A/n

It's a very very long chapter. As usual, but a little more longer.

You guys can read in parts, also because for time being, next update will take a while.

I'm sorry those who haven't read my bio, I should tell reason for late update, my hands are full these days. The free time I previously got for writing as a student, now for weeks, I don't get except a sunday as an unemployed girl trying clearing exam.

Comments I read, thankyou so much guys. I couldn't reply to all but I read them all, and it means a lot.

Thankyou.

Enjoy the chapter :)

Also, the place I mentioned in chapter is imaginary. Kalighat in north India, is my imagination.

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"Nng....nikaa!"

"Mm?"

"muv your han outta mii noz!"

This cold weather and warmth. I relish and ignored all outer noise and snuggled deeper in this hot pillow. "Mmm"

"Nika!"

Hearing loud noise on my head, I patted my hand and tried bringing the hot surface closer.

"Mrs Oberoi, move your damn hand and stop patting my face!"

At that cold stern voice, I become heavily concious, and much aware. My hands, for god sake, without even seeing, I knew was on his face, on his pricky beard.

Did this mean...?

Oh bloody hell, I just slapped him!

"Shit, I'm sorry." I said, blinking my sleep away as well, and tried getting away from him abruptly.

His hand instantly held me, bringing my body closer to him, while looking at my face.

"Careful," he commanded in his sleepy voice, the deep one. "you might fall down."

"Oh," and he was right, I'm right on the edge.

I got still, than suddenly shivered as the wintery wind passed through window. "Damn, it's so cold."

The blanket, he pulled it up, covering us up....

"Mrs Oberoi?"

I looked up at him, questioningly. In answer he just gave me a look. Like something is obvious, and I'm not doing it.

But I really didn't understand.

I frowned. "What?"

"Move."

"There is no space."

"I mean...your legs!"

"Ohh"

Not even realised, whole time my legs was clutching to him, just like a monkey clutches on a tree. I immediately bought them to my side.

He tried getting up. Key word tried. But my head, which was now resting on his biceps came as barrier.

He looked at me, only one command in his mind. Even before he could say it, I sighed, telling him. "Fine, fine. I'm getting up."

And this time when I tried, I felt a strong barrier over my waist. I eyed him, raising my eyebrow.

This time he looked at me quizzically.

"Your hand."

Realisation dawned upon him. "Oh"

And when he was suddenly about to move that, I felt like falling.

"Ngh! Stop stop. I'll fall down!"

Whole night, that means, my husband had my weight over his hand.

Goodness gracious!

We lie down, back. Slowly, after we have taken a breath, he moved in corner, I moved to his side. When I lay on my back, and in a position to get up, I was up on my feet, in between also noticed it's six of morning. But once I was on my toes, I shuddered badly, realising how bad the temperature here now! Almost, damn freezing!

"Brrr..dammit, what place are we in? Antartica? Because for once it feels like so."

As he sat down and wearing his shoes, he answered, his voice deep after sleeping,"half an hour left, Kalighat station is about to come. It's on top, northern India, so you can have idea about the temperature."

"And I thought we were off to Kolkata!"

"No, we are near Ladhak."

Ladhak? Damn wow.

I shivered some more and in three seconds, settled down covering myself in blanket.

"I'll just come."

He said and went outside. Maybe washroom. I opened the window cover and looked outside.

And thank goodness I didn't miss it!

We're on infamous bridge, in between the ghats of jammu. The view outside, mind-blowing. Train was on speed, and suddenly darkness engulfed us as it went through tunnel. People all around in train screaming there lungs out in excitement.

I grinned, watching as light again came and train ran on very thin line. The khaai, filled with greenery and it was dangerous, heart beat raising and dammit there was...

There was ice!

Far away, one can see peaks of himalayas, covered with beautiful ice.

"If you want to freshen up," His cool voice interrupted, taking my eyes off from serene view to his sculpted face. "do it fast. We're about to reach."

"What's the plan? Are we going to start trekking right now or we are going to stay at some place?"

He sat down. Unlike me not at all fazed by cold.  "It'll take around an hour to reach Dadaji's place. We're going to stay there till twelve, and from there it will take around four hours trek to reach mandir. Than we will come back, around eight, distribute gifts to dadi's friend, stay the night and go back through flight. At 12 o'clock sharp, in morning."

"Oh!" I breathed out, seeing all his planning and preciseness. "So, when will we roam around Ladhak?"

"Who said we will go there?" He sat back straight.

"Ary, isn't obvious, you said we are going near Ladhak. It will be insult of Ladhak if we didn't go there."

A straight away, "No."

"Please. Think, how fun it'll be?"

"No"

"Just two hours?"

"Don't you want to go office on time?"

Office, damn!

He is right.

I pouted, at hard circumstances of my life. One side Ladhak and other side work.

But I have never went to Ladhak before!

"Yea, there is office also." I sulked and leaned back in seat, looking outside.

I felt his gaze on me, but moved other side when I looked.

Five minutes later, I went to freshen up. And by the time I came back, Shivaay was talking to Khanna ji and all the bags were already been kept down.

"It's cold. I need to take my jacket out. Shivaay, you have the keys?"

He checked in his pocket, there was bag key in his hand. Taking it, I crouched down taking my warmest jacket out. Also the cap, and muffler.

I wonder, how I didn't freez on my way to washroom. The direct cold air coming there, through compartment gate outside.

Good think, this Ac compartment is warm but good god, I had no idea how bad it's gonna be out.

Along with my necessary clothes, I took out my mobile and purse. Quickly unplugged Shivaay's phone and put there mine. As expected, battery was at four percent only.

When I stood up, from corner of my eyes Shivaay looked at me and items I took out and without me saying anything to him, he while talking to Khanna went outside and closed the door behind himself.

His unspoken gestures like this, everytime just makes my heart flutter. I smiled and  got ready fast. Luckier to get mirror in this cabin only.

When I unbolted the door, Shivaay's voice came from the cabin next to us, indicating he was still talking to Khanna.

I sat down back at our cabin, window side. Enjoying the view and meanwhile checking the phone. And there were tons of missed call from maa, messages from Ryan and Mallika. Rudra has filled the group with his own messages.

"We should go now, It's time."

I looked up, hearing Shivaay.

Khanna bhaiya already had his bag on his back and now picking mine. Shivaay had also brought one medium size bag, and held it. And when I was about to pick my trekking bag, despite my attempts, khanna bhaiya didn't let me take it and held it on his other shoulder.

"Train won't stand long at this station, and seeing the crowd we have to get outside quickly." My husband told us.

I nodded at his instructions.

Train slowed down, before it finally stopped. Well seeing Khanna ji, half of the crowd started lining behind us three. Let's say without even saying or doing anything by Khanna ji, they were being safe.

When train finally stopped to this beautiful station, where unlike our town stations, concrete was clean, the trees all around and red flowers on them blooming. Yellow coloured station name written, 'Kalighat Village Jn.'

And well, there were large crowd to get in train than those who wants to step down. Seeing Khanna bhaiya's big broad self, everyone who were fighting to step in went step back silently forming a clear way for us.  Khanna ji gave them all a look as he step down first and quickly took all our bags, keeping aside.

"Here, careful"

Mr Oberoi outstretched  his hand, which I graciously accepted, helping me stepping down. This station floor was lower than normal station.

Fighting, brisk walking and never leaving each other's hand throughout the crowd we finally made outside the station.

Once when we were breathing in fresh cold air, he send Khanna ji to arrange taxi, meanwhile we kept standing there, hand in hand. It was until, I felt the shiver of ice cold air of this place and I literally rubbed my hand hard, hiding them under my arms.

"Brrr, it's sooo cold. Aren't you feeling slightly bit cold? You haven't even wore other than this thin coat!"

My husband didn't seem to feel any kind of change in temperature. Why? Because, he damn hasn't wear anything more than what we had in Delhi. Even Khanna ji had his big fur coat on.

"I'm habitual of this temperature."

He said, and I can't even say he was bluffing. His hand were warm, the whole way.

A taxi arrived, Khanna ji walking by side.

"Sir, address?"Khanna ji asked.

Mr Oberoi, bent down slightly, looking at old taxi driver with his ever cold gaze, saying in his usual tone, "265, Post Office."

The driver, initially if was intimidated by Mr Oberoi, was now stopped in his place hearing the address. His bushy eyebrow touched the sky as his eyes went wide, "Oberoi sahab, aap haina? Prithvi ji ke pote."

Mr Oberoi went silent and slowly gave a confirming nod.

"Sahab," The driver, come outside, folded his hand. His wrinkly smile so big and eyes shine in pride and recognition. He instantly, opened his gate of back seat, "aayie na sahab, kismat hai meri aaj barso baad  mauka aapse milne ko mila. Aap bhul gye hoge, lekin mai aapko aur pinky beti ko aapki nani ke han meri rickshaa mein lekar jaya karta tha."

Mr Oberoi, signed me to sit first. I did entered, while smiling listening to the old man. A while later, he came, settle down beside me. After bags were kept safely, Khanna ji  settled down in passenger seat.

"Sahab, aapko yaad hu mai?" The old man, asked with much expectation and a big smile.

Khanna ji finding rattling the driver is doing as unusual, instantly scolded him, "Ay driver, watch your tongue--"

"Khanna." A single syllable from Mr Oberoi and Khanna shut up. Meanwhile he answered  "Yes uncle, ache se yaad hai aap mujhe."

The driver had no bound to his happiness. The whole way, he keep reminiscing Shivaay's dadaji and nanaji. Turns out as driver told us in talks,  they both were best friends, and later were relatives. Dadaji has done so much for town but nanaji has stayed behind and completed what dadaji couldn't. The whole town, according to driver has dadaji's touch and memories.

One hour way, and I was like known so much more about dadaji's childhood, his adulthood and here, to my dismay not much about Shivaay's childhood. But just that, he will enjoy his vacation at his nani, more.

Shivaay didn't say anything to driver. I don't think so he listened to any of his tales. The whole way, his mind seems to be outside, the window watching passing trees and houses, as if remembering everything.

I looked at him, as his eyes kept stuck to outside view. Anyone would call this normal. Even I would have, if I hadn't started understanding him.

My hand on it's own slided upon his. His eyes instantly met mine and he did notice I was watching him.

I asked in a low voice for only him to hear "are you okay?"

He was silent for a moment before passing me a small nod, "I'm good."

I chuckled lightly, feeling the ice cold hand on his warm one. "I can't even feel my hands."

As I was about to take them back, I felt his hand moved and instead of back palm, it was his strong  palm instead, holding my hand tight.

The outside view, the ice and the beautiful apple trees, which I was enjoying so far was replaced by his warm touch now.

"Mine are warm." He stated, ever so low and held mine.

"They will soon be cold with mine." I warned him.

"At this pace, it'll be unavoidable for you to catch cold. Show me your other hand." And as I frowned and raised my other hand infront of him, he stated, "your fingers are swelling up."

"Oh" just now I noticed that, my fingers doubled their usual size.

One hand he held firmly which surprisingly started warming up just like him. And for other, I hide it under  my coat.

The rest of the way, passed with driver's praise for Shivaay  and Bade papa. He even praised me, giving me his blessings for happy married life. Shivaay kept looking outside, his hold never loosened up on my hand. And when we were about to reach old man admitted how much people miss  Oberoi and Shah family.

Shah, Shivaay's nani side.

When Shivaay took his hand back and stepped out, to pay driver double the money than it is. The old man shook his head, clearly denying taking a single token from us.

"Nahi nahi sahab. Mai aapse paise ni le sakta."

Shivaay against his usual nature of commanding, he said softly, "rakh lijiye, aapke liye nahi toh parivar or bacho ke liye sahi."

On hearing  that, driver looked in Shivaay's eyes, accepted the money and smilingly blessed him so much.

After he went away, I looked around me, as it was just past eight of morning, the street was empty. There were small houses, all around. The old structure but newly painted. There was this house along side post  office, a single storey, bigger than all and just like a small bunglow.

"Is this..?" I asked pointing at bunglow.

"Yes" Shivaay nodded taking a step ahead.

There was this iron gate to entry first. Shivaay, opened it, the gate old rusty iron sound coming. There was this single concrete way to main gate of walls to house, other than around this single way was greenery, grass and a big apple tree. I looked around in awe, everything was still well maintained.

"Mrs Oberoi?" Shivaay called. He had already reached to main gate.

I went near him. "Yes?"

He passed me a big, heavy set of keys. "Dadi said, as being bahu of this family now, you'll unlock the door."

I smiled, "okay."

The biggest key I assume was for this biggest lock.

"Sir, your luggage." Khanna ji came from behind, keeping all the luggage beside us.

"There is guest house, Khanna." Shivaay pointed towards our left.

"Yes, sir." Khanna ji nodded professionally. "I'll check around the corner sir, and meet you at 12."

Shivaay nodded, dismissing him.

Here I unlocked the big, traditional lock. With difficulty, I finally opened the latch and with one push, opened the house door.

Adorable, it was.

Spotless, and so much day light was filled inside. There was floor, not the marble or tile but just the old kind of floor, vinyl kind. And there was this small chandelier hanging....

"Stop"

And before I can set my foot inside, he stopped me.

I turned looked at him frowning.  "What?"

"You can't go inside for a while." He stated and himself went in.

"What now? Am I not allowed to come inside but you can?"

A few seconds of waiting later, he came up with....I grinned.

A kalash.

A pooja thal.

"Don't laugh." He said looking at my positive expressions.

"No no. I'm not laughing. Just smiling." I cleared my throat, "so, uh, you are like going to welcome me?"

"As per dadi's instructions, yes." He said and put the kalash filled with rice, just a step infront of my foot. "Right one."

"I'm aware." Putting my sandals aside, I kicked the pot lightly. Ample amount of rice spread on the floor.  "And now?"

"Okay, now. This." Saying so, he rounded the thali around my face.

I chuckled, "I think aarti is first than this rice pot ritual."

Truly, it all looked funny on Mr Oberoi. Tried hard, believe me really really hard but end up laughing.

"Stop now, it's enough."

And when I sober up to look at him, his cheek were slightly pinkish and not that because of cold.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry but it all looked...so unusual of you."

He than, quickly applied tika on my forehead. And about to keep aside the plate.

"Ah Shivaay?" I held his hand, stopping him. "It's a ritual but you need to apply teeka here too."

I said so pointing at my maang. We looked at each other. He slowly, touched his ring finger over my partition and my eyes automatically closed, head inclined low.  When  he took his hand back, I looked at him, in his eyes untill I realised how bloody cold it is.

"Now can I wear my sandal back? It's so cold here."

He averted his gaze, slowly around us. "Do as you feel so."

Wearing sandal, I quickly closed the passage to cold air, that is main door. Than only, I looked around myself, the beautiful cozy home. There was this living room, A sofa set and a cute little tv, in a big trolley filled with medals and some artifacts.

There was a small mandir of mata rani at corner. And a big photo of Gurunanak dev ji. Beside there were on opposite side three doors, locked for now.  I assume these were rooms.

There was this single door in middle of big wall, all opposite to entry gate. My steps took me automatically there and as I opened it, there was open cemented varanda, on corner was washbasin and a little cubicle, I presume for washroom. And on other side was the bathroom, as a mug and bucket was kept outside. The spill water there told me it was recently used.

Dadi told us, this house she has asked someone to clean. That's why I think it's squeaky clean and bucket was in use.

I closed the door, came back inside. Till now the three doors were open. Shivaay must have opened them. One was kitchen. Unlike today's open kitchen, it is very wide and open but just in a room style, and with a big window on two sides, giving one side view of baranda and other side the view of apple tree.

The middle one was a bed room, filled with black and white photographs, and a double bed. There was a single wooden almirah, when I opened it in trance, I saw a pair of big old style shirts and some saree.

Might be dadaji and dadi's.

Closing it, I looked at photos.

Ten to fifteen photos. Largest one of a young man and woman in boat ride. Man has his eyes similar like Shivaay, only difference was they were far from cold, they shine  with happiness. The younger lady. Dadi ji. Aww, she looked so young and preety. A ribbon held in her long black hair, and her eyes looking down in shyness as dadaji pulled her closer by keeping his arm protectively around her.

Dada ji, just looked like our bollywood Rajesh Khanna. He was handsome, and body just like a pahalwan. And I wasn't wrong. In one photograph he is doing pehalwani, in other he is with his friend, both keeping hands on each other shoulder just like Jay-Veeru. The same friend was with dadaji and dadiji and his wife. The wife, looked so much similar to Shivaay's maasi. I assume they were, Shivaay's nana nani.  Another photo contains two little boys, standing beside their parents as they were sitting on red chair outside. Dada ji pointing the younger boy towards the camera. The big boy smiling big as he looked at his baby brother crying. Must be bade papa and Shivaay's dad.  Also there was a  baby in dadi ji's hand, I assume she is Buaji.

Some photos were of I assume bade papa and Shivaay's dad achievement and few were of buaji. Photos of bade papa's marriage and a photo were of Shivaay's mom dad. When I saw Shivaay's mom dad, I smiled sadly. His dad looked just like Shivaay, only difference was the eyes, which were brown. And mom, she looked ditto of Shivaay's maasi. So much similar that I thought she is maasi actually.

My hand on it's own went to that photo. Sadly, roamed the hand on it. Life is such unpredictable. Who thought, they won't able to see their kids marriage and all old age plan they would have failed against life.

A last photo, there was dadaji sitting on chair. The same red chair. But he looked much older and weak now. A boy, was on his lap. Might be six or seven year old. The eyes, were both oceanic colour, shining in happiness and their lips turned upward in a big smile. I instantly recognised the little boy.

Shivaay.

Unlike now, the boy looked so happy and loving. His one gaze in this photo even made me smile.

I wonder what happened in his life that turned this kid into such cold unemotional man.

I sighed, looking at all one last time.

The photos reflected the happy moment of dada ji- dadi's life. Their married life. Their smile and those moments stuck to my heart and I immediately captured the photos, thinking to show them to dadi later on.

Turning away from photos I looked around.

The window in this room was facing garden. As the sun rises, the room shined in sunny light, and it gave me another level of homely feeling, the positive vibes.

When I went to next room, I catch Mr Oberoi staring at a single photo. For long seconds he kept looking, untill I cleared my throat.  It was like some trance broke and he than without looking at me, walked ahead and stood facing the window.

The room, it had two single bed on each corner, just like a hostel room. It immediately told me, this was bade papa and Shivaay's dad room. There were two almirahs and a big shelf containing the photographs and decorative items.

When I walked and looked at photos, I smiled sadly, looking two brothers photos of their young teenage self. Some in their uniform. Some while they were fighting. Some where they stood as friends. Some single clicks and a single pic of bade papa and badi maa of their college time.

"There are so many photographs..." I voiced out in silence.

I walked towards him, standing beside and looked at the view outside. It was cute. There was a nest on apple tree outside, the bird feeding her kids.

"Dada ji was fond of taking pictures. You will find photographs in every corner of this house." His voice, it was quiet than usual.

I looked at him, his hard gaze never wavered from a point. "I saw them. He has captured every single moment of his life and it's in like every corner of this house."

There was silence and it wasn't just usual silence. The silence felt like a hurricane building inside.

"What are you thinking?" I finally asked him, my eyes never went away from his face.

"I am...." He started but turned his face to look at me for a moment and changed it, "I'm thinking we should rest well, in about" he checked his watch, "three hours we'll leave."

I want to ask him and say not to change the subject. But held back my tongue. I nodded, asking "what about breakfast?"

He started walking outside, meanwhile saying, "Khanna have gone to buy that from nearby market."

I nodded.

"Meanwhile," he went to the one of shelf in kitchen. There were soaps and shampoo pouch kept. Seems like someone has already buyed us basic items. He took out a electric wire, or some gadget. "This rod will heat up the water."

Oh yeah, I certainly had seen this in my childhood. I remember when I accidentally dipped my hand in hot boiling water, papa had immediately ceased the usage of this rod in our house.

Shivaay went out in varanda, from Kitchen window I saw him going in bathroom and taking out a big golta out and set it to fill with water.

Here in kitchen, I checked another drawer, there were coffee, sugar, tea packet, rice, dal, wheat, and basic masala and in fridge were milk packets, like 5 to 6 kgs. In corner of floor there were mineral water bottles. Like many curtains of them. All filled.

Somehow finding the big pan, I set the required milk on boiling. Outside, Shivaay turned off the tap, set the water to heat up.

He looked at me, asking "Is there a plate in kitchen, of this tank size?"

I looked around, once finding the cabinet of plates, one I put upon the boiling milk and other I took outside.  

"Here"

He took it, covered the golta. So, water can heat quickly.

"Um, listen?"

He turned, looked at me with his undivided attention.

"I have kept milk on boiling, just check it. I'll just..come."

And I turned to walk.

"Where are you going," he asked but shut himself up, as soon as he see where I was actually going. "Oh."

I gave a awkward nod, and shut the door of washroom instantly. And finding the toilet seat to be Indian, uh, I checked the water first. Definitely freezing.

When I come outside, after several minutes, there was no soap out there.

Uh oh.

I lookout for him, not finding anywhere near, called out loud, "Shivaaay?"

"Ha?" I heard him, coming from the kitchen.

Looked at him, shrugged my shoulder off asking, "No Soap here?"

He nodded, a minute later coming with a soap, as well with its stand.

"You know, we are just staying here hardly for three hours and a night."

"So?"

"Why wasting a stand?"

"It's nothing, I can't afford."

I rolled my eyes and he well was all  set to work.

He kept it at corner. Than as if knowing there will be a iron nail in the corner, he stuck in a hole and hanged the soap stand there.

"Thankyou." I washed my hand,  with this freezing water. I wonder how it hasn't turned into ice yet.

Meanwhile he checked the water, saying "this will take an hour."

"Obviously, have you check the water temperature? It's ice cold."

We went to kitchen. The milk already boiled and here Shivaay, just about to boil the eggs.

"Wait. Stop." I said. "You can't have eggs?"

"Why?"

"Because we are going for a pooja. Remember? Dadi's instructions?"

He seems to realise that, exhaled audibly  than put the eggs back in freeze.

"You want tea or coffee?"I asked.

"Coffee."

"Okay."

Why did all this feel so so husband wifey thing?

I was silent, arranging ingredients, meanwhile he told me, "There is breakfast on table."

"So soon? What is it?"

He walked out of kitchen, as I followed behind. After checking inside the polybag, he sighed, saying "samosas"

I grinned, "Really? Wow. In this cold weather, hot samosa are perfect."

"Perfect? It's highly unhealthy and on that this will make us lethargic and thirsty while trekking."

I rolled my eyes. "Ohho, husband. You are on a trip, you can sometimes give yourself a treat and without calculating, enjoy the moments."

"I certainly feel like I'm on a trip for past one month. Well, I assume according to you, you give yourself treats, every single day."

"Don't eye my happiness." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Mrs Oberoi?"

"yes?"

"I'm telling you, you need to have a healthy routine."

"That sucks!" I made a face, thinking about that spiceless boiled food.

To my surprise he suggested, "Wait till we reach back, your unhealthy habits need to get changed for your own well being."

"Woah," I shook my head, "I'm not going to eat what you have. Clearly not that diet food. I'm in shape and I'm very well maintained."

A moment of doubtful silence.

"Are you sure?"

"Perfectly."

"We'll see after three hours."

Three hours?

Oh.

The Trekking?

"Okay, see yourself. I can beat you."

Stop it, you big mouth. You know he doesn't walk but run on his slowest. Shh now.

He looked in my eyes, slowly saying "Is that a challenge?"

You haven't excercised for a month now. And if walking doesn't come in excercise, than you haven't done any rigorous training for an year now. Shut up! Shut up! Shut up you big mouth...

"Yes." With equal fierce I said back. "I'll reach the the temple first."

"Let's see." He said and turned to go varanda side. "And when you'll lose you will do as I say."

When?

"If! Mr, If I lose. And I don't lose eazily. And why would I do as you say. You can ask me to do god knows what! No, this isn't right."

He thought before saying. "Fine, we'll ask after reaching the temple."

I thought for a moment before nodding. "done."

I looked at his retreating figure. He was going to varanda, in the washro...

Okay no. I averted my gaze.

Challenge. An excitement ran through me, thinking about already what I want.

Going to the kitchen, I prepared coffee for everyone. Pouring it into the thermas, I was about to take steel plate but remembering how ice cold water is, so instead I went for our disposable cup plates. Well, I am not going to clean our utensils. He will.

When everything was set, my phone's rang in whole house. Seeing the caller itself, I smiled brightly.

"Hello dadi." I greeted her, And instantly had her scolding for not informing on time we reached safely. Good thing, all blame to Shivaay because he has his phone, mine was in bag.

I grinned.

He is going to have a good earful from dadi.

"Anika puttar, have you got all the things? I have asked Bansi to prepare everything. Has he met you people?"

"Ji dadi ji, here everything is arranged properly. When we entered, the house was squeaky clean. Bansi kaka had arranged everything for us, thought we didn't saw him."

"Acha. Don't worry, he lives near by only before you people will leave, he'll come there."

"Ji dadi." We were silent and I couldn't hold myself from telling, "Dadi this house is so adorable. I saw the photos, yours and dadajis. Loved them all."

Dadi's voice told me she was smiling too, "acha?"

For another ten minutes we talk about the house. Damn, only if internet connections were strong here, I would have video called.  Here Shivaay came, sat down beside me, drying up his face with his hand towel.

"Ji. Han ji. Shivaay has come," Shivaay looked at me hearing his name. " Do you want to talk to him. Ji. Okay. One second."

I passed the phone to Shivaay, he held it asking me "who is it?"

"Teri dadi khoteya." Dadi's voice boomed on speaker. She has actually asked me to put it on speaker as want to talk both of us.

"Hello dadi." He said keeping the phone in between.

"Hello toh tu rehnde puttar. Ek call, ek call karke tu bata nahi sakta th ki pahuch gya! Pata hai kitni pareshan thi mai, billu."

I giggled at his petname and also his face, trying to cajoling his poor daadi.

"But dadi, we have reached just now. I was about to call you."

"Rehende tu. Tumhe toh mai baad mein dekhugi. Acha, now both of you hear me out carefully."

He looked at me, I looked at him, and than we looked at phone, awaiting.

"Anika puttar you haven't eat anything right?"

"Ji nahi dadi, I haven't had anything."

"Good. I forgot to tell you, you can't have anything before pooja. And Shivaay puttar?"

"Ji dadi?"

"You will open her fast. Feed her after pooja whatever my bahu likes."

My dearest husband eyed my grinning face and corrected, "Whatever will be available good and healthy I'll feed her."

Intentionally, he said that looking at me. In return I glared him hard, making hole in his forehead.

"Acha yaad se puttar, chadava le jana. Sab kuch chadaya jayega. And puttar dhyaan se aana jana, ek dusre ka dhyaan rakhna."

"Jii daadi." Shivaay assured in only tone he use with dadi, " Don't worry. We'll be alright."

"Hn dadi," I said, "and you take care of yourself."

After talking to her, I instructed Shivaay, "I'm going for bath, meanwhile you can have breakfast and here." I pointed at thermas. "It's coffee. And please call Khanna bhaiya, don't know if he also had basic necessities available in guest house."

He passed my phone, "but water isn't heated up yet."

I shrugged my shoulder, "It must be atleast normal by now."

Taking the clothes, a soap, a shampoo pouch went straight to bathroom. It was small. Just enough space to stand and do your business. A small mirror hanging at corner and four hooks at back of door. Taking the bucket out, I pour a bucket of water, from golta.

Good thing, I have done NCC in school. The camp taught you how to live with minimal things.

First mug of water when poured on my head, seriously doubted if I'm standing in between Arctic ocean, it felt that cold. Though it was lukewarm but still!

I came out in a warm legging, and a super warm Kurti style cardigan. The living room was empty, and the main door wide opened. The moment I was going to close it, there comes Shivaay holding the thermas.

"Have you both eaten ?"

I asked, closing the door after him.

"Yes, we have." He kept the thermas bottle on table.

Here, I was about to go dry my hair first. They were tied in a towel, but when my gaze went to small mandir hanged on the wall,  I thought  as a bahu of Oberoi's, it's my duty to lit the diya.

From kitchen when I bought small earthen diya and ghee, from medical box I have cotton, but the matchstick? After even  searching in every drawer I couldn't find it anywhere.

"Mm, do we have a matchstick?"

I asked, when saw Shivaay going towards varanda, taking his clothes.

He turned asking, "Why?"

I shrugged my shoulder Showing him diya in my hand. "Need for pooja.  Checked every drawer... couldn't find any."

He thought, before going towards TV trolly. Opening up the drawer, he looked inside.

"I have checked that drawer already, it's not there."

His neck turned to me. "Wait."

I frowned, curiously seeing him.

A minute later, he had a very tiny thing in his hand. After he cleaned that up, it turns out to be a small key.

He inserted that key in a very small space just above the T.V., which actually turns out to be a cute little drawer.

"Wow, secret drawer and all."

He inserted his hand, in that, but immediately took his hand off that and blowing  the dust off the drawer.  After a moment, there he take out a very dusty and old rum bottle out. Wow.  The brand which is nowdays super luxurious. Than a circular grey coloured dirty astray. Lastly a goldflake cigrate packet and a greyish color metalic little thing, which I didn't really understand.

"This is my dadaji's secret stash." He turned to me, handing me that very last metalic thing. When I opened it, it turns out to be a cute little lighter. "No one knows about this drawer. Even dadi wasn't aware of this drawer."

"This is cute." I grinned, clicking at lighter. "How did you even  know about this?"

I didn't say it loud but dadaji has died when Shivaay was very young.

He turned and locked the drawer. "I was close to my dadaji. I remember every secret he had shared with me," he turned and looked at me, continuing, "every lesson he had given me."

I nodded, passing him a small smile. "I have heard about him. Dadi told me about dadaji. I wish I could meet him. He sounds like a good, cheerful person."

"He is..." when noticed his slip of tongue, he corrected, "he was a good human being."

Silence adorn us.

"Coming after years..." I started, saying softly, meeting with his eyes, "...you must be missing him so much."

His eyes which were piercing into mine, soon turned away, "I do. However, I think for now we should complete our own work. After one and a half hour, we'll be leaving. You do...pooja. I'll just go...do my thing."

And saying so, I saw his retreating figure shutting the door of bathroom.

For the first time since we're together, I felt...bad. Not about he always sideline me. But felt bad for him. I had always thought he is so high of himself, that ignores others and their emotions. But here,  he keep himself so close and behind thick layer of brick, emotions were like lost in a very small precious box within him. The man, who ignores his own emotions, who doesn't even let them come to surface, what he'll understand of other.

The photo of kid, sitting in his dadaji's lap, smiling so big. His eyes shining with happiness and innocence came infront of my eyes and I couldn't stop myself from wondering what happen with that kid, that his eyes are nothing but cold and emptiness.

I really do wonder.

••||••||••

I folded my hand, just completed my pooja. For the first time today, he was also in my prayers. I asked babaji to make him wiser and little less cold, for everyone's wellness.

Luckily I had found a new packet of the incense stick in mandir drawer. The fragrance spread in whole house, adding charms to it's homely atmosphere.

"What's this smoke coming."

And here how my husband couldn't stop himself from complaining about good things in life.

"It's from this agarbatti." I spread it in every corner of house. Suddenly feeling myself in place of Maa. Oh, how much I miss her.

"What? Blow it off this moment." He coughed, covering his mouth. "I'm allergic to this... smoke!"

He coughed some more. My eyes widen and I quickly, went five steps away from him. "Shit! I didn't know..."

"Take it outside!" He said in between his cough.

I quickly opened the door, ran outside and kept it in front of tulsi plant.

"Have you thrown it?"

I opened the door more widely, trying taking out the smoke by my hand. "Jeez, no. It's of pooja, I kept it infront of plant. You just don't go outside for an hour."

Walking to him, I patted his back.

Pat pat pat...hard harder

His glare, and I stopped hit...patting him, clearing my throat.

He coughed, walking to kitchen. A new mineral water bottle he opened and chug it in a go.

"Oh god, tell me is there even a thing you're not enemy to!"

"Many." His voice hasn't wavered much after his coughing fits too!

"That was a rheotrical statement, not meant to answer."

"Sure?"

"Yes."

"Okay. So," he pointed towards middle room. The one where double bed was. "I'm staying in this room."

"Hm?" It was a moment later I realised what he really means. "Oh."

Offcourse, there is no one, what is there need to share room.

But.

We're married and I have thought to give it a go. And married couple doesn't stay in different rooms....or can they?

"Where are you lost?" He asked a moment later not receiving any answer.

"Nowhere." I smiled formally.  It's just a night thing. And I actually should be happy, finally getting some privacy. Yes. No! Yes? "Okay, I'll keep my bag in other room."

As I about to go, take my bag to other room. He called from the door of now his room. "Listen?"

I looked at him back, my not so heavy tracking bag hanged on my shoulders, "hm?"

He held the door, like was just waiting for me to pick my things to shut it close. "Dadi said you can have fruits, juice even your tea. It's on kitchen slab, eat them."

Surprised, when did he even ask this and bought all this?

"Really? Wasn't it suppose to be my fast?" I frowned.

"As far as I know,  fruits can be taken in fast as well."

I shook my head. "No, I meant empty stomach."

"It was, if we were having this ritual in early morning." He  told me, emphasizing, " But it's in evening now. And tracking will be going to be tiring for you."

I narrowed my eyes, "wait a sec, for me means?"

He bite back, instead said, "Nothing, just eat or drink something. I don't want you to sick fall on our way."

Is he being caring or careful?

"No, I'm fine. I'm not hungry..." And as if my stomach was on it's cue to embarrass me, it made a sound telling neighbours too around someone is ravishing in this house.

Damn. Why can't it just made subtle silent sound for only its body to know. Why my tummy has to be on speaker always.

"Yes? You were saying?" Oh that cunning eyes, saying loudly 'I know very well you can't stay hungry ever'.

I glared him. "I'm alright, okay? I'll be fine. Even good.  Don't make me angry and waste my energy, I'm on a fast."

I started going to only hear, "but I didn't even do anything."

"Your presence is enough to do that work."
And before him, I was about to shut my door. "I hope you remember our challenge."

Still not closed his door.He loudly answered, "Certainly."

"Get ready to loose."

And with that I shut my door. Lie on bed, luckily finding new pair of blankets. And put some angry music in background, to mentally ready myself for the  challange.

But he is like a well build athletic.

And you're a practitioner of energy saving! Yeah, well in other words we can call it lazy. My subconscious reminded me eagerly. And also at the same time some imaginations my brain showed me, I could use as idea.

Good god, this is so interesting.

With some devious ideas forming in my mind I smirked.

I'm so gonna make him do, as I wish!

••||••||••

An hour later maybe I don't know exactly, I wokeup to this loud thumps outside.

Someone is definitely on the door.

I streched my legs, this single bed now seems like one heaven place, all warm and comfy, never meant to leave...

Thump thump thump

Another set of chain knocking, and I just had my overcoat and irritatingly sprinted outside.

Already this cold and hunger are torturing me and now...

Thump thump

I cursed mentally, couldn't my dearest husband, move his legs? When I gave a quick glance at Shivaay's temporary room's door, it was still closed. Surprising, as light sleeper as he is, he hasn't woken up with these knocks.

Thump thump....

"Coming, coming. Wait a minute."

Quickly pulling the door open, I saw there standing was Khanna ji and a little heighted old man in a monkey cap and large muffler and head to toe covered with many layers of clothing...oh yeah, he must be Bansi kaka.

"Mam," Khanna ji looked at the short man. I mean Khanna ji just looked like a Qutub Minar infront to him, "he is Shambhu Bansi, the caretaker of this house."

I nodded, politely smiling, "Yes, dadi had told me about him."

I greeted Bansi ji, and he kindly blessed me and pointed towards the polybags kept down on floor beside them.

"Mam shab," he said in hilly region accent, "I bought these vegetables. Badi mam shab asked me for this."

I smiled nodding, "thankyou Bansi kaka. You have already done so much for us, we have given you so much trouble for our mere hours stay."

Bansi kaka waved his hand, denying. "No- no  mam shab. Don't embarrass me by saying this. This is your greatness, you have said so. All this is my job to do. Let me know if there is anything to serve you."

I gave him a grateful nod. He went towards the kitchen keeping poly bags inside.

"Mam?" Khanna ji looked confused, and even for once glance inside the house.

"Ji, Khanna ji?"

"It's about to twelve. Sir said we would be leaving by this time. Are there changes in the plan."

"Wo.." I looked behind, seeing Shivaay's door still closed.

Meanwhile, Bansi kaka came outside, biding his adieu and promising to come again tomorrow to meet us.

I crossed my arm, rubbing them as a  cold wind passed through. I told Khanna ji, "No plan has changed, Khanna ji. I'll see Shivaay. Meanwhile you get ready. We'll leave in twenty minutes."

Saying so, he went towards the guest house, I closed the door here, and finally stopped these evil cold winds.

Looking at Shivaay's door, I frowned.

It's strange, he is such a punctual person. Earth may turn upside down but he? He will do his work on time and as planned.

Knocking his door, I called out "Shivaay?"

No answer.

Thrice knocked, "Shivaay, it's twelve. Are we going or not?"

No answer and not other option left so I lightly pulled the door, and entered in room.

The room was utter quiet. And there, he was sitting in the middle of bed, head resting at backboard, legs stretched in front and eyes closed.

As I went closer I find his mouth a little ajar opened, indicating Mr has slept like this only. That too in cold, without any blanket.

I watched him, his unwavered frown  he had on his face while sleeping. I doubt does he even feel cold? He is in just a shirt and a thin black sweater and in bottom his regular pajamas, he would wear at home. And here is what? Like in minus temperature.

As uncomfortably he was sleeping, I find a frame under his palm resting on his stomach. The nightstand's too cleaned spot in shape of photo frame indicated it's the same one.

Careful enough to not disturb his sleep, I forwarded my hand, quietly and very very quietly, slipping out the frame. And it was coming out slowly, steadily.....

And suddenly my wrist got caught in a very tight grasp, making me shriek out loud.

I screamed, startled. And immediately took a step back.

At least, tried.

But instead, his tight hold and my forcefull pull, made me land directly over him.

thump

"Oomph"  "Arrgh"

The breath knocked out of our body. Not sure about him, but mine, for sure.

My total weight was on him. The frame which was pinning between us, fall down beside us. My stomach against his stomach and hands on his chest, hold me in captive in a very powerful force. And his face...

Damn

It looked so illegal against mine that an inch gap, than and there made me forgotten how to breath.

Raising my eyes, I looked into his oceanic orbs, to see them already looking at my face. His eyes were, stormy and on alert.

"Wo.." what was I going to say? "I..."

The warmness beneath me clogged all senses temporarily.

I felt something moving against my chest. His one hand tightened over both my wrist. My breath, rising.

A feathery touch, I felt, over my right cheek, making me shudder. His finger roamed from beneath my eyes skin area towards my ear. Slowly, and very slowly. Leaving me incapable of moving.

A moment later I realised he had just tucked my hair away.

I swallowed the tight lump, letting words out  "I s-should..."

And tried getting away, and his pull hardly let my efforts work.

"What are you doing here?" He questioned, very very slowly, and with his voice gruff.

I wiggled, with difficulty moving my gaze away from his face, my hands tried pulling, with racing heartbeats. "Leave me."

I don't know how am I feeling. It was a feeling along hair raising on back and anxiety and anticipation. Close to him, physically, made me felt different than ever in my life.

You were close to him yesterday!

My subconscious reminded, but that was totally different. Though warmness was same but for that I was prepared and for this...

He certainly did not loosened his hold. "Tell me."

I glared, my fire to his ice, burning both "first, leave me."

Instead, in a movement, holding my shoulders he pushed me to bed, and now almost lie above me.

All the while, my breath hitched and shocked.

The very very strong force. It's like two equal opposite force in galaxy colliding. My spine was on fire, while my limbs were too cold to move on its own.

And he held my hand up my head, with one and other hand had his whole weight. If he fell down...

"Wrong answer." His voice low, and face was just against me. His eyes never wavered from mine and mine  did not even blink.

Although his eyes strangely looking at me, with difference. Other than emptiness there were something brewing in them. They moved down from my eyes, his lip parted for a millisecond before, his eyes snapped back in mine, jawline hardened. Not having enough power to look at him, I averted my gaze to side. Suddenly froze on our side.

The photograph was lying there, the one I haven't seen yet. The one he was sleeping holding it to.  It has his family,  dadaji, dadiji, nanaji and naniji, his mom and dad and he, laughing so openly, sitting on his dad's shoulder. Looked about in early teenage.

I looked back at Shivaay, my eyes melted from anger to questioning and understanding. And certainly Shivaay did notice what I just looked. His hold tightened on my shoulder before in a heartbeat he got away and sat up, on edge of bed. His back facing me.

In a second I felt cold, absence of his presence. But surprisingly not odd enough. I sat up beside him. On his side.

"You are missing them... terribly." My words broke the silence between us.

Instead he asked, looking still ahead, "What are you doing here?"

A moment of silence between us.

"You know, you pretend to be strong." I spoke, turning my face at him, " And yes maybe you are physically strong but emotionally, you are weaker than any of us."

His gaze snapped at me, clearly showing the emptiness in them. "You're delusional if you think I'm weak in any way. I don't give importance to emotions, that certainly makes a person weak. Don't say anything."

I didn't backed away, told him softly, "You're wrong. Saying and accepting what you feel, doesn't make you weak, it makes you a human."

And he retorted back, saying too calmly and yet all angry.  "And you find I should bare my emotions with you? Is that why you are here, sneaking up on me while I'm asleep."

The accusation, his doubting eyes...

"What? No! Offcourse not Shivaay. I'm not sneaking up on you. For your information, I knocked on your door, many times called you out, to tell you it's time and Khanna ji was waiting outside. I just noticed you're sleeping in cold, uncomfortably...." I closed my eyes, looked away from him inhaling a calming breath. "Let it be. I'm going to get ready, I told Khañna ji to meet us in 15."

I barged out from his room, not once I looked at him, towards his way.

He just doesn't trust me at all.

And it damn, why do I feel strange pain in my heart!

Am I hurt?

I shouldn't. Why am I even affected?

It's okay, some people doesn't trust so fast. And how much time it's been to our marriage? Hardly a week.

Looking at the mirror, I shook my head. Telling myself, "You're needlessly feeling like a heartbroken idiot, it's hardly been a week to marriage. And trust builds with time."

I should see the changes.

Yes the changes.

The train, the yesterday night.

I felt like he hadn't ever allowed anyone else to be so close to him. The way he was uptight and became so comfortable with time, it just tell me, he isn't one of them habitual of sleeping with others.

The efforts he put in comforting me.

I shook my head, looked in mirror in my eyes, not with hurt or sadness, but determination.

••||••||••

Locking the door behind us, Mr Oberoi and I walked behind Khanna. He has already scouted this place and checked the hill where the temple is located. According to him, it will take around five minutes to reach the hill and about four hours to reach the temple.

Mr Oberoi walked by my side, all silent, unsurprisingly. He was as usual in his pants, shirt, sweater and a large overcoat. Looking extremely handsome of all man.

I should actually deny this fact and run for hills.

But that's the truth. And maybe the living witness of this truth are these ladies, who were looking in our way, turning their heads as if will eat us alive. Not me, offcourse. Him!

Like he is alone most good looking in this whole area!

Come on! There are many.

Looking around, I had to rethink of my statement.

And on that as man population were double in our nation and at most places. So is here. They were looking at our way too, they gazed me, which I'm not liking at all. I glared them all, set my hat right and bring my own overcoat closer. But mysteriously, they will soon look away looking at my side like saw a devil.

Anyway, today, I feel more comfortable in my clothes. Oh man, Instead of any traditional wear, I wore a turtle neck top, a sweater and this large over coat. Along with muffler, cap and gloves. All packed and free.

Looking at wonderful, heavenly view, a smoky puff of breath escape my mouth. In childhood, I remember how Ryan, Mallika and I would compete, who will blow the longest smoke and pretend as if smoking.  The memories are heartwarming for me.

"Sir, here we need to take parchi first. I shall handle this."

Shivaay nodded and Khanna went to a long line. Not really. He went directly to counter, and returned back in two minutes with three golden coloured passes.

"Thankyou." Unlike Shivaay, I said to Khanna and started walking behind him.

In our whole way, I didn't say anything to him. Neither did I talked to him in next hour of our trek. Not intentionally, but didn't feel like. The trek is already tiring and moreover, I had to refrained myself hard from voicing out these rough bumpy path, icy cold ice and tiring legs. Specially if I said out loud the last part, oh man I won't live down this ever. I'm sure he'll be happy to prove me wrong about my unhealthy lifestyle. Not unhealthy...but not much healthy like his.

Instead seeing the view of our surrounding I enjoyed. Or pretended to, be okay and this darn track isn't affecting me at all.

And than also, without even trying we were trekking side by side.

"Stop" He suddenly commanded. Khanna who was ten steps ahead, heard him and came back in long strides.

"Any problem sir?"

"No." Without even giving me a glance, he announced. "We shall take rest for five minutes, it's Anika's fast she must be tired."

I shook my head, "I'm not tired at all. We should go. We also have to reach back on time. Weather seems to get bad enough."

And I was right. The weather seems to be black. There were dark clouds and cold winds filling in atmosphere.

Without glancing at them I started going up. The hill is edgy, it's taking an effort to climb up. But nothing I haven't done before.

"So you are eager  for challange." I heard him commenting for first time since we came out, soon finding him by my side.

Khanna ji again went ten steps ahead of us.

"Do you want to?" I asked him, looking far away at shop selling beautiful hats and mufflers.

"Anika?"

"Ji?"

Noting to buy them later for Prinku for her trip, I changed my decision to stop by that shop.

"I uh...Did you eat or drink anything?" I frowned, from when did he care about me eating or not?

"No, didn't feel like. Plus, I'm okay" I looked at cute accessories, ahead.

A moment later. "You should have"

"You don't worry about that. I'm fine." I looked at him for a second than walked few steps ahead.

Realising he isn't by my side, I looked back and saw him standing there.

"What happened? Aren't you coming?" I asked, pointing at our way.

He looked at me, instead asked, "Are you upset...?"

I shrugged my shoulder, "Should I be?"

He tried saying something, but stopped. I looked around, people were passing us. Instead of walking ahead, he walked to side of road. Confused, if he wants to talk, I walked behind him.

Standing facing each other, I was about to ask, shouldn't we leave, but his oceanic orbs caught me. He looked in my eyes, and  the uncertainty in them made me confused. Slowly, unlike him, he than held my hand, unused to do this, almost hesitant.

"I uh..."

Mr Oberoi and stutter?

"What is it?" I licked my upper lip, curiously waiting.

He said in a breath,  "Anika, I apologise to you..."

Surprised, my face soften, asking in a low voice,  "For what?"

"...for snapping like that before." Looking down and again in my eyes sincerely he spoke. " I shouldn't have done that, accused... and hold you" a pause, "inappropriately. It wasn't right. I apologise for my earlier behaviour."

I was flabbergasted. And looking in  his eyes, I realised whole way he was bothersome about this? Genuinely seeking my forgiveness. It feels, for a long time on our way, he was trying saying this.

My husband think I was upset about him holding like that? Was I? My inner self, clearly said, 'naah'. I..I didn't mind the closeness. Though him misunderstanding my intention made me upset for a bit. But deep down I know today he was on edge. He was drowning himself in thoughts.

I saw down, at our hand, squeezed in reassurance. His bare hands holding my gloved one. I looked up at him, his eyes sincere,  slowly  smiled, "it's okay. I wasn't even that upset about..." Holding me under you closely?  I looked down my cheeks turning more pink than they were in cold. I added, truthfully, "What I mean to say, if you ever felt like talking, all my ears will be yours. And Shivaay, whatever I said before my intention wasn't to upset you. I'm--"

Before I could apologise, he cut me off nodding, "I know. It's okay."

After a moment of silence he asked, "Why do you even care?"

I frowned, honestly myself not knowing the answer. "I don't know. I mean I just do okay. Maybe it's just feel natural."

"Natural?" He had a curious light shining in his oceanic orb.

"Like sort of my natural trait?" I nervously chuckled. The reason? Hell if I know. I turned towards the way, changing the topic, "Let's go? I mean we don't want Khanna ji to get lost right?"

He eyed me, I can feel it at my back,  thankfully not asked much,  later when I gave a once over glace, he was shaking his head in disbelief, and started walking. He most certainly now looked in lighter mood suddenly.  Even lighter enough that he walked beside me, himself said, "up for our race?"

I smirked, remembering my real plan, "Hell yes. Ready to loose, husband. I'm so gonna win this challenge."

His dimple popped up, as he smirked too. That devilish smirk, "oh, we'll see wifey. We'll see."

And that cunning man started walking already in his long steps, making me all bloody mushy here. Wifey.

"Already loosing?" He said on his back.

I gained all my power and passed him with long steps of mine. When passing him long back, I said on my back "Never."

I grinned.

His face was a sight to watch. Not used to stay behind.

Oh how it's gonna be fun, when he'll lose. And than, I can ask him to do that, the thing he'll never have thought.

My devilish mind, made me smile excitedly and rubbing my hand, I looked forward to work on my plan.

••||••||••