Harshit

"Batayega bhi kya hua hai?" I heard Bhai's voice as I was still sitting in shock looking at Sanju's message. 

And then it beeped again. It was Sanju again, 

<"Harshit! What did Uncle say? They will support us, right? I am worried! >

I typed back frantically even as I uttered, "Bhai, just give me a minute." I was now more than sure that I loved Sanjana and I had to make her mine. 

<"Sanju, Everyone will support us. Just give me some time to call you back."> 

Everybody's eyes were on me. 

"Bhai, Sanjana's parents are flying into Mumbai tonight and they will meet us tomorrow morning. She just messaged that they are making arrangements."

Bhai and Bhabhi looked at each other first and then at Papa. Papa nodded and then responded, "That is fine. More than fine actually. Why are you so worried beta?"

"Papa...I ..uh.. don't know. Sanju said she wants to still pursue her course and then this marriage.. I am worried about things moving so fast." I tried to be as honest as possible while wiping the sweat from my forehead. The humid weather of Mumbai had suddenly became unbearable even with the ceiling fan rotating at its maximum speed.    

Papa spoke up, "Beta, iss me koi harz nahi hai. Sanjana beti ko padhna hai to hume koi problem nahi hogi. Beta, uske Ma-Baap kya kehna chahte hain wo sunna toh hoga hume. Tum Sanjana beti ke saath rehna chahte ho aur agar uske Ma-Baap bhi yehi chahtein hain toh kuch galat toh nahi hai. Aur beta, main thodi bahot to purani soch rakhta hun. Mere nazar me rishte ko naam mil jaaye to hum parents ki pareshaani khatam ho jaati hai. Main kam se kam roka to abhi propose karunga. Baaki beta, tumhare Bhai-Bhabhi se puch lete hain." 

I let out a sigh and then looked at Bhai. He immediately spoke up, "I know how it feels. Don't worry about things moving too fast or too slow. Things always take their own pace and we just label them as fast or slow. Let us atleast see what they say. They must be rightly worried to see the boy and the family of the boy that their daughter has chosen."

It suddenly felt like too much pressure on my soul. Marriage was a responsibility and I was beginning to feel the responsibility of trying to become a good son in law to Sanju's parents for the sake of our love and desire to be with each other. 

 "Anjali beta, you haven't said anything. You are elder bahu of this home. I want to hear your thoughts as well." Papa said looking at Bhabhi. I felt slightly guilty of not asking her myself. We all had to make an effort in making her feel comfortable among us. 

I saw Bhai giving her an encouraging nod after which she responded, "Papa, I agree with everything you said. If they want a little courtship period, I think that's reasonable too but umm.. I think they should know what they will get out of the courtship period. Sorry Harshit, my two cents would be to spend time with each other and there is no doubt about that. But, do know and realize what you are trying to get at when you delay marriage. Sanjana is young and so are you and if you two have decided that you want to marry only each other, then you have your parents support already, so you need not worry." 

I saw Papa smile at Bhabhi and then he glanced back at me, "Mujhe Sanjana beti ke parents ka number de do. Main apni taraf se kal hamare ghar pe naashte ya phir lunch par invite kar deta hun unko."

"Yes, Papa."

"Shiv beta, I will talk to Biji, you and Anjali beta talk to Shivani and Jai. Anjali beta, don't stress about hosting. I trust Shiv and Harshit to make preparations under your supervision." Papa walked away to his room.

I let out a sigh and looked at Bhai who was looking back at me, "Go now, talk to Sanjana. Wasn't she trying to reach you? Anjali and I will start on arrangements." 

I nodded and grabbed my phone from the coffee before making my way to my room. 

********

Anjali

I hit breaks slowly and when the car came to a complete stop, I shifted the gears to neutral. The traffic lights had turned red and so now we had to wait until it turned orange again. Feeling proud, I turned to look at my teacher and husband. Afterall, this was the first time I was out on the road driving the car all by myself. 

Shiv was smiling at me which made me blush. I lowered my gaze when he spoke up immediately, "Madam Anjali, we have stopped right at the zebra crossing. Look!" He pointed outside the window on my side. 

Oh No! I made a blunder! I immediately turned between the seats to look if there was space to back up. "Ji, there is no space to back up also. I didn't realize. I am so sorry." I spoke hurriedly in a small voice. 

My husband pointed towards one of the traffic police walking towards us, "It's ok. Let's explain to 'police mamu' that you are still learning."

I felt all energy drain out from me at the mention of police, "Ji, Police?"

"Yeah, and the ticket will be on my license since you still have a learners card." I felt tears form in my eyes. Just then, the traffic police was here and he knocked on our windows which was rolled up. 

I rolled down the window and immediately heard the policeman speak, "Madam ,license dikhao. Zebra crossing par aa gaye ho aap. Challan katega wo bhi Rs. 500 ka."

"Ji, sorry - I didn't realize. I have a learners license." I found my voice cracking up and then felt my husband place his hand on my thigh, "Sir ji, my wife is still learning. I have a valid license  though. She will be careful now."  

Shiv pulled out his license and my learners card and handed it over to the policeman. "This is all fine. Madam ji, you should be careful. We are trying to enforce the right driving ethics on roads. People simply call out India for being indisciplined and we at Mumbai Police are trying our best to maintain discipline. Many international travellers come to this city, you should know."

I nodded slowly. I was still at the brink of crying when Shiv responded once again, "Yes, sir! We will be careful. Actually, Anjali you pay the fine. This way you will always remember. Sir ji, please help me cheer up my wife. Ab driving bhi sikha raha hun, ek 'Police Mamu' wala joke to bata dijiye." 

The policeman immediately started laughing, "Kya sirji. All day we are in sun trying to make sure there are no hassles. Ek adha usme koi mil jaata hai jiske saath hasi mazaak ho jaata hai. Jaise aap."

I immediately smiled and fought back tears. "Thank you, Sirji. Here you go!" 
Shiv gave him a five hundred rupee note and the policeman immediately printed out a receipt on his handheld digital device and handed out to us.   

*The traffic police has really become strict and ensure discipline on roads in the part of Maharashtra I live in including Mumbai and Pune. I am actually very proud of the Police Department driving the initiative along with digitizing these fine payments which ensure no bribery in this area atleast. Ofcourse this practise also means that all vehical owners not need to keep their documents/insurance in check which wasn't the case before. 

Shiv

I walked into my room after spending some time with Harshit. He was really nervous about meeting his future in laws for the first time. So, me and Shivi who was over video call were giving him advice and trying to keep his spirits up. 

Anjali sat on the bed with her work laptop. She was already in her night suit and appeared to be frowning at the screen with an adorable pout. 

"Kya hua? Kisne tang kar diya hai aapko?" I sat down on my side of the bed. She looked up from the screen and sighed and then gave me a small smile. 

"There is this one email thread that's being ongoing for over a month now. Everytime, I pull up a dashboard with analytical insights on it, they ask me to dive more and pull detailed metrics. Then, I pull detailed metrics and they want even more drilled down metrics. I am confused after so many requirements that what is that this particular leader is looking for."

"Oh! Your boss can help you out with this, right?" 

"Unfortunately, my boss is at loggerheads with this senior leader from other department. Therefore, if he interferes, he will only escalate which will further end up increasing my work. I am banking on this senior leader's feedback for my promotion." 

I looked at her with another level of awe, she was smart and hardworking but seeing her as an ambitious woman made her attractive in a different light. 

"Shiv, why are you looking at me like that?" She asked and I realized, I had been gaping at her with my own thoughts running in the background. 

"I am finding you very attractive as a career oriented woman." I responded with a smile. 

She immediately lowered her gaze and put the stray lock of her hair behind her ear. "Actually, I am far behind in my career because of how my life played out. But, I was thinking of catching up ever since the..separation ..umm ..legally was complete. My career has kept me going Shiv and I have realized this is the one component in my life that I can control."

I gave her an assuring nod, "I respect that, Anjali. You have my full support if this is what you want to do but without compromising on your health. Hey, that reminds me - did you get your test results back from the pathology and the ultrasound report too?"

 "Hmm. Everything came back normal except..." She spoke rather slowly.

"What? Tell me.." I was curious. 

"Vitamin B12 and D levels are a little low. Doctor already sent her prescription on whats app. I will get after tomorrow's luncheon." She responded pulling out the report on her whats app. 

"Ahh ok, that's a manageable task. I mean, all day in AC office deprives body of these important vitamins if I am not wrong. I will order it with the pharma app. Send me the prescription. Ok?" 

She hummed and then silently nodded and closed her laptop. Oh good, finally all her work was done and I can show her how attractive she appears to me when she is working.

"How is Harshit doing?" She put the laptop on the bedside table and then turned to talk to me. 

I chuckled and then responded, "He is fine, just a little nervous at the thought of meeting the parents so soon. Honestly, it's funny seeing him like this, we always make of him but making fun of him today gave me and Shivi extra smiles today."

Anjali giggled, "You should have given him words of encouragement, Shiv. Chota bhai hai aapka."

"Haan haan, bahot himmat bandha ke aaya hun. He is now talking to Sanjana or wait, he calls her Sanju. He is talking to her on the phone now." 

"Awww, that is so cute." She said with a twinkle in her eyes. I scooted close to her and kissed her cheeks. 

A sudden gasp escaped her lips, "What was that for, Shiv?" 

I placed my hands on her nearly bare shoulders as she was wearing a spaghetti strapped top paired with pyjama's.

"For showing me this side of you." I pointed towards her laptop. Her gaze followed the direction I was pointing in and then she gave me a curious look so I continued, "I love seeing the confidence and hard work when you are working. Honestly, I would like to see the confidence radiating in other areas of your life now - be it driving, or being Anjali in this house or just being here with me. Hmm?" 

I leaned down and kissed her left ear lobe, rather just flicked my tongue over it. Her cheeks were suddenly all pink and I moved my hand to place it below her ears, I then made her look at me as she had lowered her gaze, "And I wasn't lying when I said you looked attractive earlier."

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

She blushed even further and quickly turned such that our lips met for a quick, passionate kiss. Just as we parted, I whispered once more in her ears, "I bought more protection this morning." I then quickly kissed her eyes and searched her eyes for a reaction. She placed her hand on my cheek and was about to say something when her phone rang on the bedside table. We broke apart as she fetched her phone. 

"It's Pooja." She mumbled. 

"Wasn't she calling earlier as well?" I asked

"Yeah, we were making arrangements with Papa so I didn't receive her call and messaged that I will call her." Anjali was looking all confused as if unable to decide if she should receive the call now or continue to romance with me.

I chuckled, "Talk to her. We can continue later."

Minutes later, I was massaging Anjali's bare shoulders by moving behind her on my knees and with her ocassionally raising her eyebrows and her voice ocassionally trailing away to the massage to feel massage.

For a good full minute,  it seemed like Pooja was taking Anjali's class as Anjali hummed, smiled and then gave explanation like how she has been overall busy.

Having a best friend in life was really a blessing. And, in the last month I had seen how Anjali's mood shifted when she spoke to Pooja.

"Hmm, I'll put it on speaker. You can tell Aniket Jiju also."

I raised my eyebrows at her.

Anjali responded, "They want to talk to us."

She then muted herself on the phone, "It's Arya's birthday next weekend. She wants to invite us formally."

"Ohh!" I moved to sit beside Anjali.

And then, we received a warm hello from Pooja and Aniket.

"Shiv Jiju, looks like you keep our Anjali very busy. She hardly talks to me these days."

I chuckled, "I won't ever come between you two friends. So,that's not on me, that's on Anjali. Pooja, Aniket you should come home. I also like the idea of double date's and ofcourse children are included."

This time Aniket spoke up, "Sure, Shiv. But first, allow me and Pooja to invite you and your entire family to Arya's birthday party next Saturday at our residence. Please, everyone has to come and no excuses."

"Yes Jiju, please !"  Pooja requested. 

I glanced at Anjali who was looking at me curiously too, "Yes, we will come Pooja and Aniket. We will be there on time or rather before time. I think Anjali might need extra time with Arya that day."

Pooja giggled on the phone, "Yes, she actually misses Anjali. They are very attached. She had gotten into the habit of spending a lot of time on weekends with her while visiting my mother."

I saw Anjali who was smiling too, "We will definitely come, Pooja. How can I miss Arya's birthday! She is turning ten. I can't believe that much time has elapsed since you delivered her."

"Time has really flown by, Anjali. Right, Aniket?" Aniket hummed in response. 

I responded, "Then Arya should come and visit Anjali and she can come anytime."

"Shiv Jiju, that is really sweet of you. Arya would love to be with Anjali. I will talk to her. But Anjali Arya has a request for you. She will call you tomorrow after school." 

"What is it?" My wife asked. 

"Can you add pink color essence to the cake. She wants it pink this time too and she wants a slightly bigger cake this time. Our little girl has invited a lot of friends and she wants enough cake to be left over to eat for next two days."

"Awww, my baby girl has many friends now. Yes, I will bake a bigger cake and make it pink too." 

Since, it was an audio call, I could stare at my wife all the time without feeling any embarrassment. My wife, on the other hand kept stealing glances from me. Ahh, the phase of newly wedded couple!

After a quick exchange of pleasantries, we finally ended the call with Pooja and Aniket. Anjali put the cell phone back on the bedside table and before she could do anything, I pulled her down and towered up supporting myself on my knees and elbows. 

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

I leaned down and kissed her gorgeous neck and to my absolute surprise, Anjali moaned my name. I immediately stopped and looked up at her.

"Anjali!? In mood or did I just hit the right spot on the first go?" I asked smiling.

"Shiv!" She was shy, she bit he lower lip and closed her eyes. 

"You know, you can have desires too. Looks like my ministrations from earlier set you in the mood. Good!" I chuckled and leaned to continue kissing her neck. 

I then moved over to the other side and was about to plant a kiss when we heard a knock on the door. 

"Bhai, Bhabhi. It's me, Harshit." Why was this a** here at this hour? I rolled my eyes.

Anjali had stiffened immediately and I sat up. "Can I romance my wife tonight or no?"

Anjali's expressions softened, "Go. He may be have something important to discuss."

"At this hour?" 

Anjali straightened up too. "Shiv, it's an important day for him tomorrow. Go and check." 

And then we heard Harshit's voice again, "Bhai, sorry just two minutes, please!"

"Khoteya, I am coming. Give me a minute." I said in a louder tone for Harshit. 

"Let him get married. Roz raat ko iske kamre ke bahar bean bajaunga." Anjali giggled as I got up from the bed. She started fixing her messed up hair and top too. 

*******

I entered my room and saw Anjali on her cell phone. "Yaar, Sanjana wants to talk to you. Harshit is calling you outside. Come! You know he won't come inside." 
Papa or Harshit never entered my room even when I was married before. Something I knew, Anjali was absolutely comfortable with. With time, I had noticed, she hesitated speaking to men in general and I wanted to bring it up to her. But, that was best left to some other time. 

Anjali instantly put her phone aside, "Me? Why?" She got up from the bed and walked towards the wardrobe. 

"I think Sanjana is alone at home and she is probably nervous. She doesn't know how her parents feel yet. Listen, it's too late so if you don't want to face Harshit at this hour then it's fine. You can always say no."

"No, I can talk to her. I will just go and get changed." She had already pulled out new clothes from the wardrobe. 

"Ok. I am going to book a weekend getaway then. I need a romantic weekend with you." I called out after her as she had already made her way to the washroom. 

I then made my way to Harshit who sat on the couch in living room nervously.  

"Anjali is coming. Stop being so nervous." I sat down opposite to him.

"I am trying, Bhai."

Anjali walked out wearing a green colored churidar kurta with dupatta and her tired up in a neat bun now.

Harshit apologized to Anjali again and then Harshit dialed Sanjana's number and handed the phone over to Anjali.

Anjali then sat at one if the dining chairs and behan talking quietly.

"Bhai, Bhabhi is really nice. Are you, I mean do you have the same feelings as in is it possible to fall in and out of .."

I put an end to his misery , "Round about way me bol raha hai. One thing is certain - Anjali is my present and my future. I don't and won't be looking at anyone else now."

Harshit nodded and then shifted his gaze to the floor. "Bhai, then I hope you have let go of the guilt of that accident. Bhabhi is trying really hard and you are trying too. I hope circumstances allow you to let go of all of it." 

I was curious, "What are you talking about? I have let go off it."

"No bhai, you haven't yet. I know you. I hope you do because you and Bhabhi both deserve happiness now." He said still staring at the floor. 

"What makes you think I haven't let go of my past?" I nudged him to know why exactly he was saying this. As brothers, we hardly spoke about my separation. 

He responded still staring hard at the floor, "Bhai, please don't get angry but I know how much pain that accident caused you. You were sulking all day on the date of the accident last week. Bhabhi may not have noticed but she doesn't deserve this Bhai."

I sighed, "I am the big brother and I should be the one trying to help you through your nervousness. Instead, you are the giving me life lessons here. I understand what you are saying though. I will work on my relationship with Anjali."

I sarcastically chuckled while Harshit slowly responded, "Sorry, Bhai. Yahaan to bol leta hun. Bas uske saamne bolti band ho jaati hai."  

I must have grinned ear to ear, "My little brother, you are just smitten. Don't worry too much."

We then saw Anjali walk towards us. She handed Harshit's phone back to him and sat down beside me. 

"Bhabhi, is she okay?" 

Anjali smiled at Harshit, "Yes, she is fine."

"She was panicking a lot and in turn I started panicking too. Was there anything important though? She insisted on talking to you or Dadi. Dadi must have already slept so I asked you." 

"Think about this from her perspective. She is worried, scared and nervous. Her family is talking about her marriage and she is currently all alone at home with no one to express her fears. She did say that she expected a better reaction from her father, so she is definitely worried but not overly worried." Anjali responded with calm and confidence. I seriously needed a weekend getaway with her, just her and me.  

"Thank you Bhabhi for talking to her. How did you feel talking to her? Did you like her?" Harshit asked nervously. 

Anjali smiled and looked at me and then at Harshit, "She seems like a really nice person. Yes, I liked her."

"You are important in this home, Bhabhi and hence I asked you." Anjali once again looked at me and then lowered her gaze.

"Yaar, someone ask me how I feel too. Agreed, I haven't spoken to Sanjana but I am also important in this home, aren't I?

Harshit responded, "Bhai, aap to mere Shri Ram Bhaiyya hain. How do you feel?" 

"Arey baap re! I am what again to you? I am very happy Harshit! It is really good to see you settling as well." 

I got up from the couch and at the same instant Anjali and Harshit got up too. I hugged my brother and then we wished each other good night before turning to sleep in our bedrooms. 

********

"Anjali?" I called out as she was in the washroom changing back into her night dress.

"Ji?" She responded. 

"Thank you! for talking to Harshit and Sanjana."

The washroom door unlocked and Anjali stepped outside in the same night dress from earlier.

"Shiv! Stop saying that you and Harshit both. And honestly, I didn't even do anything. I just heard everything Sanjana wanted to say and then I just said everything will be fine and that she shouldn't be worried. That's all."

We sat down on our respective side of the bed and switched off the lights leaving only the bedside lamp on.

"Sanjana said she remembers your mother from her childhood. Very little though. Tell me something about her na." Anjali moved closer to me on the bed as we lay next to each other.

"Really, she remembers Maa?  What do I say about Maa? She would have probably danced with joy today. She loved us unconditionally being our mother. She made us who we are,like really. She was cute, pretty and intelligent and the soul of this house."

I briefly paused to look at Anjali who had placed her hand on my racing heart as if trying to calm it down with her touch. I didn't know if it was working because this always happened whenever I thought about my mother.

"I remember, there was a time when Papa would be away for work for days together and Ma would do everything for me and Shivi and manage this very house. Harshit wasnt in the picture then.She never wanted to leave Punjab and Dadi but she did, to support Papa in his career aspirations. Once, Papa didn't even remember it was Diwali time. He didn't give enough money to Ma to make preparations for Diwali which included buying us clothes and even Pooja items. Forget about sweets and crackers. Ma and Papa had a big argument then. Me and Shivi remember packing bags and going to Dadi and Dada ji with Maa."

I chuckled and looked at Anjali who was listening intently.

"They patched up eventually. I am sure Dadi and Dada must have taken a good class of Papa. We missed a lot of school days eventually as Ma and Papa went to a trip right after and we stayed with Dadi and Dada ji."

Anjali smiled at me, "That's good !" She said.

I chuckled, "Yeah. Me and Shivi think that's how we got our baby brother. "

Anjali was all shy now and trying to stop herself from laughing.
"Laugh it out, we laugh too just not infront of Papa. "

"Ji, Harshit is a very nice person. Your mother and father have really worked hard on you three."

"Hmm, I miss Maa. Mums are the best. But I am very grateful for having Dadi.

I paused before continuing, "Yaar, I am happy for Harshit. But I am also slightly worried about the kind of person Sanjana is. I feel like he needs spice in life." I admitted to my wife.

"Shiv , she seemed like that. She is young and seems to have a peppy personality but a very good understanding of what she wants from life. "

"That's nice! Arey did you soak rajma for tomorrow?"

"Yeah I did. I am leaving the chicken dish to you and Rama." Anjali said.

"Yeah, don't worry about it. Rama has become an expert in cooking our style chicken. Shall I turn off the lights?"

Anjali nodded. I turned off am the beside lamps and turned to cuddle Anjali. Cuddles had to do tonight as there wasn't going to be any more action!

******
Anjali

"I will get sweets for everyone, Papa." I said.

"Yes,beta. Go get them. " Papa responded and I got up to go to the kitchen.

Everybody was happy. Mr. and Mrs. Arora were more than elated that their daughter was getting married in a home that they had known forever, first because they were neighbors and then second because their relatives were always good friends with Papa and Harshit.

Mr. Arora mentioned that the only reason they wanted Sanjana to go to London and study was that she could then meet up with one of their relatives son who would be a good match for Sanjana.

Now,Sanjana was free to choose further studies but only in Mumbai so that she could remain close to her relatives and us.

It was decided that 'Roka' ceremony would be in another month in Punjab so that Dadi didn't have to make travel again. As for marriage dates, the elders listened to Harshit and decided to give Harshit and Sanjana time until Roka ceremony to decide on how early they wanted marriage.

Sanjana's parents wanted an early marriage for obvious reasons and Paoa didn't object but he mentioned kids had the right to make an informed decision too. My respect for Papa had immensely increased after this conversation.

Rama was taking care of the coming while I began setting up the plate for sweets. 

I heard footsteps behind me and immediately thought it was Shiv. I turned to fully express my happiness but it was actually Sanjana's mother, Mrs. Arora.

I greeted her and she mentioned she came to see if I needed help in the kitchen.

"No Aunty. I was just trying to decorate the tray."

She smiled at me and then glanced behind me at Rama and whispered to me, "Beta, Sanjana mentioned you and Shiv just got married about a month ago and that this is second marriage for both of you."

I felt my happiness being drained out.

"Don't get me wrong, beta. I am thinking about my daughter and I am just trying to understand all people in this house. Can I know what happened with Shiv's first marriage and yours too ? "

I looked at her not knowing what to say or how to react. I then lowered my gaze and fumbled with words.

How and importantly why was I supposed to tell her about mine and Shivs first marriage! It seemed illogical that she was asking me.

And then, I heard Rama's voice, "Didi, can you check the salt in dal? "

I turned away to taste the Dal and mentally thanked Rama for pulling me out of this misery.

Rama said only two words to me in a whisper such that only I could hear, "Shiv Bhaiyya! "

I understood her intention but before I could jump on it, there were more footsteps behind us and thus time when I turned, it was actually Shiv!

I smiled! My man was here. "Anjali, what are you doing with sweets? Everybody is waiting and I am actually craving! Aunty, anything worrying you? You look worried!"

Aunty responded, "No beta, come let's go!"

Shiv gently nudged me to ask what was wrong but I gestured later ! I had to let him know.

We headed out with sweets in my hands and Shiv infront of me. 

I somehow hoped that I didn't have to face Aunty again!!

********

OK, I apologize for such a delayed update. I have been unwell and doctors are saying post covid effects. I have what is called pyrexia of unknown origin of simply called as fevers of unknown origin. We have ruled out several diseases already and there are few more left to rule out.
I feel drained each time the fever presents itself which is nearly everyday. 

Anyhow , thoughts on this chapter ?

This chapter is completely unedited. Please point out errors.

I'll try getting an update soon this time!