••||••||••

"Aaj se aap dono pati patni huye."

Panditji declared, our whole family cheered up and many congratulations jumped in our way. They are as happy as like never before.

Mr Oberoi and I lastly had signed some formal documents. We now don't need to go to marriage registration office or for any certificate. It was all done.

From legal, spritual, cultural level we are both married and now tied in a relationship. Husband and wife.

"Ab aap dono, apne bado se aashirvad prapt karen, tatha naye jeevan ka aaram shubhmangal kamnayein se kare."

Panditji commanded, himself blessing us for a blessed married life. My face tilted to the side, Mr Oberoi, nodded to Panditji, and again back to his own expressions, seriousness.

I'm his wife. Shivaay Singh Oberoi. He is my husband. Husband, husband.

It's still a new fact and it seems my subconscious mind had take upon itself to keep reminding me. It just feel somehow different, somehow special to be standing at his side. The position of a wife, to him, itself gives me chill.

We both, together, walking close as to not let this khot connecting us, slipped down, carefully and not in hurry, barefooted made our way to Dadi.

His dadi.

As she was here the eldest of all, standing, nearby mandap, her eyes awaiting, now those eyes having a certain kind of peace and satisfaction. Even though the events these past few days and the marriage tired her energy out, but her spirit, it was keeping her energized like any other young person here.

Saubhagyavati Bhava

Ayushman Bhava

Sada Khush raho

Phulo phalo nato pao

All our elders whispered these wishes in our ears, happy wishes secretly so no evil eye could attack our way, so no could zinx our happiness. They would make us stood before we even could touch their feet and pulled us in a warm hug, expressed the happiness they are feeling this moment.

It was the moment, after Haider Om Rudra done joking with us, Shiv...Mr Oberoi determined steps halted and his sharp gaze looked all around the mandap, frantically. I looked at him, confused, while wearing my own sandals.

A minute later turns out, his jutiyan has been vanished and now that it clicked to me, ah, it so much explained Mallika, Gauri and my other cousins suspicious acts.

"What's the matter Shivaay?" Bade papa asked, his hand still locked around badi maa's shoulder. "What are you looking for?"

"My footwear badepapa." He replied as he looked up, "I took them off here, but now..."

Badi maa chuckled, some mischievous glint shining in her eyes, telling "and you won't able to find them also."

Questionably Mr Oberoi looked up.

"Juta churai rasam, puttar." Dadi said, with a smile, "your saliyan, has stolen them."

I think, Mr Oberoi hasn't attended much weddings in his life. He was so clueless about this ritual that on hearing stolen, his brows pulled together, for a moment his expression told us, he would have considered detective agency for search.

"Might have" Rudra came forward, with a wide proud grin and a red bag covered with marigold flowers in his hand. He patted that box, "don't worry bhaiya, we all took care of it."

"Ah han" Mallika rose her eyebrows, Gauri coming from behind at the same.time asking, "Really?"

Om came from behind and zizu stood their clueless, not able to decide which side he should stand. Rudra nodded, "oh yes. You didn't think we would let you steal, did you?"

Mr Oberoi exhaled, the tiredness if it was there still wasn't evident from his expression. He commanded after a moment, "Rudra!"

Rudra grin, coming to us, looking at Mallika and smirked while opening the box, "see, the jutiyan is safe here."

Around us everyone chuckled, as they witnessed instead of gents footwear, there were some ladies flip-flops. Mallika Gauri and my other cousins, laughed in victory and Rudra was all clueless untill Om put his hand around his shoulder and whispered something in his ear, that made Rudra's neck turned here like a whiplash, with wide surprised eyes.

"What the hell!" Rudra exclaimed, throwing the item down and in the meantime Mallika came froward as the leader of my sisters, as if she was going to put forward some peace proposal.

"Jijuu" She called at our way, in a singsong voice, meanwhile taking out a box behind her back, showing the expensive pair of classy jutiyan.

Mr Oberoi, not a man of many words, just moved forward, in a way also pulling me with him towards Mallika and gang. He waited, signed to take his footwear back but with a grin, Mallika shook her head and instead, demanded directly, "if you want them, you need to loosen up your pocket."

"Loosen up my pocket?"

"Yes, you know some money or card." Mallika explained with a grin, "oh, nd cheques would also run."

"You want money" Mr Oberoi started, "for giving back my own footwear?"

"Dede, puttar. Nek diye bina, aaj tujhe teri jutiyan nahi milne wali."

Dadi suggested, and Mr Oberoi turned to Khanna also, who I just noticed was standing at corner, in a attentive position, still in uniform, but Rudra Om came and argued about how they can eazily afford new pair instead of giving this much of money. Rudra was still figuring out how my sisters actually managed take the jutiyan off under his nose. As he would suggest, all the time he was sitting on them only.

However, in the end, a few lakhs rupees cheque and some gifts was taken out of my dear husband, who may I say wasn't much happy about.

Still standing there, it was now I took notice of time. It was early morning. Maybe past four of this cool morning. The sky, still dark but stars shining brightly. And the moon, it was still smiling witnessing all our happiness. I felt Mr Oberoi's eyes, following my trail and he also looked in front of us, above the sky. However my trance broke when, Mallika held me through shoulder and it seems like after few more rasamein that I missed, I am free to go anywhere, despite this knot.

Another hour, I was made ready in third saree tonight, that was from Oberoi's. It was a red one, not so light or not so heavy, but a perfect one. In this hour, they allowed me for a cup of tea and some biscuits. I don't know about Mr Oberoi or his family, actually now my new family, I was informed they were resting too. The car was ready for airport, my bags have been kept inside their car and now it's the time for bidaai.

"Chal Ani, it's time already." Mallika quitely said, her eyes not meeting mine and concentrated on making me perfect, my pallu perfect.

"I know"

Outside, with support of my cousin and family we made our way. Already the sniffling coming from behind me making my forehead and jaw tightened, with stomach feeling terror.

Maa

She was beside me. Her motherly warmth keeping me together, not letting me get lost. Holding my hand firmly, she lead me on my way. as she has always since my childhood. With courage, I tilted my neck up, to see her, to see how she is holding, but the sight there already made my shoulder slumped down under the weight of heavy emotions and clenched my guts to the core.

"Maa" I called out, while my steps felt heavy and she didn't look at me. She knew very well I don't like her to see cry. Any daughter won't like to see her own mother tormented. "You promised you won't cry."

Without saying anything, she made me stop at enterance of this place, and than finally met my eyes. She gave me her smile, a little smile, chuckling in reassurance, "Who said I'm crying? I think this is the cold taking upon me now."

But her eyes, they said the pain she was feeling of giving her daughter away. The daughter she gave birth and brought up for twenty five years, took care of her, kept her keeping her close to her heart. And now suddenly this stupid marriage comes and she has to give her daughter away. It's not right.

I have no courage to look in her eyes, I without thinking what more custom are left, hugged her tightly. My maa, her smell and warmth calming my heart but still the thought of going away from this family to some new, it was disturbing.

"Anika, muhrat is passing away. You need to perform this ritual now." My dadi said, making us both part away. My maasi already hugging Mallika and Nani, now taking care of maa.

My eyes than went to other side, whole of Oberoi's family standing up and giving sympathetic look. In the middle, unlike others standing there was my husband, looking patiently and awaiting for us.

"Ye Ani, " Nani said sniffling but controlling herself, "without looking back, throw them behind you, thrice."

And I did throw the khile back, behind me, thrice. Maa was there, her pallu spread and taking all that I was throwing. The ritual was ended, but not the cries. It went increasing and I was pulled in tight hug, my massi and than my nani. All cousins, together. It was Mallika who I felt her body shaking as she hugged me.

"I thought you don't cry" I muttered in her ear, still my hand held her tightly.

She chuckled, telling me "once in a while."

"Your makeup is ruining" I teasingly told her.

"Oh shit" she said and parted, cleaning her face frantically for a second before shaking her head at me.

Before I could go lastly to maa, she handed me a small paper bag. Inside, there was my phone resting and with a warning to call her twice a day, I was allowed to own my own phone now.

My maa, pulled me in a hug tightly. Her familiar scent and warmth making me selfish to leave everything and be her, always. My heart quivered, as I felt her shaking uncontrollably, crying and sobbing, sniffling all at once.

"Maa" I called out, tightening my grip and till now I haven't cried and haven't let a single tear fallen down. I had accepted it, I knew it was going to be like this but now, as I held my maa in my arms, as she used to when I was five, I felt my head becoming heavy and back of eyes burning so much.

I consoled her, even Mallika came and nani came forward. Mamaji too tried made her understand and more than emotions I felt the fear of her getting ill. I looked at my back, for once Oberoi ladies eyes were filled with emotions and tears. But that wasn't that surprised me, it was presence of certain blue eyed man, came from behind me, took hold of maa and made her drink water.

Zizu arranged a chair for maa, Mr Oberoi made himself drink water and his eyes had certain emotion, the storm and concern. Maa wouldn't open her mouth to drink, but he forcefully by saying "Just a little", made her drink and calm her down.

Once in her best control as she could be, Maa held Mr Oberoi's hand, who himself was kneeled down in front of her. "Shivaay, Anika is everything to me, my only family she was, I have tried to fulfill a duty of mother and father both for her, in absence of her father. I have given her the values the best I can and she is intelligent, sensible, caring and loving. But if someday, she made mistake or hurt you unintentionally, please forgive her. Please, promise me you'll keep my daughter happy and safe, by her side and never hurt her intentionally. "

Maa pleaded and now my tear uncontrollable, made it's way down my cheek. Everything was so heavy, the emotion, the talk and the environment.

"Maa" I tried to interrupt but neither my eyes went off Shivaay and nor his flickered away from the hand she was holding his.

A moment of silence, before Mr Oberoi looked up in my maa's eyes, "Please stop crying aunty and don't worry." His hold tighten over her hands, in assurance. " I promise to keep Anika, safe, happy and be on her side. And never ever hurt her intentionally."

The determined tone of his, sincerity in his words said it out loud and clear that he meant whatever he said. I felt my brows loosening up, as he suddenly looked at my way, the intensity of his gaze want me to look elsewhere but I held his gaze and somewhere those blue orbs told me, he meant the words he said now.

Maa, patted his head as she do with me, gaining his attention. She praised him, wished him and gave her blessings. From back, I felt a hand coming over my shoulder and there was Ryan, with red eyes smiling and promising in my ear to not to worry, he and everyone here will take care of maa.

I side hugged him, grateful to have him be my side. Soon, mamaji came and as last ritual, he led me to a Audi, decorated with flowers and ribbon like a newly wed car. I walked, one side with mamaji, and other side with Mr Oberoi. Both of them, patient. Mamaji made me sit in the car, lastly caressing my head just like papa must have, with fatherly protective touch.

I looked outside, all my family standing there, waving their hand. With promises to meet soon, Oberoi's taking their own leave and settling in other car.

A strong presence beside me, settled down with a snap shut of the door. Without even looking up, I knew who it belongs, I have started recognising it in only last few hours. My husband's.

The sky turned blue, my eyes not for once took off my family as the car slowly started to made it's way out. Out to the new world, to newness, waiting for me. As sky turned more clear, it felt like a new day of my life, first day of my new phase started now.

"Hm"

It was him, obviously as other than driver it was he and me only. I moved my gaze from window to his side, looking at the white coloured hanky he was forwarding. Looking up in his blue hesitant orbs, suddenly I remember the night of club. Deja vu. The same hesitant, awkward expression he had, while he would forward his handkerchief. But than, I was crying. And now, as I touched my cheeck, I realised how the tears are flowing without me even knowing.

Dropping my phone on my lap, I slowly raised my hand to accept the hanky. Soon the silence here, filled with the sound of my bangles, as they moved freely. I took hold of the hanky, nodding at him and saying softly, "Thanks"

The whole time as I tried cleaning my tears up, safely from curtain sized nose ring, I hissed as it got touched with it and my nose piercing, hurt with all the pain it had endured the whole night.

A few second later, I yawned silently looking outside at passing trees. It was the tiredness of night empowering me now and the motion of this car, didn't help with my overpowering sleep. To my other side, Mr Oberoi, powerful man, my husband was sitting quitely, looking at front. His eyes wasn't even showing any trance of sleepiness. I wonder what's his secret behind this vitality of energy.

However, clutching his hanky tightly over my lap, and resting my head against the car window, deep into my thoughts, I gave into another yawn and lost to my sleep.

Minutes later, might be my illusion, but I felt the movement on me, the handkerchief taken off and a soft dab over my cheek, and my neck, roaming all the other way side.

Might be my illusion.

••||••||••

Warmth. Stiffness. Moving.

That was what I felt, when my mind finally let himself clear up the fog and let my body feel where it's actually laying.

"Mm" I moaned, as the pain in my neck become evident, and my eager hands tried to pull more of the blanket I was covered in.

I tried. And I tried. But ended up frowning, when this blanket wouldn't get pulled or this warm heaviness wouldn't cover all of my hand and just rest upon my arms.

My head has become foggy, like that time when alcohol takes me into it's effect, but I haven't drunk a drop. It's as if every eye lash weighs more than it should and gravity has been turned up ten fold. Where am I? I have no idea.

The sunlight was coming in here, the buildings were passing by, this thing 'car' is moving and beneath me, something is breathing....

Wait

As my sight became more and more clear, I couldn't help but gulp down the forming lump and carefully analyse the situation.

I was laying, comfortably might I add, in huge arms of this powerful man, five hours old husband, Mr Oberoi. My own tired arms were resting around him, and I guess it was lapel of his sherwani kurti that I thought as blanket and was pulling to provide warmth to me.

But that wasn't the problem. The source of warmth his own hand was providing, which now felt too heavy than they are, resting here on my elbow. It's like clutching me protectively, so I couldn't run away or like a child, won't fall down from this seat. The other warm hand, clutching around my shoulder, keeping me close to him.

Blinking, twice to confirm it wasn't some dream and a reality, I commanded my eyes to look up, face the person of cause. I had to slightly take my face away, it was resting on his broad shoulder, that wasn't comfortable at all. I bet till now the design of his clothes might have printed on my skin.

Taking a deep breath, which eventually turned out to be mistake. As my nose filled with his addictive masculine scent and it was so hard not to sniff twice.

Concentrate Ani. Concentrate!

I backed away, a little, founding myself surprised seeing the man beside me himself sleeping peacefully, resting his neck on seat board.

Oh man

Mr Oberoi looked so surreal, no more arrogant, cold or ruthless man. Just a simple yet intimidating person even in his sleep, almost peaceful and extremely attractive.

"Staring is a bad thing Ms Trivedi."

My eyes widened, the blush creeping on my ear and neck, the chills raising my goosebumps hearing his sleepy, husky voice. It indicates, he had just woken up and it does made me come out of my lala land, what was my hand actually thinking? To have that not so long forgotten contact back by caressing his crystal clean cheek.

That's absurd!

With a force I tried untangling myself but nonetheless his grip was firm as his ego.

"I wasn't staring." I muttered, the heat rose to my cheeks, and here I gave up, stuck in his immovable grip. "And you're not leaving me. Leave me. My neck is hurting."

He didn't even opened his eyes, took his sweet time before those stormy blue eyes snapped open and he finally loosen his grip, muttering "your head was hurting the window."

Untangling ourselves, we sat straight. As his statement made sense, I scowled at him, but not reacting this time. The hanky of his now suddenly was on his side and when I tried picking it up, he held me through my shoulders, giving me a suspicious gaze.

"Hanky" I would mutter and he himself would pass it to me, with a far amusement flickering in his eyes. "I'll return back after washing it."

He looked at me, still that rare amusement in his blue orbs, those gaze burning my already heated up cheeks, turning from pink to deep red.

Bruhh! Control yourself.

"Well, you called me out wrong." I broke our minute long silence, having my composure back and looking at him, up in his eyes, confidently.

"Excuse me?" He cocked his own eyebrow, maybe calling him doing something wrong seems like challanges him.

"I'm not Ms Trivedi, anymore."

And on this, the realisation hit upon him as his gaze went on my forehead and neck. Maybe now taking in the sindoor and mangalsutra I was wearing of his name or maybe now he was realising, we're actually married.

Not giving anything else in answer, not calling me by my name or Mrs Obeori, which thinking about did send me chills and a different kind of vibe, he simply nodded, looking ahead as at the same time our car halted.

We've reached.

There was the airport outside, Obeori family, well now my family standing there, instructing the workers and passing them their luggage.

It was the moment, our car halted in the middle, directly outside the enterance of airport, the gazes that was till now handling their own business was run towards our side, on our car. Beside me, I felt Mr Oberoi already stepped down and here I quickly picked my phone and his hanky up, about to step outside but door itself got opened and Mr Oberoi almost as a gentleman, forwarded his hands to help me stand up.

In one hand, clutching safely my phone and hanky, I gave him my other hand. This saree might be unlike those heavy ones but still complicated. I was thankful, his strong grip saved me from embarassing myself and still holding my hand lead me to dadi, or where everyone else of our family was standing.

"Trivedi's would be leaving in the daytime. Prateek, I want you to be here soon after you drop us. There shouldn't any problem they should have regarding the flight." Bade papa's authoritative voice boomed, the captain has no other option but to politely nod.

Rudra Om, seeing me gave me company happily. Even dadi and Prinku asked me again and again if I want something, or if Mr Obeori want something. We both would deny but nonetheless a tea for me and a black coffee for him, along with veg sandwiches were handed to us, and it felt weird when everyone is watching you and you have to eat like this. I can't be more grateful when, badi maa, informed me our flight is ready and we have to go.

Two hours flight. The only time, I was allowed to sleep peacefully in one of those room that before maa and dadi used while coming here, now beside Prinku and dadi. While Mr Oberoi was resting with Om, Rudra, right next to this room. Other people, had taken all of the jet's seats, the chattering and murmuring reaching vaguely to my ears.

"Anika?" My shoulder shook with someone forcing it, the familiar voice reaching my ears, "Anika, come on wake up, it's time."

"Maa" I murmured, sleepily, slowly opening my eyes and immediately correcting myself, "Badi maa?"

Badi maa gave me a small smile, the understanding smile. I sat up straight and she without saying a word, started putting my accessories and saree correctly, just like maa would have done.

I thanked her, standing on my feet but immediately, lowered my gaze feeling her glaring me. I sighed in relief, when she caressed my cheek with motherly love and told me she is my badi maa, and daughter doesn't thank her mother. The warmth, the feeling of my own spread through me and I nodded with a smile.

Soon, we were all seated, me beside Mr Oberoi, fastening our seatbelts as the jet landed safely. All around us were tired, yawning but nonetheless quickly settled down in their respective car. Half of them bidding their goodbye from airport only. It was planned badi maa, bade papa and other family members will leave for Oberoi Mansion and in the meantime, dadi will take both of us to the mandir, as she has owed the mannat for Mr Oberoi's marriage.

Dadi sat in front as Mr Oberoi and I at back seats. After the debate between both of them that dadi should rest and go home with others and her declaration that she is well rested in the plane, we trio went for the mandir.

The smile on dadi's face shining brightly as the sun was rising, was enough for both of us to understand, the temple was something give more peace to Dadi than any sleep. I was asked to wear the same dupatta, as Mr Oberoi was asked to wear his stall, whose knot binding us together.

It was so peaceful, stepping here. The rising sun, the sound or ghanti, the shank, smell of havan samagri. Upon that, the large banyan tree in open space and the pond near by, gave another positiveness to this serene view.

Dadi prayed in front of Lord Mahadev and Parvati, thanked them for showing this day, she prayed for us well being and she thanked we were here at the right time of Aarti. Mr Oberoi and I, meanwhile both lowered our head, we were barefooted, I don't know about him but by heart I prayed for well being of our family, specially maa.

After an hour, of Aarti and Panditji giving us his best wishes and dadi ji asking about her own various doubts, and Mr Oberoi donating a large sum of money, we made our way for home. It wasn't long, just twenty minutes when this Audi halted, in front of Oberoi Mansions gates, in front of my new house, new family.

Dadi went out first, and than driver went out to take the things out of dikki. It was me and him now, all alone. From corner of my eyes, I witnessed dadi giving a look to him, some understanding look and a silent command before she went inside.

A moment of silence. I know I should step outside, and go but what's this new feeling making my heart swell and stomach clenching.

"Let's go" he announced, before making his way out, swiftly, standing right there, holding the door and signing to me to come out from there only.

I scowled, didn't he know how hard it is to shift to other seat in saree? And this back seat is like for three people and I'm sitting in furtherest corner. With a deep breath, I shifted to other side, he was holding the knot of our stalls carefully. As I was about to step down, he forwarded his hand, and like a reflex action I immediately held it, this time only difference was both our hands were warm, unlike as always my cold ones.

Once I was comfortably stepped outside, breathed in the fresh cold air of morning, we both untangled our hand and made our way inside.

It'll be alright. Shh. Everything will be okay.

I kept calming myself up with every step nearing to the door to my new life. Silently, we walked together. Outside were some kids, hopping up and down some saying "welcome mami" other saying "welcome chachi", all of them cutely. I couldn't help, in this phase of stress and tiredness to give them a happy smile and accept all the cards they were presenting me.

It was Rudra who kept them aside, himself saying cheerfully "welcome bhabhi" and leading us near to door.

The door, the enterance, the wall everything that previously screamed Oberoi's classy taste was now turned into a very welcoming grand decoration for me. Peeking inside, behind everyone it seems every corner was brightly decorated.

Mr Oberoi and I stood close as Badi maa, with a small smile, did our aarti and tika. And behind her, every Oberoi family member was standing, grinning and giving me a warm welcome. Even his buaji, nani ji, maasi and other cousins were present.

All stepped aside, a kalash filled with rice kept infront of me, and than at a little distance was red coloured plate, I guess it's kumkum. Badi maa guided me, as I held my saree and softly kicked upon the kalash. It was Mr Oberoi who forwarded his hand, when I stepped into kumkum thaal, saving me from losing my balance.

I looked at him, sending him a grateful look which he acknowledged with a simple non existent nod. Soon, we were lead to a wall where there were already three pairs of hand stamped upon. Two of them I recognised, must be dadi and badi maa but seeing the third hand made my heart sad, thinking it must his mother, when she would have come here as newly wed.

Silently, I dipped my palm in kumkum, held them beside a small pair of hand. From corner of my eyes, I felt Mr Oberoi stormy cold gaze at this side. But certainly, not on my hands, no, but on the hands printed beside mine. It made my heart settling down thinking how he must have missed his parents these days more. Atleast I had maa by my side, but him? There was none of his parent and I know howmuch ever close might be badi maa or dadi, but a place of parent, none can take.

••||••||••

It was two of afternoon, the Oberoi Mansion lightening up like a new bride itself and the sunlight that was engulfing everything and spreading it warmth, was more than welcoming for not just me, but the family.

Last three hours has passed away quickly, there were many games played, many rituals performed. The gathbandhan, it was finally opened up by Prinku, who indeed showed her wide smile like a cute kid when her bhaiya gave her the gift she demanded. There was game for searching the ring in a wide bowl of milk, unfortunately that Mr Oberoi won but actually surprised me when authoritatively took my hand and made me wear it. I had scowled at him, at his action but the family, they had went crazy with hooting and awws, impressed with their son's romantic action.

The another ritual, where we both have to untie many knots from each other's wrist, single handedly, proud to say I won that game. Unknotted the thread at preety much record time. It was said, whoever does it first will be the patient one in this relationship.

Just now, we had lunch. Mr Oberoi and I for the second time had to feed each other. The tiredness and the headache was so much prominent, that without thinking anything I made him eat for once and twice, same he did with me, fed me some Pulao and than we both mind our own business ate in the same plate but by ourselves, ignoring this once all his cousins demand.

The yawn, I tried surpressing, but the water in my eyes of tiredness I couldn't control. It was than dadi asked for me to rest In Prinku's room and Mr Oberoi in Rudra's room. Mr Oberoi however frowned and commented, "I can simply go to my own room."

On which the Oberoi younger gang shake their head, vigoruosly, saying simply yet stubbornly, "No, you can't. Not now."

With suspicious gaze Mr Oberoi watched them but I think we both have some idea why he can't go there.

We were both led to opposite direction, Prinku on our way informing me, about the upcoming customs in the evening, almost hesitantly she did lastly mentioned about suhaagraat.

Was I just sleepy a moment ago? Because now realising what is awaiting for me, in night, made me blink twice and inhale deeply, all the sleep vanishing away at this moment.

It was a saying, new brides shouldn't be left alone, so after closing her door, Prinku also stayed with me. She would talk to me, make me comfortable, even persuaded me to wear one of her comfortable clothes. But I can't. It's in three hours my muhh dikhai rasam and if I change now, it'll take upon hour to get ready again.

As she also looked tired, I insisted her to also lie down, beside me, despite her protest for caring about my well being. It seems like, she isn't actually habitual to be sleeping beside anyone but once she lie down, her eyes closed in tiredness and in seconds her soft snores were filling up the room. However, my own mind were filled with some other thoughts.

Suhaagraat

Shit man, I didn't think about it. It's true and normal that union of husband and wife is important, evitable. At one point it takes place. But that's for one time and today it's just first night.

Well, suhaagraat is all about that.

Be Quite! You mind!

It's normal maybe for normal couple but Mr Oberoi and me, we had a deal we won't expect anything from each other, be happily married in front of world, for our family.

I have always thought of Arranged marriage, where I'll perform the duty of wife and my husband his. I haven't ever thought or expected love or care or anything else. I have always thought, if someone nice I'll be marrying who certainly believes in marriages, I can't promise him of love but certainly, I would care about him.

That's just what I had thought when I agreed to maa, but now Shivaay Singh Oberoi is a whole different kind. He doesn't expect anything, nor he wants to give. We are married now. And I believe in marriage. It would be wise enough to atleast, respect our marriage and give it a go.

I sighed, massaging my forehead realising it's overthinking taking place upon me. It's the tiredness talking. So what it's suhaagraat tonight. He promised me he won't touch me ever, or force himself upon me. That's what our deal was.

But he is a man!

"God" I tiredly yawned before dumping my thoughts down and deciding to go with a flaw.

••||••||••

"Ary Kalyani ji, bahu toh aap ekdam pari jaisi laayi hai. Bahut sundar bahu."

For the past two hours, I have been hearing the compliments. The ladies would come, lift up my netted veil and compliment while giving me a gift and a money envelop. Mr Oberoi was lucky, atleast he wasn't expected to fake a smile or show himself cheerfully. He was sitting beside me, buzy on his phone as he somehow convinced dadi to return it to him and ignored the entire conversations.

A few moments more, this muh dikhai rasam got over, followed by playing dholak and songs and dance. Gosh, maa was right, I should have learnt dholak. I was actually relieved when, none of them actually asked me to play dholak but there was popular demand for me to sing a song.

"Anika, just one song. We all want to hear you sing." Some lady would say, and I felt stuck among them. Well, it was untill, Rudra, my favourite, would come and insist Mr Oberoi to sing as well.

That was hilarious, seeing the kind of look Mr Oberoi giving to Rudra right now. And than, Om will come to us along with a guitar, handing it to Mr Oberoi, and gesture to us for getting started.

Still reluctant and not so happy with the things going on, Mr Oberoi simply stood up, was about to leave before bade papa will insist and he has atlast loosen his grip on guitar and after much thinking, he get started with playing.

If I had any doubts, he could play a song or not, it all got vanished when I started recognising the song. Holy Moly he could actually play this well! And not just that, he played a romantic song. A very romantic song tune.

Dil diyaan gala

He wouldn't sing, he wouldn't hum but his eyes on guitar and his fingers doing magic to the chords. With the grip he was holding guitar, the veins showing on his forearm. He was still in his sherwani, the sleeves folded to his forearm.

My trance broke as a hand nudged to my arm and I was asked to sing. Starting with a humming, I sang the song the best I could. My eyes itself closing, losing in the rhythm of song. Surrounding, the whispers, all other sound except the guitar's became so blur than I almost ignored the clapping and humming of people echoing in this hall.

Suddenly I noticed that, my eyes opened and the lyrics automatically stuck in my throat. It wasn't the surrounding that stopped me, it wasn't their clapping or cheer up. No, it wasn't.

It was certain blue green pair of eyes, heating me up with his gaze. Mr Oberoi was looking me as if he was mesmerized by my voice. As if he was lost and when I stopped I actually saw a non existent frown forming on his forehead.

Soon after Mr Obeori expression turned into realisation, he looked elsewhere and his fingers stopped playing the guitar and without saying anything, he stood up with a excuse for important call and made his way outside.

I watched him confused, in the meantime Om told me, "you know bhabhi, after so many years we got a chance to hear him playing guitar. All because of you, thankyou bhabhi."

So many years? He didn't even looked out of practice. So perfect and flawless he played. Why would he ever stop playing it?

Before I could enquire anything, Om was called out and in another hour, all our guest made their way out, once more praising me, complimenting the decoration and congratulating some happily, other just formally. I was also relieved, it was though past eight O clock, but Maa had safely reached the home. Haider Mallika and Ryan staying there with her. I didn't had a chance to talk to them on phone but the message from Mallika, it took some of my tensions off.

For some time, badi maa talked to me. Telling about all the responsibility of house, I'm now going to have. Dadi and Nani also joined us, assuring me to not to worry and they will always there with me, at every step.

Prinku came from behind, smiling widely and leaning down, she said something in badi maa's ear, who in return smiled and than both of them looked at me.

"Chlo Anika, let's take you to your room." Badi maa said, smilingly. Prinku, Nani and maasi, guiding me to the corner most room of first floor, which I am now somehow familiar with.

It's okay. No worries. It's actually good, you can peacefully rest now.

The whole way, there were so many thoughts roaming around my head, nervousness and anticipation mainly about the upcoming night. I looked up, as we reached to closed door of his room. Now actually mine room too. Weird it was to think that. My steps halted, for a moment just taking in the all red coloured decoration, flowers and only rose flowers in the room, the fairy light shining beautifully and the bed....

It was something unbelievable.

Just like movies, it screams that tonight the room is decorated for the suhaagraat. The grand one.

When I walked nearby bed or when badi maa corrected my saree and jewellery up, I didn't even realised. From corner of my eyes, I saw the suitcases lined up at one corner and I swear the moment all are leaving, I'm going to change in comfortable and cover myself with a bedsheet and sleep at one corner of this king sized bed.

Badi maa and Prinku, made me settled down in the centre of this king sized bed. Wishing me luck and after making my cheek burning red, they all went outside closing the door.

"No no, Bhaiya." The voice of Prinku boomed and Rudra's laugh too, outside this door. "First gift than only you can go inside."

"Yes yes" Rudra exclaimed, "we also want your black card."

"Are you also my sister, Rudra?" Undoubtedly Mr Oberoi's manly tone taunted, making others laugh.

"Bhaiya! I was asking for Prinku only. You know how innocent she is."

"You guys have already looted me enough!" Mr Oberoi impatiently said, that was so not him. "Khanna?"

And I think that was it, as all other thanked him and suddenly the door got opened, inside came Mr Oberoi.

"You remember everything, right bhaiya?" Rudra asked lastly, mischievously and it must be Mr Obeori's glare which shushed him up and his warning in stretching his name "Rudraa" that made Rudra raise his hand in surrender and the door on his face shut closed and locked and bolted securely. Might I add, Desperately.

Oh my!

Mr Oberoi, just walked in as a desperate tiger, strong and powerful and mostly unavoidable!