It was pouring heavily.Meenakshi hadn't returned from the hospital so Vicky called her.

V: Are you stuck somewhere?Where is your location?I'll come and pick you up.

M: I was only going to call you.Today duty doctor isn't around.I have to stay here overnight.I'll come only in the morning.You eat and sleep...

Call ended.

P: Is she ok?

He turned.

V: Yeah...she'll be slightly late...

P: Oh ok.I'll keep dinner ready for you then.

V: No it's ok.I'm not hungry now I'll have later.

P: It's already very late.If you don't eat now then when?Just five minutes.

She heated up the dinner and called him to the dining table.While eating she stole glances at him which made him uncomfortable.

P: Vicky,do you remember once...

V: It's enough for me.

P: You haven't eaten anything...have some more.

He refused and went to his room.After a while Priya came in with a glass of hot milk.

P: You didn't eat properly.Have this atleast.

She kept it on the table and he mouthed a thank you.

P: If you need anything call me ok?

It sounded like it had an inner meaning.After she left he pushed him room door to a close and went to sleep.

After sometime Priya returned.She sat by his side on the bed admiring him.

P: So cute he is like a baby...🥰

He tossed around and seeing her beside him made him jump out of his skin.He scooted backwards.

V: Why are you here?Go and sleep!😰

She caught his hand.

P: Vicky,I still love you.I know you too have feeling for me.Let's become one tonight.

She hugged him.Vicky jolted out of his sleep.Beads of sweat had formed all around his face.He felt relieved when there was no one in his room.

V: Bad dream...😓😰

He went to check on Priya.She was asleep in her room.Vicky felt restless.

***

Next morning Meenakshi returned home.She went to her room and found Vicky missing.She checked everywhere but he wasn't around  and she became worried.

M: Where could he have gone this early?His phone is here...Oh no...

She ran down and searched for him around the colony.

M: Did you see my husband?

She asked everyone who crossed her path but no one knew.Meenakshi ran to the basement to take the lift to her flat as she wanted to get her purse to go out and look for him.

That was when she saw their car light was on.She went closer and saw Vicky sleeping inside.

M: Vicky...😥

She knocked on the glass.He got up.Seeing her,he opened the door.

M: What is this Vicky?We have a house and you're sleeping here...were you here the whole night?

He nodded.Yawning and rubbing his eyes he replied to her groggily.

V: My conscience didn't allow me to stay in the same house with Priya when you were away that's why...

He leaned on her shoulder like a sleepy baby who found his mother.Meenakshi smiled inwardly feeling blessed to have have gotten a Lord Sri Rama incarnate for a husband.♥️

M: Come,let's go home and sleep.

He snuggled his head more on the crook of her neck.Supporting him by his waist Meenakshi took him home and led him to their room.He dropped heavily on his bed.She covered him with the quilt and patted his head gently.Placing a kiss on his forehead she went out of the room.

P: Gd morning Meenakshi.You just came?

M: Yeah.Had to stay back last night that's why.

P: You look tired.Get some rest I'll prepare the meal.

M: It's ok I'll do it.

***

One evening,Priya and Meenakshi were at home.Vicky hadn't returned from work yet.

M mv: She seems to be in a good mood.I can talk to her now.

P mv: Vicky is not around.This is the right time to speak to Meenakshi regarding this.

Meenakshi called Priya to talk.

M: I want to talk to you...

Priya's face lit up.

P: Even I want to talk to you regarding my life...

M: (mv: She has had a change of heart.Good.)Happy to hear that Priya..ok you tell first.

Casting her gaze downwards,

P: I understood that Vicky is just living with you for namesake and he still loves me so...

She looked at Meenakshi.

P: Don't worry I won't chase you away or snatch your rights.You can still be his legal wife.I'll stay with you both hereafter.We three can live happily together.

Meenakshi was stunned beyond words.Priya held her hand.

P: Pls Meenakshi.If you agree,we can convince Vicky.Like how we were these days,we can continue to be like that.

M: 😥😥

V: That is never going to happen!
😡

Vicky entered the scene.Both of them rose from their seats.Sensing his rage,Meenakshi held him back.

M: Vicky...wait...be calm...I'll handle this...

He shot her look she stepped back.Looking at Priya,

V: What do you think about me?Am I your dog for you to shoo away and cuddle as per your whims and fancies?If you kick me I have to take it and when you desire I've to come after you wagging my tail?😡

P: Why are you talking like this Vicky?I've realised my mistake and apologised to you both for the same.Leave the past aside.I want to start life afresh with you with Meenakshi's permission.

Vicky felt disgusted.

V: Chi.You want to share another woman's husband don't you find it wrong?

P: I didn't ask you to divorce her or tell her to leave you.I only want to be with you.Isn't that what you want as well?Else you wouldn't be faking a happy life with her or have brought me here.

V: Things have gone beyond control,hereafter there is no point in hiding the truth.

Vicky took a calming breath.

V: It was not my idea to bring you here!It was hers!

He said pointing at Meenakshi.

V: And it is not to unite you with me.We are doing this to fulfill your father's last wish!

P: What are you saying?I don't understand...

V: Two days after your father's demise,your uncle,Kishore came to me and apologised for his misdeeds...

Vicky started narrating the flashback.

JV: This is bava's diary.He told me to give it to you should something happen to him...

Vicky read the note for him.

"Vicky,I apologize to you and Meenakshi for my daughter's demeanor.I know you are good and now even my daughter has realised that.I want to see her settled and even found a groom who loves her but she is firm about staying single for life in your memories.Will you and Meenakshi pls convince her to agree for marriage should anything happen to me?I have relatives but I can't entrust her with anyone.With utmost faith in you and Meenakshi I'm asking this favour.Pls consider this as my dying wish and set my daughter's life right.Pls Vicky.May god bless you both."

Vicky's eyes welled up seeing the faith her father kept on him.He showed Meenakshi the diary.

M: We have to fulfill his wishes Vicky but how?

V: Uncle has written the details of the groom and his photo is also there.Tomorrow we will go and speak to his parents.Priya should not know yet.

The next day Meenakshi and Vicky went to the boy's house and spoke to his parents.

"We are sorry to hear about his demise.We have no issues in accepting Priya.We will look after her like our own daughter."the boy's father said.

Meenakshi and Vicky exchanged smiles.

V: Thank you sir.We would like to speak to the boy and also know his opinion.

"Gautham has gone to the US on work purpose.In two weeks he'll be returning to India.He has to attend a seminar at Delhi he was saying."

V: We are also settled in Delhi.

"That's great.You can meet up with him there."

Vicky spoke to Gautham over video call and they arranged to meet up in Delhi.Meenakshi and Vicky returned home.

V: Gautham has agreed now it's up to Priya.

M: It's difficult to convince her.We have to be tactful in speaking to her.She shouldn't feel that we are thinking of her as a burden and trying to push her off in the name of marriage.

V: I understand.We have to wait for the right moment and speak to her especially now that she's depressed after her father's demise.

M: I suggest we take her along with us to Delhi.A change of place might make her feel better and by the time Gautham comes we can convince her.

V: Ok then you call her to come.

M: No Vicky if I call she will definitely refuse as she might think she is causing inconvenience to us.If you call she might relent.Seeing her mood I'll slowly explain to her then it's up to her.

V: Ok.What about my parents?

M: For now let this remain between us.If Priya agrees to the marriage and everything goes well after that we can tell Amma and nanna...

V: ...this is the real reason.We are not acting like a couple for the world as you are imagining.I have moved on and accepted Meenakshi wholeheartedly.She too.We are truly very happy.

M: ...the day after tomorrow Gautham will arrive so I thought of speaking to you today but by then...mmm...

Priya cupped her mouth to muffle her sobs.She ran to her room and shut the door.Meenakshi wanted to go but Vicky stopped her.

V: Leave her alone Meenakshi...she needs to be alone for sometime.Let her cry and pour out her grief.Once she's fine she'll only come out.

Priya didn't come out until the next day.

M: Vicky,I'm scared...I'll go and check on her.

She went to her room.Priya was staring out of the window.Meenakshi felt relieved.

M: Don't confine yourself within the room Priya.Come out,talk to us.

P: I feel so ashamed to face you and Vicky.Both your intentions are pure but me...I feel so cheap.

M: You didn't know so you spoke that way.Neither Vicky nor me are angry on you.Don't think about the past.I'll get you something to eat...

P: I'll only come...

Vicky was in the hall.Seeing Priya,he approached her.

V: I'm sorry if I spoke harsh last night.

She gave a gentle nod and followed Meenakshi to the kitchen.

***

The following day the trio left to meet Gautham.They arrived at the lobby of the hotel he was staying.

M: Priya,this is just a casual meeting.There is no rush or pressure for you to give your consent.Speak to him.More or less you will get an idea about him.Think over it.Take time if you need.Only if you are very sure about this alliance,then we will proceed.Your wish and life matters the most ok?

Priya nodded.Gautham stepped out of the lift.Waving,he walked towards them.

G: Hi guys!

V: Hello Gautham.

They shook hands.

V: This is my wife Meenakshi and that is Priya.

He greeted Meenakshi and looked at Priya.

G: Hello Priya...I'm sorry to hear about uncle.You ok?

P: Yes.

Vicky sensed that Gautham was feeling awkward about their presence.

V: We'll be outside.You can talk here.

G: No no it's ok you guys can be here.If you don't mind can I take her out to the garden?Just for half an hour.

Meenakshi asked Priya if she was ok and she gave her nod.She followed Gautham while Meenakshi and Vicky waited at the lobby.

M: You think this will work out?

V: It should.

Vicky closed his eye in prayer.

M: What was that for?

V: I have vowed that if all goes well,I will tonsure head for Venkateshwara swamy.

M: Lol...I wonder how you would look if completely bald.

V: Cha...I'm not going to go bald.I prayed I'll make nanna do it.

M: 😂😂

After half an hour they both returned.As they were walking towards Vicky,Gautham brought his hand to an upward thumbs up indicating that she had given her consent for marriage.Thereafter the four of them had lunch.

G: Tomorrow I'm leaving.If it's ok with you,I can take Priya along.

Priya agreed.The next day Vicky and Meenakshi went to the airport to send off Priya and Gautham.

G: I'll get that for you...

He took the luggage from Priya's hand.

Priya looked at Meenakshi and Vicky.She joined her palms.

P: If I've offended you both in anyway,pls forgive me...

Meenakshi gave a parting hug to Priya and wiped her tears.

M: You don't worry about anything.You are not alone,we are all there for you.If you are unhappy about anything and want someone to talk to we're there.We will definitely be there for your wedding.

P: Thanks Meenakshi...thanks Vicky...

V: Pls take good care of her.

G: Will do that Bro.Stay in touch.

Gautham and Vicky exchanged a hug.They bid goodbye to each other.Sliding his hand across Priya's shoulder,Gautham took her to the boarding gate.Mr.&Mrs.Perfect waved at them until they were out of sight.

There was a sadness on Vicky's face which didn't go unnoticed by Meenakshi.

M: Ahem...ahem...

V: Huh...uh...

He looked away to wipe the the tear drop from his eyes.Meenakshi offered her handkerchief.

M: Maybe if I hadn't come into your lives things would have been different for you both.

V: I didn't think that way.Whatever she be she was my first love and I feel sorry for her.She lost her father too so I empathize her.I wish her well.

M: Hmm...

He slid his arm around her waist and pinched her there.

M: Ouch!

She looked at him and he pretended to see elsewhere.She smiled inwardly.

V: So?

M: So?

V: What next?😍

M: Time to seal our marriage.😍

***

Vicky went to Lord Ganesha temple and bribed him by breaking a big pumpkin instead of usual small coconut for his delayed first night to go on without any hiccups.

Upon returning home,he took out the batteries from the doorbell and cut the wire of the landline.He also checked the kitchen if gas was turned off and tap was shut.

Going to his room he took his and Meenakshi's phones and threw away their simcards.He locked the room door and pulled the curtains to create a cosy ambience.

⚠️🔞
Please be advised that this part onwards contains mature content.It is not suitable for younger audiences.

Meenakshi was having shower.He joined both the beds and set the pillows.He took out a packet from the drawer and kept it on the nightstand then slid the box back into the drawer.

He did a mental check to be sure he hadn't left out anything.

V: Oh that...

He picked the calendar to check her markings in red ink on the date then he counted.

V: It's only 10 days after her last monthly that means she cannot give that as a reason to escape.Hihihi...

He returned to the bed and posed like a King.Rolling a strand of jasmine flowers in his wrist,he sniffed it while waiting for her.

The bathroom door clicked and Vicky sat upright adjusting his tshirt like a good boy.A towel wrapped around her body,Meenakshi stepped out shaking the water off her hair.

She caught Vicky smiling ear to ear.

M: What?

V: Nothing...just...

He ironed the bedspread with his hand keeping it neat for her.She padded over to her wardrobe.

V: Where are you going?

M: Going to take out my nightie...🥰

V: Don't want.It's time waste.😕

M: Oh I thought you fancied undressing me.Nevermind then...

V: It's ok you wear I'll do the honours of inaugurating.😍🙈

She dropped her towel and he got to see her in her full glory for the first time.He became wild with excitement like Tom cat.

He hid his face in his palms yet the bad boy in him peeped through the gap of his fingers.Slipping into a satin nightie,she went and sat beside him.

M: You have not decorated the bed with flowers?😑

V: I discovered flowers are unlucky for us.😓

M: Why so?

Vicky took her hand and drew patterns on it making her flinch.

V: The first time our bed was decorated,you threw mangalsutra at me.Second time,you slept off,third time you met with accident and fourth time phone call came and you left now is fifth time I don't want any hiccups so I didn't decorate this time.

M: It's not four,we missed our first night five times.

V: Is it?Which one did I miss out?🤔

M: That night after our party you attacked me in the kitchen,that is also one.🤨

V: That...I...hihihi...🙈

M: Hmm...are we just going to talk the whole night?

V: No no...there is action also.

Dimming the light,he made her lie down and got on top of her.After five failed attempts,they managed to accomplish it the sixth time.🙈
♥️

***

Breathing heavily,he joined his forehead with hers.

V: Love you bangaram...

He gasped.Shifting aside strands of her hair that was stuck to her sweaty forehead,Vicky kissed her tenderly before rolling over to his side.Facing her,

V: Are you ok sweetheart?

Completely spent,she nodded weakly.

Vicky picked her up gently giving her the comfort of his arms.He made her rest her head on his chest securing her towards him.He then pulled the quilt until her shoulder ensuring she was kept warm.

He entwined his fingers with hers.Patting her head lightly,he kissed the top of her head at intervals.

V: Tomorrow I'll give you a full body massage then you'll be rid of these aches and feel better Mrs.Fish...

She smiled in response.

M: Since when Ms.Fish got promoted to Mrs.Fish?

V: A while ago...after your ribbon got snipped by me...now only you're Mrs.Fish in the true sense.

He winked at her.She jabbed his stomach playfully.

M: Mrs.Fish makes me feel aged so you call me Ms.Fish only as you used to...feels nostalgic too.

V: Your wish Ms.Fish!

M: Mmm...was I good enough for you?Tell me honestly.

V: Of course you were amazing!Why do you feel that way?

M: I became tired too soon.That must have been a put off for you no?

Vicky embraced her and kissed her on her lips.Tugging her strands of hair behind her ear,

V: It is our first time and I don't expect you to perform like a master.Don't worry practice will make us perfect.Did I make this unpleasant for you?

M: No you didn't...

She smiled at him.

They engaged in more pillow talks before drifting off to sleep in each other's arms.♥️

***

They were amorous like typical newly married couples.He could only think about her and she would blush reminiscing their love making sessions.Once she was on her way to work smiling to herself thinking about the night.

She received his text message.

V: Where are you?

M: In the bus..you?

V: Just reached office.Switching on the computer.Thinking about how you were squirming to my touches like fish out of water.You are indeed a fish!Ms.Fish!

M: Chi...put the phone away and get to work.

She alighted and was walking towards the hospital when she received another text from him.

V: The aircon is on full but I'm feeling so hot...can't work also...The flushed face of yours when you bit your lips and arched your back digging your nails on my shoulder is flashing before my eyes...

M: God!What's wrong with him today?

Meenakshi's cheeks turned crimson.Stepping aside,she replied him.

M: Vicky,I've already reached the hospital.I have to work.Pls don't disturb me.

She dropped the phone in her bag but still smiling like a dumb at his dirty talk.

Meenakshi was conducting eye anatomy classes to some trainee medical students when her phone beeped.Excusing herself she picked the phone only to find his texts.Her eyes widened in shock as she skimmed through the texts he was sending her.She called him up.

M: You monkey!Didn't I tell you I'm at work?Can't you wait until evening?Another dirty text of yours and I'll switch off my phone!

She disconnected the call and returned to the room.

M: Sorry guys...where was I?

"Cornea..."one of the student responded.

M: Haan...so the clitoros...

The students giggled and exchanged looks.

M: Why are you all laughing?

"Doctor,where does eyes have a clitoros?"one of them mocked.

M: Huh....uh...before this I was taking gynecology classes so...ok...concentrate...Cornea right?Yes ok cornea...

Students spoke amongst themselves.

"She's newly married I heard..."

"Oh I see no wonder she is blabbering...last night's effect...lol..."

Later Meenakshi was at her room treating patients.Again her phone buzzed.She knew who it was but she couldn't refrain herself from picking her phone.

V: I can't take it anymore.I'm coming to your hospital now.Chase your patients away.Keep your table clear off things...

M: Vicky pls don't come here...I beg you...

V: Fine then you come home now!

M: What?I can't come like that.Wait till evening.

V: I'm going crazy thinking about you!I want you now!

M: I'm switching off the phone.Bye.

Of course Meenakshi didn't do that.Leaving her phone on her table,she went to attend her patient.One of her colleague came in and took her phone as hers didn't have charge.

"Meenakshi what is this?😳"

She almost fainted seeing Vicky's texts.Meenakshi snatched her phone.

M: Pls cover me for the rest of today,I got to go now bye...

Picking her bag,she dashed out of the room.

Her phone buzzed.

V: Where are you?

M: Left the hospital,on the way.

V: Turn to your right.

She turned.He waved at her from inside the car.She got in and smacked him with her bag.

M: Why are you doing all this?My colleague read those texts how will I face her tomorrow?😡

V: Face her with a love bite on your lips and neck she will not question you further.

M: Chi shameless...

V: 😉😎

He reversed the car and sped home.Upon reaching their flat she fumbled with the keys.

V: Hurry!!

He stomped his feet like a fussy kid who wanted his toy.

M: Wait...uff...!!

They went in.Locking the door,he kissed her hungrily while removing her salwar top off her head.She kissed him back with the same passion while her hands unbuttoned his shirt.

Getting rid off their clothes,she fell back on the sofa and he crawled on top of her and they played another game of Ludo.🙄

To be continued...