories then. Ok? "

Riya walked with me bursting into fresh tears. My heart broke for the little girl. But more than that, I felt the calm from Papa's voice even though I knew he must be worried. Slowly, I was starting to see resemblance between the family members. 

I took Riya to my room's bathroom and helped her wash her face. She was tall enough already to reach the sink but she wasn't big enough to clean herself when she was so upset. 

She then wanted to use the restroom so I was now waiting in my room. I took Riya's backpack and kept it on the table below our bedroom TV. I was reminded of the time I went to stay with my parents after my first argument with Manish. I had found out about Manish's hidden orientation then but then I couldn't tell my parents anything. I had simply cried in my mothers lap citing that I had missed them. I could tell back then that my actions had worried my parents a lot. I just didn't have the courage to tell them anything.  

Fear engulfed me for Shivani Di - I hope there was nothing wrong in her marriage. Just then, Riya walked out of the washroom and sat down with long sullen face   

She was wearing a warm sweater and I wondered at how caring mother hearts were. Shivani Di 's mother heart had taken care of her child in such a delicate moment too. I sat down next to Riya and hugged her, I didn't know what to say to a child as old as Riya in a moment like this. 

Burying her face in my chest, Riya mumbled against my stomach, "Mami, Mumma and Papa were fighting like this last night. I heard voices in my room. I am very scared. Do you think they will get divorced like Shikha Mama and Shiv Maama?"

I kissed the top of her head. This girl was so scared and rightly worried. She had heard her parents fighting. I prayed once again that things weren't as serious as they were appearing to be. "No baby. Stop crying. You said you Mumma and Papa were fighting, right? Beta, when you fight with your friends, don't you go to your Mumma or Papa?"

The girl nodded at me. 

"Similarly beta, your Mumma is here to talk to her Papa. Everything will be ok. You don't think too much. You must be hungry. Will you eat hot aloo parathas?" I asked her hoping to distract her. 

She nodded. There were no more noises coming from living room so I assumed that Papa and Shivani Di had gone to Papa's room. I now had a new piece of information which I wasn't sure whom to share with. Papa already seem tensed. 

I made Riya sit on the dining table. Just then, I head the front door being keyed in. Oh Thank God, Shiv is here. I need to talk to her. 

Carrying his gym bag on one shoulder, he entered through the door into the living room and looked at me and then at Riya."Riya ! What are you doing here? When did you come?" 

Riya ran towards her Mamu and flung her arms around his large belly. "We just came. I came with Mumma." 

"Beta, I am coming back from the gym. Let me go and shower first. Ok?"  Riya immediately let go of Shiv and quietly sat back on her chair.

Shiv looked at me questioningly, "Anjali, come to the room for a minute please?" 
I quickly served Riya a paratha from the casserole and asked her to start eating while I come back in a minute. 

The minute we entered the room, Shiv dropped his bag on the side of the bed and turned to look at me. I knew he had showered because he always did shower in the gym itself. 

"I need to tell you something." I confessed immediately. I carefully narrated everything to him. Shiv had sat down on the edge of the bed with his gaze looking distantly into nothing and his hands resting on his thighs. 

"Ji, kuch kahiye na. Riya bahot dari hui hai."

Shiv spoke after another minute went by in silence. "Hmmm. Kids misinterpret sometimes. We don't know anything now. Anyways, I will meet Shivi first. Let me quickly get changed. You too change. I have a meeting that I can't skip. If Harshit was here, it was a different thing. I will drop you to your work and then attend the meeting and be back. I will reach out to Jai Jeeja too but I need to talk to Papa before that."

"Ji, I will skip work today. I will stay with Riya. Itni choti si hai wo. Divorce ki baatein karte ache nahi lagte bache."

He turned to look at me, "Are you sure?" 

I nodded, "Yes. You can get ready. Breakfast is set too. Ji, aap Papa aur Didi se kahiye ki aa kar breakfast kar lein. I will go check on Riya."

He was still seated on the bed but he quickly grabbed my wrist and pulled me in such that I landed in his lap with my back pressed against his chest.

"Thank you for thinking about my family. Now, don't stress too much with cooking. Take help from Rama (the maid). And let me know if you need me to bring something." I nodded feeling his chin on my collarbone smelling of his fresh shower gel.  

He then quickly pressed a kiss at the base of neck. I closed my eyes savoring the kiss when he continued, "Look, I am not worried. Shivi has come home like this in the mornings unannounced. I am just a little concerned because of what Riya said. I will talk to Jeeja."

I nodded and left the room to go check in on Riya. 

********

Shiv

I didn't meet Shivi at the breakfast table. Papa said she was tired and wanted to sleep a little bit. That was really odd. I had made an attempt to see her but Anjali discouraged me from going into the room saying if she has come here for some space then we should give it to her. 

I had tried calling Jai Jeeja's cell a number of times. Each time, the call was answered by a recorded message that the phone number was out of coverage area. 

I had called Anjali after my meeting and she had said that Riya was watching cartoon on our bedroom TV while Shivi was still resting as she running a low grade fever. Anjali had given her a paracetamol after making sure Shivi ate a little bit.

I was right now driving back home right after the meeting. I was worried for Anjali as she was still new in our home, I was also worried for Shivi and Jai Jeeja. I bought two bars of Cadbury Dairy Milk from a nearby store as this was Riya's favorite chocolate. 

I reached home and found Papa sitting on the couch watching the news feed roll on the screen. "Papa! Shivi, how is she? Where is Riya?" 

Papa was tensed, there was no doubt about it. "Shivi is in my room. She says she was missing your mother which is why she came here with Riya. Riya is with Anjali in your room. Jai se baat hui?"

"Nah Papa. His phone is not reachable. Papa, I will talk to Shivi. I really don't think anything is wrong but Riya feels her parents have fought which is why they are here. Shivi ka iss tarah rona aur bimar hona waise worrying hi hai."

Papa hummed in response. I went to my room and saw Riya sleeping cuddling with Anjali.  Anjali seemed to be resting too with her eyes closed. Seeing my niece this comfortable with my wife was a new sight. 

I cleared my throat and Anjali immediately got up and gestured towards Riya, "Abhi abhi sone lagi hai. Ji, I will heat up lunch for you. Everything is fine, right?" 

Anjali draped her dupatta that was lying on her bedside table and headed my way. I sighed, "So far, yes. Jai Jeeja's phone is not reachable. Shivi has not said anything, right?"

She shook her head, "No, I just gave her paracetamol and urged her to eat. I didn't ask her anything though. She might not like if I ask her that, this is her father's home. I am still new here."

I let her words sink in. I didn't think of it this way. Shivi, what is wrong with you and Jeeja? 

"I will wash up and meet her. I am beginning to panic now." 

********

"Shivi, hey, how are you feeling now?"  Shivani was sitting up on the bed staring into infinity. 

I stood by the door as I gently knocked it a couple of times. She immediately straightened up and looked at me. She gave me a small smile, "Shiv! I am much better now. Anjali made sure I had something before she gave me the medicine. She is really nice."

I nodded and took a seat infront of her. Next instant, she flung her arms around me and was sobbing against my chest, "What's wrong, Shivi?"

"Why did Ma leave us so soon?" She spoke between sobs. 

I let out a huge sigh. This was getting heavy on my heart. "Shivi, Ma left us because He thought we were strong and we could manage. Everything HE does has a reason. Come on, you are strong. We have Dadi, Papa, Harshit and each other. Come on now. Tell me really, what happened?"

Shivi moved away from me, "It's just that I miss Ma. I wanted to be here, with Ma and Papa." 

"Shivi, Jai Jeeja ke saath sab thik hai na?" 

She nodded at me, "It's between us, Bhai."

I nodded at her, "Ok, I understand it's between you two. But Shivi, Papa is worried. Riya ..." She cut me off though. 

"What happened to Riya? I thought she is with Anjali." 

I put my hands on her shoulders, "She is fine. Anjali is looking after her."

Just then, we heard another knock which was followed by Anjali's voice, "Sorry to interrupt. Ji, khaana laga diya hai. Yahan le aaun? "

I turned to look at her but I was still focussed on Shivani. "No, I am coming there. Shivi will also eat. We will be there in a few."

Shivani nodded at her and then gestured her to come in. Holding her hand, Shivani made Anjali sit beside her. "Sorry, I just came with Riya. I didn't even talk to you properly and I didn't even explain anything.." 

"No Di, don't say that. This is your father's home and yours too. You don't have to explain anything to me."  

I smiled at both of them. I didn't fail to notice the smile of relief on Shivi's face as Anjali spoke to her. Shivi one armed hugged Anjali, "This is your home too, Anjali."

 I was pretty sure both the ladies were sniffling even as they tried to discreetly wipe their tears, "Shivi, if it's nothing to worry about then please, let's eat? I am hungry." 

"Hmmm, you go ahead and get started. Surely, you don't need Anjali to serve it to you on a plate? Do you?" She looked teasingly between me and Anjali. Anjali's cheeks quickly colored up.  

I shook my head. 

"Ok, I will just be there in a few minutes. I need to speak to Anjali. I haven't properly spoken to her ever since your wedding." 

I was curious now but I had to trust both of them. So, I simply made my way outside. 

********

I served myself egg curry, paneer bhurji, rice and roti with green salad and a tasty glass of lassi. What a delicious meal!  

I hoped she had taken Rama's help. I also hoped she had eaten with others. It was really late now as the travel time between office and home both ways had meant, I was eating a late lunch. 

I tore a piece of roti and dipped it in egg curry and put it in my mouth. A burst of flavours exploded in my mouth as I did so. 

She cooked well. Papa came and sat next to me. I informed him everything I knew and I also said that it looks like something between husband and wife. All Shivi had said was she was missing our mother. 

It was actually quite plausible explanation - Marriages were hard and I sometimes admired the courage my sister had to go with a marriage without a mothers support. True, Jai Jeeja's family was nice but one thing living with Anjali for nearly a month had taught me was that arranged marriages required a lot of patience to form a deep bond. 

I was almost finished when Anjali walked in at sat down next to me. The next instant, she got up again and was about to say something but then sat down again. 

"What is bothering you? What did she say?" I asked her gathering my dirty plate and the curry bowl and the lassi glass. 

I got up to place everything in the kitchen and I saw Anjali following me. "Ji, Di and Jeeja..." She then looked around to see if there was anyone around. 

"Come" I almost dropped the plates in the sink and washed my hands. Riya had been sleeping in our room and Shivi was in Papa's room so I dragged Anjali to Shivi's room that Dadi was staying in. 

"Ji, Didi was pregnant and she didn't know. They lost the baby couple of days ago. She has been emotionally vulnerable since. She..ummm..actually was missing your mother. She also thought Dadi would be here."

I let her words sink in and let out a sigh. My sister was going through the loss that I went through once. This was huge for a couple, no matter what stage of marriage they were in. I looked at Anjali and spoke, "Is she okay? Medically?" 

Anjali nodded at me, "She is fine."

I nodded, "Why did Riya think.." I was cut off.

"Riya heard the parts where Jai Jeejajee was asking Didi to delay the trip a little bit. Doctor has advised rest." 

I wiped the little beads of sweat on my face while Anjali stood infront of me rubbing the back of her fingers as though she wanted to say more. I put my hands on her shoulders, "Say."

"Ji, I think I made a mistake." 

I narrowed my eyes, "What do you mean?"

"Ji, I basically said to her that children shouldn't be having wrong impression of divorce once the know it. So, as a parent, she and Jai Jeejajee should talk to Riya. I don't think I should have said that. I don't have any right."

"Anjali! I think it's best for us to first make sure she is healthy." I could see her eyes welling up.

"Look, I know you had Riya's best interests, so don't think too much now." I caressed her cheeks with the back of my palm. "Khaana bahot acha bana tha." 

I smiled as I meant it but I saw no reaction from her. "Come on now. We will handle it together. Ok, I am going to talk to Papa and ease his worries. Wonder why Jeeja's phone is not reachable." 

Anjali spoke up, "Oh, I forgot. Jeejajee is traveling to Jaipur today with his brother. Didi said, there is generally no network in the area of city that he goes to." 

I smacked my own forehead, "Right, he had said when we spoke a couple of days ago. Completely forgot which day he had said though."

"Ummm, can you ask Shivi to go to a doc if there is a need. I mean, I am just worried that she made the travel all by herself. If she let us know, we would have co-ordinated and brought her here safely." 

********

Anjali 

I had come with Riya to the community playground in the hopes to cheer her up. Over evening tea that Shiv had made and chocolate milk for Riya, Shivani Di had gently assured Riya that the parents had not fought and that Shivani Di was not feeling well and she missed her parents. The little girl had sobbed in her mothers lap and I only wondered how hard it must be for Shivani Di, just all of it. It was even hard to put in words.  

Di said that her emotions were really all over the place post the miscarriage and the hormonal tablets that she was put on were not helping with it at all. She just missed her mother very much. She pointed out that the shawl covering her once belonged to her mother. That pierced me. I considered offering to take her to my mother's but I didn't know if she would be comfortable. I also thought that Papa and this home were capable of providing her much needed support. 

This was her personal loss with her husband.

Papa, as expected had taken things well. Di had burst into fresh tears when Papa had entered the room as Riya was being explained.

Riya had panicked so I decided to get her here, with Papa's permission of course. Riya met her old friends and instantly started playing 'metal-metal' game* 

*I legit found out the game when my nephew was playing in the park last week. The kids all run and the appointed 'leader' randomly calls for metal and then kids have to grab any object that is made of metal. The leader then calls out 'stop' after count of 5 at which the kid who is not holding onto a metal is considered 'out' of the game. 

Riya was a girl full of energy as she played and ran around the park with other kids. Hearing the laughter of this new generation, one could easily forget all problems of the world. 

********

We had a dinner of khichadi (mixture of lentils and rice pressure cooked with mild spices). Shiv had helped me in the kitchen. This time, unlike last time we were in kitchen, there was no singing and no helping in that sort involved. 

Right now, per my daily routine, I was taking off my bangles and bindi after changing into my night gown. 

Shiv stood behind me combing his washed hair. He had just taken a shower. My gaze flickered to his belly which was caught by Shiv. 

I wanted the ground to swallow me. I always ended up staring at his paunch and he would catch me staring with no shame. 

"Sorry." I shyly whispered.

He narrowed his eyes at me, "Admit it, you like this. But, don't grow too found of it. It will go away. I religiously go to the gym now."

I bit my lower lip trying to stifle a laugh. I had started loving his body. His body was natural and he took every bit of pain to ensure I wasn't in pain because of his heavy weight when we made love. 

He then turned me around, "Thank you for what you have done today. I know that you have accepted this family but I should still say this. But, you took care of Riya and Shivi Di like your own. This means a lot to me."

He looked at me with moist eyes and smiled at me. He then leaned closer and brushed his lips against mine. He didn't kiss me though, he kissed the tip of my nose instead. I frowned, "Ask and you shall receive" Came his pat reply.  

"Shiv!" I shyly lowered my gaze feeling embarrassed again. 

"Ok, I will give it to you." He mumbled and kissed me deeply. Every fibre of me came to life at his kiss. We continued kissing for a long time before parting for air. 

Taking fast shallow breaths, I leaned against him. He smelled of the shower gel and his after shave (Shiv shaved at nights) and he started to suck at my neck. I felt his teeth digging into my skin at the base of my neck. I nearly winced but gasped instead as we heard a knock on the bedroom door. 

 We both jumped apart. Shiv was visibly disappointed but the voice that followed the knock was adorable, "Mami, please let me in." 

I adjusted my night gown and my eyes widened at the mark on my neck. Shiv must have seen it too as he rolled his tongue in his mouth. I covered up the mark with my hand while Shiv opened the door. 

"Sorry, sorry both of you. Riya wants her backpack. There is book in it that she is reading and she wouldn't listen to me that it's late and she needs to sleep." Di apologized as I stood rooted on my spot.

Shiv gave me a questioning look. He didn't notice the backpack on the table below TV that I had stowed in. I couldn't remove my hand from my neck so I gestured towards the backpack and Shiv took it and handed it out to Riya. 

"Princess, anything else you need?" 

"No, but you know what! Mumma was telling me it is your birthday after two days. Can I stay until your birthday?" Riya spoke excitedly. I knew it was Shiv's birthday the day after and so far I had no clue what to do. Maybe, I could ask Shivani Di what she thought about it now that she was going to be here.

"Ofcourse my princess if your mother allows, this is your home. Aren't you missing school?"  

Riya then excitedly relayed everything back to her mother who was standing just one feet behind her. Shivani Di answered that the school was anyways going to break off for Diwali break in a couple of days.

All the while, I stood with my hand trying to cover the mark that Shiv had given me. Thankfully, a few more minutes later and Shiv locked the door and turned towards me, "Use a concealer tomorrow. I will be careful of the spots that are visible."

I felt my legs giving away but Shiv held me steady, "Come, let's sleep."

We didn't engage in full act as I was suddenly very conscious of having a child next door. Shiv was okay with it too. It had been a long stressful day and so we just lay cuddled in each others arms until sleep took over us. 

********

Thoughts? 

Shiv's birthday is coming up, excited? 

Has Shivani found a good support within Anjali?

Its a little shorter this time but I wanted to get this out sooner.

Don't forget to share and vote, please!