Always and Forever
Part 54: The Unwanted News

Something heavy draped over her body, making her feel uncomfortable. She grumbled and tried to adjust her position, but the object seemed to be clutching onto her. Irritated at the disturbance she blinked her eyes open to check, and saw an unfamiliar face next to her… She almost shrieked, but just then a voice queried, “tu kyun uth gai?”

Preeti gasped, her eyes moving to the source of voice, “Naina… tu… dara diya mujhe… aur yeh kaun hai?”

Naina smiled, “Deepika… neend me tujhe hug kar liya hai… Ek minute…”

“Main toh bhool hi gai thi Deepika ke baare me”, Preeti murmured, “darr gai ke kaun anjaan soya hai paas me.”

Naina chuckled, “shaadi ke baad pehli subah ko Rohan ko dekhke aise cheekhna mat… Warna gharwale kuch aur hi samjhenge.”

Preeti frowned, “kya samjhenge? Aur tu itni subah subah uthke kyun bethi hai…? Kitne baj rahe hai?”

“5 baje hai”, Naina informed, “mere pet me dard ho raha hai, isiliye neend khul gai.”

Preeti also sat up, concerned, “kyun? Kal raat ko khane me kuch gadbad thi kya? Mujhe ab tak theek se aadat nahi hui hai kitchen me kaam karneki, toh thode masala idhar-udhar ho jaate hai.”

Naina laughed softly, “nahi… khane me sab theek tha… woh bas mere periods shuru ho gaye kal der raat. Isiliye…”

“Oh…”, Preeti mumbled, “koi baat nahi… Jijaji ko kehna chocolate chahiye, phirse bada wala guldasta banake denge.”

Naina smiled, but her thoughts trailed off to the conversation last night… Sameer was waiting to make love… She had promised they would, and he had said he would recover all dues… Even one night had seemed like a long wait… But now, there was an even longer wait. Would he be sad? Or maybe angry?

Preeti queried, “kahan kho gai?”

Naina shook her head, “kuch nahi… bas soch rahi thi… Sameer ko kaise batau…”

“Jijaji ko kyun batayegi?” Preeti asked in an innocent tone, “woh jaanke kya karenge?”

Naina was silent for a moment, and then muttered, “uh… tu nahi samjhegi…”

Preeti yawned, stretching her arms, wondering if she should get up or sleep some more, while at the same time pondering over Naina’s words… And suddenly she remembered a previous conversation that had happened in this very room before Naina’s wedding. “Sab kuch matlab?” That was the question she had Swati had asked, Shefali had giggled, and Naina had explained in not so many words that after wedding, basically, the husband had the right to see his wife without clothes. Oh God… Preeti gasped, turning to look at her sister, “Naina… tera matlab… umm…. Jijaji dekhenge isiliye tujhe batana hoga?”

Naina blinked, her brows furrowing as she tried to think how her sister understood, but then even she recalled the same conversation. Biting her lip, she simply nodded. Preeti’s eyes widened, “iska matlab… jijaji ne… uh… dekha hai? Abhi abhi toh shaadi hui… itni jaldi…”

“Itne saal ho gaye”, Naina clarified, blushing a bit, “aur kaise intezaar karte.”

Preeti’s voice was hushed as she queried further, “tune bhi…?” Her sister nodded, and she shuddered, “chee… itna ganda ganda kyun karna hai shaadi ke baad.”

Naina tried to clarify, “ganda nahi hota…”

“Hota hai”, Preeti determinedly stated, “mujhe nahi dekhna yeh sab… chee-chee…”

Naina chuckled, “shaadi ke baad dekhti hun tu kaunse sur me gaati hai.”

Preeti shook her head resolutely, “main pehle hi Rohan ko bol dungi ke yeh sab kuch nahi hoga.”

The laughter that ensued woke Deepika up, and she grumbled, “bhabhi… aap itna kyun has rahe ho?”

Naina tried to calm down, “kuch nahi… bas Preeti ne joke maara subah subah…”

Intrigued, Deepika asked, “mujhe bhi batao na kya joke tha.”

Preeti rolled her eyes, “main nahane jaa rahi hun. Aisi subah ke baad toh mujhe nashte me kuch bahot hi achcha chahiyega.”

As she grabbed her clothes and went inside the bathroom, Naina giggled, “Deepika… tumhari wajah se aaj zindagi me pehli baar Preeti itni subah subah uthi hai aur nahane gai hai…”

Deepika yawned, and fell back on the bed again, while Naina stood up and moved out to the balcony. There was a time when she really enjoyed this routine, stand here, see the morning sun, the people moving below. But today the scene somehow felt incomplete… And she realized that she was missing Sameer’s warmth. Even though she had never stood at the balcony of their room in morning, she still imagined herself in his shirt or t-shirt, standing outside, holding onto the white railing, looking at the green lawn and bright sun… He would come up behind her, slide his hand around her waist, move aside her hair with his other hand, and then kiss the side of her face. Warmth pooled inside her just at the thought of his lips touching her skin… It was such a shame that she won’t be to get her fill of her husband tonight, and for a few more nights. The frustration at this thought made her want to throw something, and she eyed the flower pot.

Just then Taiji said from the nearby balcony, “oh bai… subah subah bina dupatte ke balcony me kyun khadi hai?”

Naina jerked, glancing at Taiji and then down at herself, and said, “night dress ke upar dupatta kaun leta hai Taiji?”

“Jiski shaadi ho gai ho woh”, Taiji reprimanded, “pallu bina ghum rahi hai… laaj-sharam kuch hai ke nahi… Jaa andar jaa…”

Naina thought it was easier to comply rather than argue, and so she went back inside. Bela had just woken up, and was boiling water. Upon seeing Naina, she asked, “uth gai? Aaja nimbu wala garam paani peete hai. Sasural me peeti hai ke nahi?”

Naina smiled, “wahan toh do din hue… subah waqt hi nahi mile… par aaj kitchen ke jagah bahar bethte hai.”

Bela was puzzled, “kyun?”

“Mere maasik shuru ho gaye”, Naina informed, “kal der raat.”

The information distressed Bela, “hey bhagwaan… ab sasural me kya bolegi? Aaj toh Vishakhaji aur dusre log bhi honge na… Aur damadji… Woh kya sochenge? Shaadi ke baad itni jaldi kaise… davai le leni chahiye thi…”

Naina interrupted, “Chachiji… kuch nahi hoga… Fikar mat kijiye.”

Bela handed over a glass to her, “lekin damadji ko kya bolegi beta… mera matlab… uh… pata nahi damadji ne kuch bataya hai ke nahi tujhe… shaadi ke baad ka…”

As Chachiji fumbled, Naina realized how difficult it was in her family to communicate about certain topics. Menstruation was one of the tabooed topics here, while with Sameer she had already fallen into a comfortable rhythm of sharing. That’s why she hadn’t worried about any problems… Yes, she was worried about upsetting him as they won’t be able to make love, but she was not concerned at all on if she would be sharing this with him or not. All thanks for Sameer who had talked to her about these topics even before their wedding, and had taught her how these conversations were completely normal between a couple. The topics that she had considered as taboo, he had treated them as natural…

She placed her hand over Bela’s, “aap fikar mat kijiye… Sameer ko main theek tareeke se bata dungi. Aur aapko chinta karne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai… Mujhe pata hai aap kya soch rahe hai, aapke man me kya sawaal chal rahe hai… Lekin sach kahu Chachiji… Sameer se achche pati shayad hi kisi ladki ko mil sakta hai… Meri kismat bahot achchi hai ke mujhe unka saath mila… Jin baato ki aap fikar kar rahi hai woh sab mujhe pata hai, main samajhti hun, aur yeh periods ki baat bhi main unse kar sakti hun… Main unse koi bahi baat bina kisi fikar ke kar sakti hun.”

Bela was surprised, “bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye… yeh baat bhi? Aur… shaadi ke baad ka tujhe sab pata hai?”

Naina smiled, “haan pata hai… aur haan main yeh baat bhi kar sakti hun unse…”

An astonished expression crossed Bela’s face, but then she sighed in relief, and said, “bhagwaan ka shukkar hai… Main toh shaadi ke waqt soch sochke pareshan thi ke tujhe damadji kaise samjhayenge sab baate… Tu toh kitaabo se hi upar nahi aati thi…”

Naina couldn’t help the giggle, and neither could she stop the blush that adorned her cheeks which led to Chachiji teasing her some more, and asking if she had used the nighties. Later on while Preeti helped Chachiji to start preparation for breakfast, she went inside to take her bath. The warm water soothed her, and she started to think about Chachiji’s questions. She hadn’t worn the nighties yet, it had totally skipped her mind… and well… the first night she had been in her wedding outfit, and the next night they hadn’t even taken time to freshen up. So there was still time… Maybe she can start using her nighties on her honeymoon. That should be a fantastic surprise for him… They still had five days before they left for Jaipur, and by then her periods would be definitely over… It was truly the perfect time. It was better to use her nighties in the Jaipur-Udaipur trip, because Switzerland would be too cold to even think of nighties… That thought made her spent a few minutes more while wiping herself down in pondering what she would be wearing to bed in Switzerland… That much cold would require her to wear sweater and socks as well, but then… If she wore all that how would they make love?

Minutes later she was dressed in an old light blue chikan salwar-kameez, and sat down in-front of the dressing table. Deepika had woken up by then, and rushed inside the bathroom. Naina didn’t pay much attention to anything, her legs had started to feel bit sore, and mild cramps in her belly were making her uncomfortable. She hated when her periods started at odd hours of night, just like it did last night, and now she didn’t know whether to consider today as first day or second day. She lightly combed her hair, applied some cream and filled in the partition in her hair.

At breakfast time, while everyone chattered non-stop, Naina kept rubbing her tummy, and irritation started to settle in. Why hadn’t Sameer called yet? He must have woken up surely. Didn’t he miss her anymore? He would call so often in mornings before, even when he would be in office, but now that they were married it seemed he didn’t miss her anymore… He must be enjoying his day of freedom…

Kya soch rahi hai Naina…

Truly… What was she thinking… Sameer had been so reluctant to let her leave. He had even been angry on her because of the pag-phera. Then how could he not miss her? Of course he was missing her very much… But maybe he was not calling her because he wanted to punish her for coming here. Yes… that must be it.

Just then Preeti said, “Naina… kahan khoyi hai tu? Kha bhi le… Itne kharab pohe bhi nahi banaye maine ke kha nahi sakti.”

“Achche hi bane honge”, Naina assured with a small smile, “lekin mujhe zyada bhukh nahi hai.”

Preeti immediately teased, “haaye… ab toh jijaji ke bina bhukh bhi nahi lagti hamari Naina ko.”

Deepika giggled, “bhaiya bhi aisa hi kar rahe honge ghar pe.”

Anand and Bela smiled at that, and so did Naina as she started to feel little better after Deepika’s conviction. As they cleared the dishes, suddenly the phone rang, and Naina forgot every pain and cramp, hurriedly rushing to pick it up.

Her voice was bit breathless with anticipation, “hello…”

“Hey sweetheart”, Sameer smiled at the other end, “mere kuch kiye bina hi tumhari saanse tezz ho gai hai?”

She blushed, and pelted questions at him, “aapne itni der kyun ki phone karne me? Kya kar rahe hai? Subah late uthe kya? Raat ko neend theek se hui? Breakfast kiya? Yahan kab aayenge? Aur aise kaise…”

Sounds of laughter from behind her made her trail off in her ramble, and she bit her lip, realizing that her entire family was listening in. At the other end Sameer also laughed softly, “mujhe pata hai Naina… I missed you too…”

She smiled, and then lowered her voice to ask, “aap kab aayenge?”

“Kaho toh abhi aa jaata hun”, he replied, “aa jau?”

It didn’t even take her a second to answer, “haan…”

He was surprised at her response, but felt extremely happy to know how she was unable to stay without him. Checking the time he assured, “main bas abhi nahaya… Thoda breakfast karke phir nikalta hun… Kuch laana hai?”

Chocolate, she wanted to demand, but didn’t do it, thinking she shouldn’t be informing him like this over phone. Rather she said, “nahi… bas aap sambhalke aaiye.”

“Okay sweetheart”, he grinned, “milta hun thodi der me.”

She turned to her family and happily declared, “Sameer aa rahe hai…”

Bela almost shrieked, “kya? Tune damadji ko abhi bula liya? Hey bhagwaan… Kaisi ladki hai yeh… Bhagwaan jhooth na bulaye, akkal naam ki cheez nahi hai… Ab tak toh khana nahi bana, bazaar se mithai nahi laaye… Aur tune…”

Naina interrupted, “Chachiji… Sameer pehli baar nahi aa rahe… Maana hamari shaadi ho gai, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi woh badal gaye. Woh ab tak wahi Sameer hai jo kabhi-kabhi bina bataye yahan aa jaate the, jo aapke haath ka bana saada kadhi-chawal bhi kha lete the, jinke saath aap Mt. Abu gai thi… Damad hai iss ghar ke, lekin aapke damadji nahi, Sameer hi hai…”

Chachaji smiled on hearing this, “bilkul theek keh rahi hai Naina… Itni fikar mat karo tum Bela… Main abhi jaake rasmalai leke aata hun, aur tum khana bana do.”

“Rasmalai ki zaroorat nahi hai”, Naina suggested, “shaadi wali bahot mithai bachi thi ghar pe… do din se gulab-jamun aur rasmalai hi kha rahe hai. Chachiji aap kuch sheera ya kheer jaisa bana dijiye…”

Preeti added, “haan… aur khane me roti, tuver-aloo ki sabji, ful-gobi ki sabji, chawal aur khatti daal.”

Bela clucked her tongue, “gobi kaun khilata hai damad ko… kamsekam paneer toh hona chahiye na… Kal chole bhigo diye hote toh achcha rehta… Poori bana deti saath me.”
Once more Naina assured, “nahi… Preeti ka idea achcha hai… Ghar wala khana banaiye… Chole, poori, paneer yeh sab bahot kha liya shaadi me. Aur… thoda zyada hi banana… Sameer ko yeh tuver bahot pasand hai, aur shayad Rohan bhi saath me aaye…”

Preeti blushed on hearing this, her heartbeat accelerating as she had been hoping to meet Rohan once more before he left. Chachaji also agreed with the idea, and so did Deepika. Bela gave up in-front of her family, but kept muttering about the simple food being served. When Taiji came in, she also said that the planned meal was too plain, and kept giving ideas for more, but Naina strictly refused. Finally, Tauji said Naina would know best about what Sameer would like, so let it be, but he still asked Anand to get some ice-cream and cold-drinks, also instructed his wife to bring out their expensive dinner set. Taiji obeyed with hesitation which made the sisters giggle.

At the other end, Sameer whistled as he dressed up in the shirt Naina had gifted on their Mt. Abu trip. Munna and Pandit had left after breakfast, and Rohan mopped around, his expressions sullen. Sameer chuckled on seeing him peering in his room for the tenth time, and said, “baar baar jhaank ne se kuch nahi hoga. Saath chalna hai toh taiyar ho jao.”

Rohan’s eyes widened, “main chal sakta hun?”

Sameer shrugged, “haan… Naina ne andaaza laga hi liya hoga ke tum aaoge saath me… Aur tumhe Preeti se milna nahi hai?”

“Milna hai na”, Rohan immediately confessed, “lekin soch raha tha kaise kahu…”

Sameer laughed, “jao taiyar ho jao… jaldi se…”

Within the next ten minutes the brothers were ready to leave, and Vishakha queried, “Rohan… tum kyun jaa rahe ho?”

He shuffled his foot, “uh… bhabhi ko laane… Aur Deepika bhi toh wahin hai…”

His mother frowned, “haan lekin… Wapas toh aa rahe hai na woh log… Jaane se pehle mil paoge Naina se tum… Toh phir…”

“Mummy”, Sameer interrupted, “darasal Naina ne bulaya hai… Rohan ki pasand ki sabji ban rahi hai wahan, toh isiliye…”

Vishakha shook her head, “tum dono jab dekho tab bas khane ki hi sochte ho… Tumko toh Naina mil gai, jo tumhe bana banake khilaane wali hai… Ab Rohan ke liye koi aisi ladki dhundni padegi jo khana banaye na banaye, lekin iske jaisa khaane ka shauk use bhi ho…”

Sameer chuckled, “tension mat lo mummy… waisi hi milegi… guarantee hai…”

As they walked to the door, loaded with bags of gifts and sweets, Rohan murmured softly, “bhai… mummy ko shaq ho jaata toh…”

It was a really low whisper, but still Vishakha could hear, and wondered if she was right in her doubts. She had been bit suspicious about Rohan’s behavior since a long time, because suddenly he had started to be happier, more confident, and also more private. He had often bought gifts, saying they were for bhabhi, but would never say what they were… Vishakha didn’t mind that, but she wondered why Rohan would send more than one gift to Naina. Once when she had teased him about getting him married to Preeti, he had literally fallen off the bed in shock, and then he had blushed so much that his cheeks had turned red. She also remembered that on their previous trip when Naina and Sameer had regaled her with the tale of their first date in temple, Rohan and Preeti weren’t there. She had witnessed the closeness of the whole group during the wedding, finding it extremely surprising that Rohan gelled so well with all of them. And then during the wedding rituals she had once seen Rohan and Preeti standing next to each other, the expressions on their face soft as they looked at Sameer and Naina, and then smiled at each other. All these incidents had made her think that surely Rohan was interested in Preeti… But now upon hearing Sameer’s assurance for Rohan’s bride, and the whispered conversation, she wondered if it was more than interest, and if it was from both ends… She would surely have to think about it…

At Agarwal house, Naina kept peeking out of the door repeatedly, and sharp at 11am she heard two honks from downstairs. Her heart skipped beats, she eagerly waited, and soon Sameer rushed up the stairs. He had bags in his hand, but on seeing his wife, he simply let them fall, and grabbed her in a hug. Naina sighed happily, “Sameer… andar toh aao… bahar hai hum log…”

“Chalega bahar bhi”, he muttered, “shaadi ho gai hai ab.”

Rohan came up behind, and teased, “bhai… thoda toh control karo…”

Naina somehow managed to detangle herself from his arms, and smiled at Rohan, “mujhe laga hi tha ke tum aaoge.”

Sameer cupper her chin between his fingers, making her look back at him, “oh hello… pati pe dhyan do… Poore 21 ghante 30 minute ho gaye tumhe mujhse dur gaye huye.”

She blinked in surprise, and then laughed, “aap bhi na… andar aaiye.”

Anand, Bela and Preeti came to greet them, courteous pleasantries were exchanged, and then Sameer sniffed the air, suddenly commenting, “wow… sach me tuver ban raha hai lagta hai.”

Bela was amazed, “bhagwan jhooth na bulaye… aapko kaise pata chala damadji?”

Sameer frowned, looking here and there, pretending to be surprised, “Varun jijaji bhi aaye hai kya?”

Anand informed, “nahi toh beta… kyun?”

“Maine socha aaye honge”, Sameer stated, “Chachiji damadji ko yaad kar rahi hai itna… Toh Varun jijaji ko hi bulayenge na aise.”

Bela adjusted her pallu, amused at this, and said, “Sameer beta… ab theek hai?”

Sameer grinned, “perfect… ab bataiye tuver ke alawa aur kya banaya mere liye?”

Naina laughed and started to tell the menu, but before she could even utter a word there was a sound from outside, “oh bai… yeh thele aise beech me kisne chod diye… abhi mere kaanch ke bartan gir jaate…”

Sameer face-palmed, “bags bhul gaya… Yeh Taiji ka saara kaanch ka samaan main hi todne wala hun.” As he went out to get the bags, everyone laughed. Rohan glanced at Preeti, and upon seeing that everyone else was distracted, he winked making her blush.

Taiji’s voice could be heard, “oh bai… Bholuram… Mera matlab, damadji… Yeh tumhare… uh… aapke thele hai?”

Sameer chuckled, “bholuram chalega… damadji ki koi zaroorat nahi hai… Namaste Tauji.”

Tauji and Taiji stepped inside, followed by Sameer, carrying two bags. He placed them in-front of Naina, and informed, “mummy ne bheje hai…” Pointing at Rohan, he added, “aur yeh do bhi hai.”

Naina was puzzled, “maa ne yeh sab mere liye bheje hai?”

Her husband’s eyes sparkled with mischief, “tumhare liye kyun bheje? Shaadi se pehle jo mila so mila… Ab toh pura ka pura pati mil gaya hai, tohfe kyun chahiye?”

Naina blushed, shaking her head at the way he teased her. Rohan took pity on his bhabhi and politely informed, “mummy ne kaha tha Chachiji ko dene ke liye.”

“Itna saara bhejne ki kya zaroorat thi”, Bela said, bit flustered on seeing the four bags.

Sameer flopped down on the sofa, “le lijiye na Chachiji… itni mehnat se uthake laaye hai… thak gaye hum dono… samaan jaldi se rakh dijiye aur thoda dhyan iss bete pe dijiye.”

Preeti laughed, “sirf Naina ka dhyan kam pad raha hai kya jijaji?”

Not one to be deterred he promptly replied, “dhyan deti kahan hai tumhari behen… mujhe toh akela chodke yahan chali aai. Kitna bola maine phir bhi saath nahi aane diya… Aap bataiye Chachaji… aisa koi karta hai kya? Shaadi se pehle kehti thi jab bhi yahan aayegi mujhe saath le aayegi… aur shaadi hote hi akele aa gai.”

Anand laughed, “biwiya aisi hi hoti hai Sameer… abhi toh shuruat hai. Mujhe dekho… aadat ho gai hai…”

Sameer scowled, “aisi boori aadatein main nahi rakhunga… akela chodke aayi agar toh main besharmo ki tarah peeche peeche aa jaunga.”

Naina rolled her eyes, “aapko itna sab natak karne ki zaroorat nahi hai… maine Chachiji ko bol diya hai ke agli baar se hum saath hi aayenge hamesha.”

He grinned, “sach? Phir theek hai… ab khane ke baare me batao…”

As everyone happily chattered, Naina stared at her husband, amazed at how comfortable he had made everyone. It was obvious, at least to her, that he had surely understood how her family would behave differently with him now that they were married. There would be more respect, and more formality, both of which were totally unacceptable to him. He had considered this as his home, and so it was… Anyone who didn’t know their family would see this sight and think Sameer was definitely the son of the house.

Sameer also felt better at having succeeded in easing the sudden awkwardness… Damadji… That one single word added tons of formalities and unnecessary distance. For him all of them were his family… It was as simple as that… But there was something additionally different today… He noticed Preeti looking at him strangely and then quickly glancing away, shuddering as if she had seen something scary. He couldn’t understand it… and thought if he should ask… But then, he also observed Chachiji glancing at him with a smile, and then looking at Naina as if she was trying to guage something… What was it? He tried to think for sometime, but then as Chachaji started talking he discarded his thoughts, considering that he was mistaken.

Bit later, when Chachiji and Preeti went back in the kitchen to cook, Sameer winked at her, and tapped his lower lip with his finger. She controlled her smile, glanced around once to check no one was watching her, and signaled towards the room with her eyes. He raised an appreciative brow, and then suddenly asked, “aree Naina… tum apna woh pink wala suit leke toh nahi aayi ho… Yahin hoga na ghar pe?”

She was puzzled, “konsa suit?”

“Pink wala”, he repeated, “jo tum hamesha college me pehenti thi… mujhe bahot pasand tha na…”

She couldn’t recollect, “mujhe yaad nahi aa raha.”

He slapped his forehead in irritation, “uff… itni bhulakkad kabse ho gai tum? Chalo… Cupboard kholo… main khud hi dekh leta hun…” Looking at the Taiji with a pleading expression, he queried, “andar jaa sakta hun na Taiji?”

Taiji immediately swelled with pride as it was really a matter of importance that the jamai of the house was taking her permission, and she instantly agreed, “aree bilkul beta… Apna hi ghar hai… isme bhala puchta hai koi…”

Sameer blessed her with the brightest grin, and then said to his wife, “chale?”

Naina stood up, leading him into her room, and opened the cupboard, “dekhlo… konsa suit bol rahe ho mujhe toh samajh nahi aa raha… Tumhari pasand ke saare kapde to le liye the…”

He looped his arms around her waist, pulling her in the enclosure of the open cupboard doors, “kaun kambhakt suit dekhne aaya hai… main toh isiliye aaya kyun tumne ishaaro me kaha ke kiss room me milega.”

She blinked in surprise, and then smiled, her hands smoothening up his shoulders, “achcha… toh yeh khurafat chal rahi thi aapke dimag me… tabhi main sochu ke achanak se konsa pink suit yaad aa gaya.”

He smirked, “toh…?”

“Toh kya”, she smiled, “permission leke kiss karoge?”

He chuckled, and dipped at the same moment as she stretched up. The sighs of pleasure were mutual as their lips met, no one had to coax the other to give more, it was as natural breathing, their tongues dancing in a familiar rhythm. When they parted, her eyes were glazed, and his sparkling with a yearning so deep that she felt lost. “Man toh kar raha hai abhi kamre ka darwaza lock kardu”, he muttered, his fingers tracing the curve of her cheek.

The statement brought her back to reality, and she pressed her lips, stepping back a bit from his arms. It didn’t please him, and he queried, “kya hua? Ab aisa mat bolna ke sharam aa rahi hai…”

She shook her head, “nahi… bas… umm… darwaza khula hai na, isiliye…”

He flashed a lopsided smile, “tum toh kehti thi ke shaadi ke baad haq se darwaza bandh karungi… Toh ab karo…”

Faint blush tinged her cheeks, “agli baar…”

“Yaad rakhunga”, he assured, “pakka karwaunga tumse.”

She chuckled, “haan theek hai… ab yeh socho bahar kya bole… Pink suit ka bahana banake le toh aaye yahan… Bahar nikalke bhi toh kuch bolna padega na.”

He shrugged, “tumhare cupboard me koi toh pink hoga hi… aisa kaise ho sakta hai ke tum saare kapde le aai… ek poora suitcase toh naye kapdo ka hi tha… aur dusre wale me bhi nayi sareeya thi…”

She glanced at the rack of clothes, “tumhe pink pasand hai toh saare pink wale le liye the… par… shayad… aree haan…” He watched her pull out the pink salwar-kameez that she had worn in Mt. Abu on their school trip, the day he had willingly eaten the jhootha she had offered, the day he had genuinely expressed his wish to spend time with her, the day Sameer Maheshwari had lost on purpose so that she wouldn’t be uncomfortable. It was one of his favorites, and when they had been in first year of college, he had demanded of her to wear this dress many times. She had a wide smile on her face, “yaad hai yeh dress? Yeh wala dikha denge bahar… Waise bhi yeh sach me tumhe pasand hai…”

He had a thoughtful expression on his face, “haan… pasand toh hai… par…”

She frowned, “par kya?”

His held her waist, tugging her closer, and asked, “ab yeh tumko aayega nahi na?”

She gasped, “tumhara matlab hai main moti ho gai hun?”

“Nahi”, he smirked, and trailed one hand up to her breast, gently cupping, “bas… yahan shayad thoda fit hoga yeh dress ab… haina?” Her eyes widened, and then her cheeks flooded with color as she looked away. The sight was so adorable that he chuckled, dipping to kiss the side of her head, and teased, “ghar jaake try kare? Dekhta hun mera guess sahi hai ke nahi.”

“Dhatt”, she lightly reprimanded, pulling back from his arms, “jab dekho tab chedte rehte ho.”

However, he did convince her to take the dress, and when everyone asked, they had the answer ready. Taiji as usual had to pry some more, “neva! Itne puraane dress me aisa kya khaas hai ke le jaana hai?”

Sameer smiled, “Jis din Naina ne pehle baar yeh dress pehna tha mere saamne uss din… meri zindagi ke pehla suryoday dekha tha maine, Naina ke saath… Zindagi me pehli baar jaanbujhke haara tha, Naina ke liye… Pehli baar apni marzi se, apni khushi se bhagwaan ke saamne haath jode the, Naina ke wajah se… Woh ek aisa din tha jab main pehle dil ke haatho majboor ho gaya tha, aur jo dil ne kaha wahi kiya, sirf aur sirf Naina ke saath ke liye.”

Rakesh had also joined them by then; he listened to the tale with interest, and then dared to query, “school me the tab?”

Sameer nodded, “haan… Mt. Abu me…”

“Shukkar karo main yahi reh gaya tha… Warna Naina yeh sab kabhi kar nahi paati”, Rakesh surprisingly teased.

Naina glanced at her husband, her lips pressed in an attempt to control her giggle. She thought Sameer would simply agree to her father, but it seemed the marriage had given him a new bout of courage. He smirked, “reh gaye the? Sorry papa… Aapko toh humne roka tha…”

Rakesh was puzzled, “humne?”

Sameer confessed, “main, Munna aur Pandit… Thoda sa toh mauka mil raha tha waqt bitaane ka… Trip aur azaadi dono ki shuruat ke aap aa gaye… Aur aate hi sabse pehle hume alag kar diye… Ladke ek bus me, ladkiya ek bus me… Satyanaash kar diya saare sapno ka.”

Naina and Preeti clapped their hands over their mouth to control their laughter. Anand and Bela had heard this before, but it still amused them; while Taiji-Tauji were bit surprised to hear Rakesh converse so normally with Sameer. Sameer continued, “Munna-Pandit ne kaha ke aapko rokna padega… Main toh shayad phir bhi kuch nahi karta, par phir bus ki khidki se Naina ka udaas chehra dekha… Phir kya tha… Hum teeno ne plan banaya aur aapko…”

“Staffroom me lock kar diya”, Rakesh finished the sentence, “yeh sab tumne aur woh dono bandaro ne kiya…?”

Sameer proudly nodded, biting his lip to hide his glee. Rakesh queried, “aur Naina? Woh bhi shaamil thi iss plan me?”

“Woh toh dusre bus me thi”, Sameer informed, “usko kaise pata… lekin jab main uss bus me chadha, tab Naina ke aankhon me jo khushi thi woh dekhke laga ke iss chamak ko dekhne ke liye main roz aapko kisi classroom me bandh kar sakta hun.”

Rakesh was stunned on hearing this. He wasn’t angry surprisingly, but astounded that despite the chances of being thrown out of school the three boys had gone to such great lengths. And it also made him bit sad that his own daughter hadn’t missed him, and so he asked her, “Naina… tumko pata nahi chala ke main nahi hun?”

Naina looked at her father, somehow understanding the depth behind the question, “nahi Papa… mujhe laga aap dusre bus me hai… Jab Mt. Abu pahonche tab pata chala, aur ghar pe phone karneki bhi koshish ki, lekin laga hi nahi.”

On hearing that she had at least tried to call him he felt bit better. Just then Sameer also apologized, “sorry papa… par uss waqt aap mujhe samajhte hi nahi the… main bas ek bigda hua ladka tha aapki nazro me. Aap trip pea ate toh main Naina ke saath thoda sa bhi waqt nahi bita paata.”

Rakesh nodded, “jaanta hun… main hota toh sirf tum dono nahi shayad koi bhi maze nahi kar paata. Lekin phir uss din jab main aaya tab tum wahan…” He trailed off suddenly, glancing at Tauji beside him, “uh… rehne do… Phir kabhi baat karenge… Filhaal bhuk lagi, khana bana ke nahi…”

Bela immediately stood up, “ji bhaisaab… ban gaya hai. Cooker thanda honeka intezaar kar rahe the bas… Aap log haath-muh dho lijiye, main aur Preeti khana lagate hai.”

Soon all the men were seated on the table, including Arjun who arrived just before lunch after meeting his old friends for a cricket practice. Sameer sighed internally at his setting; he couldn’t understand why women can’t eat on the same table as men. It was such a dated custom that he felt the urge to change the norm, but he also knew that maybe it was too soon after wedding, and plus when he was here with just Chachaji and family, they all did sit together. As Naina served the last item on his dish and turned, he grabbed her hand, “ek minute ruko…”

She frowned in confusion as he broke off a bit of roti and picked some sabji, holding it up for her to eat. “Aap kha lijiye”, she softly said, “main thodi der me khaungi hi.”

He insisted, “kha raha hun… par pehle tum… lo…”

She smiled at this, and gently took the morsel from his hand, letting her lips touch his fingers knowing he would understand that it was in lieu of a kiss. He did understand, and grinned, starting to eat happily. Bela had a film of tears in her eyes on watching the scene before her; all her life it had been impressed upon her than men were more important than women, and it was a wife’s duty to keep her husband first in everything. However, Naina had found a man who truly considered her as an equal in their relationship.

Bela had been worried about the food, but on seeing Rohan and Sameer devour everything on their plate with so much gusto, she felt extremely happy. Anand also felt bit amazed at how Sameer liked such simple food so much. Even though he thought that he knew Sameer very well, especially after the Mt. Abu trip, but he still always had the image of a sophisticated businessman in his mind. But today, the way he gelled with everyone, the way he had formed a bond with Rakesh, and the way he was enjoying the simple home-cooked meal made him feel that Sameer still had many facets to his personality that probably no one except Naina knew.

When the ladies sat to eat Sameer frowned on noticing that Naina just ate one chapati and little bit of rice, though she did take a generous helping of kheer, but still it was not enough. He wondered the reason, but then thought that maybe she had had a big breakfast. As soon as lunch was done, she said, “main taiyar ho jaati hun phir nikalte hai. Maa ke saath bhi thoda waqt bita sakungi, warna bahot der ho jayegi.”

Sameer readily agreed, “haan… waise Ramdhari bhi tumhe yaad kar raha tha.”

She was puzzled, “kyun?”

“Maine subah bola usne parathe achche nahi banaye”, he smugly informed, “toh kehne laga ab toh biwi ke haath ke hi achcha lagega sab.”

She shook her head, “aap bhi na… jab dekho tab Ramdhari bhaiya ko pareshan karte rehte hai.”

He scrunched his nose, “usne parathe ka stuffing me gobi daala tha aloo ke saath… aisa kaun karta hai… use laga mujhe pata nahi chalega… matlab, main gadha thodi na hun ke gobi pata na chale.”

She controlled her smile and left saying she would get ready. Poor Ramdhari bhaiya… He had tried the same trick as hers, but maybe there were some bigger bits of cauliflower which Sameer could see. Her husband didn’t know, but it had been quite some time since she had tried to control his intake of potato. Anytime she would cook potato, she would try and fudge it with something else, and he would eat without a clue. She had shared this trick with Ramdhari yesterday, while she was making the halwa. Maybe he had thought to try it today; unfortunately it was a failed attempt. Still smiling at the thought, she freshened up and changed into the pink saree Sameer had chosen for her yesterday. It was quick work because she wasn’t in a mood to put on any makeup, her cramps were worsening slowly, and the only effort she could manage to put in was to keep her mood okay until she told Sameer about it.

In another thirty minutes they were ready to leave, loaded with two bags, which made Sameer shake his head. Naina didn’t have anything to take back except the saree she had worn yesterday, and the pink dress that her family thought Sameer wanted her to take. By the time they reached home, everyone was already sitting downstairs in the living room, and Ramdhari was making an early round of tea. On seeing them enter, he simply increased the quantity, and waited for a chance to discuss about the morning fiasco with his memsahib. Vishakha saw the bags and said, “inn sab ki kya zaroorat beta…”

Sameer rolled his eyes, flopping on the sofa, “wahan Chachiji bolti hai kya zaroorat, aur yahan aap… nahi chahiye toh ek dusre ko bhejte kyun ho yeh bag bhar-bharke tohfe. Main aur Rohan toh parcel wale banker eh gaye.”

“Reeti-riwaz rasmo ke baare me tum kya jaano”, Dadi taunted, “bas ishq ladana sikha hai tumne toh.”

Sameer grinned at her, “kaafi hai utna… baaki sab meri biwi sambhal legi. Aur aap tension mat lijiye, main Rohan aur Deepika ko bhi sab seekha dunga.”

Dadi was horrified, “khabardaar… tumhara prabhav hamare ghar ke bachcho pe nahi padna chahiye.”

Sameer glanced at his brother and raised an eyebrow in silent joke. Just then, Mr. Somani cleared his throat, and hesitantly spoke up, “Sameer… mujhe tumse baat karni thi… Woh contract wali…”

Everyone was bit puzzled, but Sameer nodded, “jee haan… maine sab ready rakha hai. Study room me chalke baat karle?” As they stood up, he looked at his wife, “Naina… Ramdhari ke haatho hamari chai upar bhijwa dogi.”

Naina nodded, “haan… kuch khane ko chahiye?”

He shook his head, “nahi… pet bhara hua hai ab tak… bas chai hi theek hai. Aur suno… kamre me se woh samaan nikaal lena, shaadi se pehle kharide the na… Cupboard me left side ke upar wale shelf me rakha hai.”

She nodded once more, understanding that he was talking about the gifts. As per his instruction, she asked Ramdhari to give two cups in the study room, and she sat down with Vishakha, Rohan and Dadi in the living room, sipping her own tea, while Deepika had a glass of milk. Bela had sent over snacks, sweets and some home décor items, along with an envelope of money in everyone’s name. After checking the contents, Vishakha instructed, “beta yeh saara samaan toh yahin rehne do. Aur yeh envelope shagun ka naam karke bheja hai isiliye iss baar le rahe hai, lekin agli baar se Belaji ko bolna ke maane sambhdhiyo me vyavhaar hota hai, lekin hum gharwale hai… Inn sabki koi zaroorat nahi hai…”

Naina smiled, “jee maa… aapki packing ho gai? Kuch madad chahiye?”

“Sab ho gaya”, Vishakha assured, “bas Deepika ke yeh wale kapde rakh lungi.”

Naina offered, “main rakh deti hun… waise bhi kamre me thoda kaam hai.”

As she got up, Rohan queried, “bhabhi… yeh bhai konsa kaam kar rahe hai papa ke saath? Mujhe toh kuch bataya nahi unhone…”

Naina smiled, “tumhare bhai bas apna farz nibha rahe hai… fikar mat karo… sahi waqt aane pe woh hum sabko bata denge.”

Vishakha was surprised, “tumhe bhi nahi pata? Mujhe laga Sameer tumse nahi chupayega. Tumne pucha bhi nahi usse…”

Naina assured, “Sameer mujhse kuch nahi chupate… aur naa hi mujhe unse puchneki zaroorat hai. Lekin har baat ka ek waqt hota hai… Mujhe yaqeen hai ke yeh baat bhi woh bata hi denge, jaise apne dil ki har baat bata dete hai.”

Dadi rolled her eyes in annoyance, while Vishakha and Rohan smiled. Instructing Ramdhari to keep all the things away, she went upstairs to the guest room and packed Deepika’s clothes in her bag. Then she went to their room, a smile curving her lips immediately as she entered, because there on the bedside table was a single red rose near their photograph. She knew Sameer must have kept it as a surprise for her… Picking it up, she smelled it, wising there was a chocolate to go with it as well. She rubbed her tummy, taking in a deep breath, consoling herself mentally, ‘bas thodi der aur Naina… Sabko airport chod de phir Sameer ko bata dena.’

Tugging the cupboard door open, she reached up to pull the bag she could see on the top shelf. The label on the bag was easy to recognize so she knew it was the same bag, but when she pulled it another bag came tumbling with it, dropping to the floor with a small plop. Curious, she picked up the off-white cloth bag, and read the name… It seemed familiar… Where had she read it? She quickly scanned the address printed at the bottom… Delhi… That’s why the name seemed familiar… It was the same shop from which Sameer had bought clothes for her and her family. There were so many bags that he had handed over that she remembered the style and color of the bags properly. But what had he kept here? Was it something for him? No… It couldn’t be… Beneath the shop name it was clearly mentioned that it was for women’s apparel. So that meant, he had bought something for her, but not given it… Why? Well… Maybe it was supposed to be a gift after marriage.

Her eyes lit up at the thought… Sameer had got a gift and didn’t give it to her yet… Was he planning to give it after everyone left? Or did he forget? She started top open it, but paused… She shouldn’t see it… Sameer would feel bad if his surprise was spoiled. But she so wanted to see it… The curiosty was killing her… She tapped her foot, bit her lip, debating mentally on what she should do…

Chocolate nahi mil raha toh surprise se hi kaam chala le… Sameer bura nahi manega…

That thought pleased her, and she immediately obeyed, peeking into the bag to see something purple… Was it a saree? But why would he buy a plain saree for her? Maybe the pallu had design… Furtively glancing at the door once, she pulled the cloth out, thinking she would just take a quick look at the pallu… However, the cloth felt too small… And then a long satin ribbon slipped off, dangling in mid-air… Wait… Why would a saree have a thread? Keeping the bag aside, she flicked the fabric open and gasped… It was a nightie…

Her eyes rounded in shock as she looked at the flimsy nightie and robe… Goodness… Was that lace? The bodice was just lace… though close knit but it would leave almost nothing to imagination… She supposed the robe would cover up well… But… Oh God… He had bought this in Delhi… Before their wedding… Before… Before he had even touched her properly… She recalled that trip… How he had explained to her about lovemaking before leaving, and she had spent restless days and nights wondering if it was okay to feel all these desires, to take such steps with him… And when he had returned, she had without a word laid out the mattress for them in this very room, giving her permission to see, to touch, to show her more of what this relationship held…

He had bought the nightie before that which meant he had been thinking and fantasizing since a very very long time… Well, that at least was not news to her… He had clearly told her about his numerous desires very often… But still… She couldn’t fathom that he would do something like this… Holding the nightie in her hands was like having a visual representation of his fantasy… How did he imagine her? Had he thought she would wear it on their first night? Or was it his honeymoon plan? Had he visualized her with the robe open? Or had he thought that he would be untying that knot himself? She turned towards the mirror and held the nightie in-front of her to check how it looked on her… And the sight made her promptly blush… Her husband’s fantasies were surely much more graphic and sensual that she had expected…

As she stood lost in trying to figure out what should she do now, there was a sudden sound from outside, and she jerked… Quickly stuffing back the nightie in the bag, she hid it in the cupboard at the same moment as the door to the bedroom opened, and her husband sauntered in.

He grinned on seeing her, “hey sweetheart… kamre me kya kar rahi ho? Romance ka chance dhund rahi ho?”

Her face flushed at his statement, “umm… nahi… main bas yeh gifts nikaal rahi thi.”

As she closed the cupboard door, he came up to her, and cupped her face, “toh itna sharma kyun rahi ho? Bataona… Kya soch rahi thi?”

“Ku…kuch nahi…”, she stammered.

He smirked, “mujhe pata hai kya soch rahi thi…” Her eyes widened on hearing that, and she looked up at him in surprise. He continued, “aaj raat ka soch rahi ho na? Maine toh poori planning kar rakhi hai aaj ki…”

Her heart skipped beat at his tone, but at the same time she was also disappointed, and wondered if he would be angry on her for spoiling his plans. Still… she had to tell him… Maybe this was the right time… They were alone… After a brief hesitation, she started to say, “Sameer… darasal aaj raat…”

He interrupted, “tumhari koi special demand hai kya?”

She shook her head, “nahi… lekin… mera… woh… mera…”

“Naina…”, Vishakha hollered from downstairs, causing her to jerk. She adjusted her pallu, “maa… hey bhagwaan… tum bhi idhar kamre me aa gaye… sab kya soch rahe honge.”

He pouted, “main toh bathroom jaane aaya tha… Tum hi aise khayalo me khoi thi…”

She grabbed the bag of gifts, “main neeche jaa rahi hun… Tum jaldi aao… Sabko saath me gifts denge.” As she stepped out of the room, she could hear him complaining about not wanting to give any gift to dadiji.

However, even though he grumbled, he was there withing ten minutes, right beside her as they gave the gifts to everyone. It was evident that Mr. Somani was not expecting the gift; when Sameer handed over the bag to him, he was surprised, “mere liye bhi?”

Naina smiled, “jee haan papa… Sameer ne khud pasand kiya hai.”

This information seemed to astound him even more, and even Vishakha looked surprised. Sameer just nodded, a small smile on his lips, but didn’t respond in words. Mr. Somani didn’t need it, he peeked inside the bag, and hesitantly smiled, “uh… thank you. Color bahot achcha hai.” Naina knelt to take his blessing, and after a small tug from her so did Sameer, and he blessed them happily.

Dadi accepted her gift bag as if she was touching something unwanted, and didn’t even bless Naina when she knelt. Sameer didn’t seek her blessing, and neither did Naina ask him to this time, because she understood that some things could never be persuaded out of her husband.

Soon it was time for everyone to leave, and bags were brought downstairs. The driver helped load all the luggage. Mr. Somani, Dadi and Vishakha went in one car along with the driver. Sameer drove the other car with Naina seated next to him, and Rohan sat in the backseat with Deepika. When they were halfway to the airport, Sameer’s mobile rang, and he pulled it out from his pocket handing it over to Naina. She was surprised on seeing the number, but soon realized that Preeti must have taken the opportunity to call and talk to Rohan. For the next ten minutes, Naina tried to keep Deepika engrossed in conversation, while Rohan talked as discreetly as possible with Preeti.

It was just a matter of a little over an hour before all airport procedures were done, and the flight departed. Sameer wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist, “chale sweetheart?”

She smiled, “haan… bhukh lag rahi hogi aapko.”

His eyes sparkled, “bilkul… kal subah se bhukha hun… aaj toh party karenge.”

She gasped in mortification, “main khane ki baat kar rahi thi…”

He pretended to be surprised, “oh achcha… theek hai… khana bhi kha lenge… Time mila toh…” She shook her head, sitting inside the car and wondered how to tell him… Just state that they couldn’t make love because of her periods… But it seemed so crass to speak out like that… There had to be a way to inform him… She sighed… How confidently had she told to Chachiji this morning that she can talk about anything to Sameer… But now, she failed to even frame one sentence in her mind…

There was a lot of traffic in the late eveing time, and so Sameer kept his focus on driving. But as soon as they reached home, he locked the car and picked her up in his arms… She gasped, “kya kar rahe ho? Neeche utaaro…”

“Pehli baar thodi na aise uthaya hai”, he frowned, “aisai andar le jaunga aaj toh… shaadi ke din nahi le jaa paya tha.”

On seeing his pout, she relaxed in his arms and smiled, “achcha? Aur darwaza kaise kholenge andar jaane ke liye?”

That was a problem he hadn’t thought of… Ramdhari was gone so he couldn’t open the door. The keys were in his pocket, which meant Naina couldn’t reach them… Thinking of the possible scenarios for another minute, he sighed, setting her on her feet once more, and then quickly took out the keys, handing over the bunch to her, and then lifted her again, “ab theek hai?”

She chuckled, “yeh itna zaroori hai?”

He nodded, “maine sapna dekha tha ke aise le jaunga tumhe ghar ke andar… aur maze ki baat pata hai? Uss sapne me bhi tumne pink saree pehna tha… bilkul aaj ki tarah.”

Her gaze softened, “toh phir intezaar kis baat ka hai? Le chaliye mujhe hamare ghar me.”

He grinned, and walked towards the front door, not at all in a hurry, his gaze fixed on his wife. Her skin glowed golden in the last light of dusk, her hair fluttered in breeze, her eyes shone with love and affection that was reserved only for him. Waiting at the doorstep, he let his eyes wander over her face, her neck, her curves as she tried to unlock the door while still settled in his arms. A few minutes later, when she pushed the door open, he stepped inside, kicked it close and let her lock it again. And then… he couldn’t control anymore…

Setting her down, he backed her to the wall beside the door, cupped her chin, tilting her face up and kissed her. She whimpered, the keys dropping from her hand with a clunk to the floor, and then her hand wrapped around his back, fisting on his shirt. There was such urgency in the kiss as he deepened it instantly that she felt dizzy, her knees wobbly… She feared she would sink to the floor. But he inched closer, plastering his body to hers, one broad palm cupping her bottom, pulling her to him. His other hand moved beneath her pallu, and his warm long fingers covered over her breast… She moaned, lost in the sensations he created inside her… In that moment she wanted nothing more than him… Just him… But his gently kneading hand on her bottom caused his fingers to brush against an unsual layer, and the slight rub reminded her of why they can’t venture down this path today…

She pulled her mouth away from him, wanting to tell him, but he managed to scatter her thoughts once more as he dipped to kiss her neck. Struggling to keep her eyes open, fighting against the pleasure, she somehow managed to pant, “Sameer… please ruk jao…”

He listened to her immediately, lifting his head, his lips wet, his eyes dark with need, “kya hua? Room me jaana hai…?”

She shook her head, “hum… hum yeh nahi kar sakte aaj…”

It took him a few seconds to register her denial and he scowled, “kyun? Ab aisa mat kehna ke yeh bhi koi rasam hoti hai…”

She bit her lip, apprehension clouding her eyes as she informed, “rasam nahi hai… par… problem hai… mere… umm… mere…”

“Jaldi bolo”, he demanded, “warna chup raho…”

She closed her eyes and blurted, “mere chocolate khane wale din hai…”

He stilled, his eyes narrowed as he tried to understand what she meant… Why did she close her eyes? Why was she so… so… embarrassed? And chocolate… why bring chocolate in their conversation? It wasn’t like he would stop her from… oh no… no… chocolate? Did he hear that right? Swallowing hard, his throat almost dry, he asked, “chocolate bola tumne? Ya maine kuch galat suna?”

She didn’t open her eyes, but nodded, whispering almost inaudibly, “chocolate hi bola…”

He groaned, thumping his hand on the wall near her head, causing her to jerk… She clutched onto his shirt, burrowing closer rather than pulling back, “please gussa mat hona…”

He was so aroused that his body was almost trembling with need… But on hearing her statement, and noticing how despite being nervous about the situation she was trying to get closer, he tried to calm dowm… It was as if she was sure that he would be angry, but only he could protect her too… He dragged in a few deep breaths, hugging her gently, and stroking her hair, “main gussa nahi hun sweetheart… bas bahot kuch soch liya tha… isiliye thoda…”

“I am sorry”, she interrupted, her voice breaking.

He tightened his hold a little, kissing the side of her head, “isme kya sorry… tumne plan thodi na kiya yeh… dates ke hisaab se hoga yeh toh… bas mujhe yaad nahi tha…”

She glanced up at him then, her eyes sad, “mujhe bhi yaad nahi tha… kal der raat ko shuru hua…”

He pushed her hair back from her shoulder, stroking his knuckles down her cheek, “dard ho raha hai?”

She pouted a bit, and nodded, “thoda… par second day jitna hai ab tak… mere khayal se woh kal hoga…”

He thought for a moment, mentally sighing at the situation and tried to ignore his throbbing erection that surely wasn’t going to get any relief today. Her body pressed to him, her scent was still making him feel almost desperate about the situation… He should let her rest and stop thinking of making love… But how could he not think of it when that was all he had done for more than last 24 hours… There was debate going on inside his brain, logic clashing with need… He was sure he would leave everything up to her, but still… He had some questions for her, because even he wasn’t sure of this thing… Finally, he dared to ask, “Naina… umm… bura mat manna… Par kuch sawaal hai…”

She gazed at him, waiting… and slowly he asked, “yeh… periods… iss time pe lovemaking nahi hota yeh tumhe kaise pata? Kahin padha hai kya tumne? I mean… mujhe samajh nahi aa raha theek se ke yeh rukawat kyun hai…”

Her eyes widened at the question, she hadn’t really anticipated this question… Was he really asking her how did periods stop them from making love? Well… it wasn’t something she had ever thought of… But… How could they? She had to wear the pads… and it was well… it was dirty… messy… and lovemaking would mean that she would be naked… How could she be naked in-front of him while bleeding like this all the time? No… It wasn’t possible… And there was no way she would be able to explain all these details to her. And so she replied, “nahi… kahin padha toh nahi hai… Par main sure hun ke yeh mumkin nahi hai…”

He promptly responded, “tumhe kaise pata? Har sawaal ka jawaab toh tumhe books me se milta hai… agar yeh book me nahi hai toh tumko kaise pata? Main aisa nahi bol raha ke hum abhi kare… par mujhe janna hai…”

“Agar karna nahi hai toh janna kyun hai”, she countered, “Sameer… main yeh sab… uh… tum bas yeh jaan lo ke mujhe nahi hai man… aise haalat pe lovemaking nahi, mujhe araam aur chocolate ki zaroorat hai…”

He stared at her for sometime without bliking, understanding that there was something in her mind which she wasn’t able to explain. Thinking for a few moments more, he decided to give in for now, “theek hai… hamari abhi abhi shaadi hui hai toh yeh sab baato ka bahot waqt hai… Filhaal tum araam karo… aur yeh discussion hum agle mahine karenge…”

“Sameer…”, she started to say, but he pressed a finger to her lips. Dipping his head, he softly pecked the corner of her mouth, “shsh… kaha na abhi nahi… waise bhi tum periods ke time pe bahot gussa karti ho… aur mujhe school wali masterni Naina yaad aa jaati hai…”

Her lower lip puffed up, “matlab… main school me achchi nahi thi?”

He chuckled, “bahot achchi thi… cute si ekdum… do choti wali Naina… ek din wapas banana do choti… ab toh main khinch sakta hun… pati jo ban gaya…”

She laughed softly, but soon sobered down, “suno… tumhe bura nahi laga na? Mera matlab… Shaadi ko do din hue aur bas… yeh… kambhakt periods shuru ho gaye.”

He guided her to the living room, and assured, “mujhe bilkul bura nahi laga… jis cheez pe hamara koi control na ho usko leke frustrate hoke kuch haasil nahi hoga… Ulta yeh sochte hai ke yeh waqt ka istemaal kaise kare…”

Her intereste piqued… Sitting down on the sofa, she queried, “kaise?”

He plopped down beside her, “umm… ghar sajana shuru kar sakte hai… Reception me mile gifts aur Chachiji ne jo diya hai unn cheezo ko kahan rakhna hai aur jo zaroorat nahi hai unka kya karna hai… Aur… shopping karenge… Jaipur-Udaipur trip ke liye bhi, aur March ke Switzerland trip ke liye bhi…”

Her eyes lit up, but she asked, “abhi se?”

He nodded, “haan… time hai toh kar lenge… aur aaj hi mujhe phone aaya tha Gayatri didi ka… Tickets aa gai hamari… Aur hotel booking bhi ho chuki hai…”

“Wow”, she happily gasped, “matlab… humko garam kapde lene honge na? Wahan toh bahot thand hogi…”

He chuckled, “haan… tabhi toh keh raha hun shopping karne chalenge… Idea aa jayega yahan kya milega… warna phir mummy ko bolna padega Delhi se kharidke rakhe… Hamari flight via Delhi hai.”

She smiled, “tumne toh poori planning karli hai.”

He smirked, “kya karu sweetheart… college se honeymoon ke sapne dekh raha hun… waise bhi Switzerland se pehle ek mini honeymoon bhi hai… Sunday niklenge, tab tak tumhare periods bhi khatam ho chuke honge… Phir…”

Her eyes sparkled, “phir?”

He leaned forward, murmuring in her ear, “phir poora honeymoon kamre se bahar hi nahi aayenge.”

She blushed, hiding her face in her hands and he laughed. Gently pulling her up, he said, “ab kamre me jaake change karlo, aur araam karo… main bahar jaake chocolates le aata hun, ghar me jo tha sab Deepika chat kar gai… Phir dinner karte hai.”

She nodded, smiling when he kissed her forehead before leaving… As the front door closed, she took a deep breath and turned to go upstairs, thinking of what she could do to make him happy… He had been so understanding about the whole situation, that she felt an incredible need to delight him… She opened the door to their room, and an idea sparked in her mind… Udaipur’s Lake Palace Hotel seemed to be the perfect place to start using the purple nightie…