Shakhi SS Marriage Of Convenience 

Chapter Fourteen

Anokhi was humming a song to herself as she arranged her accessories while waiting for one of Nisha's friends who offered to help Anokhi in draping the Saree. As she waited, her mind can't help but think about the last week she spent with Shaurya. All this still feels like a dream for Anokhi.

From not okay with getting married to each other to building a separate life with each other, their relationship has progressed a long away. The way he introduced her as his wife, the way he teases her, the way he holds her closer, the way he manages to make her turn red – be it anger or blush, Anokhi love what she has with Shaurya.

Anokhi kept thinking about her dream – the part where Shaurya said those three magical words to her. Does Anokhi feel that way towards Shaurya? She knew she has feelings for him and knew in her heart that he feels something for her too. But is it love?

Generally, people fall in love and then get married. But it's upside down here. They both are already married and bound for life. But the equation of love? Anokhi knew that she still has a lot to get to know about Shaurya and the same goes for him. They care, trust, understand and be raw in each other's presence. But is that enough to move ahead in their relationship?

She also has to think about her career. She would be completing her under graduation soon but what's next? She wouldn't make compromises with her career for sure. She wants to do her post-graduation and focus on her career. There's also this professor – student factor among them, not to forget the age difference between them.

The elders don't treat this factor differently as back then it wasn't much of an issue. But in today's world, people frown upon such a thing. Anokhi doesn't care much about the age difference. She believes that compatibility is what matters and age is just numbers. If what they want are same then age doesn't matter. She finds comfortable with Shaurya rather than most of the people in her life. They have this understanding between each other so the age factor doesn't affect them much, or she thought so.

Anokhi has no idea about what Shaurya's view about all these. But she won't rush him. He has to deal with his family first. He has to heal himself. Rest can be dealt later. Shaurya doesn't show to her but Anokhi knows that he's suffering.

If Shaurya accepts the truth then he should be ready to confront with his Badi maa and Maa. Anokhi knows that he's not finding it in him to take that step. But she also knows that one day he'll and she would be by his side, no matter what.

Anokhi was always strict with herself. But right now, she wants to enjoy these new feelings she's going through – her racing heart, the giddy feeling in her stomach, that excitement when Shaurya's close to her, the way he makes her feel, the smile which always stays on her lips.

Anokhi is finding new layers of Shaurya every day and that thrilled her. She now wants to spend time with Shaurya and enjoy her friends' engagement. She wants to live in the present and enjoy it.

Brushing out of her thoughts, she took her mobile and sent another text to Nisha's friend. Nisha's friend is stuck with a work. Anokhi started to worry. How will she get ready? She asked Nisha's friend to come once she's free.

Shaurya walked out of the bathroom in his vest, whistling to himself, a towel rested around his neck. Anokhi eyed at him and shuffled through her bag to fish out the Kurta she has bought for Shaurya. (A/N The one which Anokhi made him wear in dream sequence in Shaurya's room)

Anokhi knew that Shaurya would stick to his boring suits. So, she packed one for him along with hers. With a smile, she took the Kurta in her hands and turned around to find Shaurya putting on a black shirt. She mentally face-palmed herself.

"Stop, stop" Anokhi said while placing the Kurta on the bed and moved towards Shaurya "Yeh aap kya kar rahe hain?" (What are you doing?)

Shaurya paused buttoning up his shirt and looked at Anokhi with a confused gaze.

"Kya kar raha hoon matlab? Tayar ho raha hoon party ke liye" Shaurya stated the obvious while starting to button up his shirt. (What do you mean what I'm doing? I'm getting ready for the party)

"Hareey, rukhiyeh toh sahi" Anokhi said, placing her hand on his to stop him from buttoning his shirt. (You stop na)

"Kya bath hai Anokhi? Mujhe tayar hone kyun nahi deh rahi ho?" (What's the matter, Anokhi? Why are you not letting me to get ready?)

"Aap na pehle is shirt ko uthariyeh" Anokhi took her hand back and said in a demanding tone. (You first remove this shirt)

Shaurya gave her an amused smile.

"Excuse me?"

"You're excused. Ab shirt uthariyeh" Anokhi stood her ground. (You're excused. Now remove)

"Shirt uthar dhu?" Shaurya asked with a playful smile while Anokhi understood his tone. (Shall I remove my shirt?)

"Aap... mein ne ... aese thodi bola" Anokhi stammered before finding her voice "Mere matlab yahi tha ki aap yeh math pehniyeh" (You... Me... Nothing like that. I just meant don't wear this)

"Kyun? Why can't I wear this? Kya karabi hai is shirt mein?" Shaurya bit back his smile and looked at himself in the mirror. (Why? Why can't I wear this? Is anything wrong with this shirt?)

"Shirt toh teek hai par aap aaj bhi yeh boring suit math pehniyeh" Anokhi said while Shaurya scoffed at her. (Shirt is fine but you don't wear this boring suit)

"Boring?"

"Har roz aese hi dress karthey ho aap" (You dress up the same way everyday)

"Accha?" Shaurya removed his shirt, let it fall on the ground and folded his hands together "Toh kaisa dress pehna chahiyeh?" (Oh really? Then how should I dress?)

Shaurya asked with an eye brow raised while Anokhi stared at his bulged biceps and trailed her gaze back to his face. She gulped when she saw him looking at her.

"I... I don't know about that but aaj yeh nahi chalega" Anokhi stood her ground. (I don't know about that but this won't do today)

"Toh kya chalega?" Shaurya asked in the same tone as Anokhi. (Then what will?)

"Close your eyes" Anokhi demanded.

"Kya?" Shaurya asked confused. (What?)

"Ankhe bandh kijiyeh na" (Close your eyes)

"Par kyun?" (But why?)

"Kariyeh toh sahi" (You just close your eyes)

"Lek-" (Bu-)

"Shaurya!" Anokhi glared at him, cutting him in middle.

"Accha teek hai! I'll close my eyes. Aese gurna math" Shaurya said as he closed his eyes while Anokhi smiled at Shaurya and went to take the Kurta. (Okay fine. I'll close my eyes. Don't glare at me like this)

'At this rate jaldi log mujhe joru ka gulam bolne shuru kar denge' Shaurya thought to himself. (At this rate soon people would call me as Joru ka gulam)

"Ab dekhiyeh na" Anokhi said as she holds the Kurta in front of Shaurya. (Now see)

"Kya dek-" Shaurya started as he opened his eyes but stopped when he saw Anokhi standing in front of him with a big smile "Kurta?" (What to s-)

"Haan, Mein ne layi thi. Kaisa hai?" (Yes, I bought it. How is it?)

"Tum ne mere liye laya?" Shaurya asked with a soft smile. (You bought for me?)

"Aur kis ke liye laungi? Mujhe patha tha ki aap yeh boring suit hi pehno ge. Isliyeh mein ne pehle se hi le liya tha is Kurta ko" Anokhi held the Kurta against him "Dekhiyeh na, yeh color aap ko suit karega. Pasand aaya aap ko?" (Who else I would buy this for? I know you would wear this boring suit. That's why I bought this Kurta. See, this color would suit you. Do you like it?)

Shaurya could only nod. He couldn't express the warm feeling he felt in words. This is the first time someone other than his Badi maa is doing something like this for him. His Badi maa is the only person from his childhood who would stress over what he wears, buys him dresses and admire him in it.

The motherly comfort that warmed Shaurya's heart before warmed his heart now as Anokhi went on to describe how good the Kurta would look on him and he would look great in it. She took time to get something for him and he loved the Kurta. He wanted to hug Anokhi and thank her and so he did.

Anokhi wasn't expecting the hug but responded him by placing a hand on his back while her other hand held the Kurta.

"Thank you. I love it" Shaurya said with a soft smile and broke the hug.

"You're welcome" Anokhi said walking away with a smile and came back with the complete set.

"Ab aap jaldi change kijiyeh aur bahar jayiyeh. Mujhe bhi tayar honi hai" Anokhi said in a bossy tone while handing the dress to Shaurya. He has come to love it when he bosses her around. With a nod, he went inside the bathroom to change. (Now get ready soon and go out. I have to get ready too)

~ * ~

Anokhi huffed as she tried to drape the saree around her. Nisha's friend got stuck in engagement preparations and her other friends are busy. So, Anokhi decided to take help from You Tube while chiding herself that she should have listened to her mother when her mother asked her to learn all this.

Anokhi was in her blouse and in skirt while fighting with the saree. She's trying it for fifth time in row. She just couldn't get it right when it comes to pleats and in frustration, she removes the whole thing. There's half an hour left for the function to start. She groaned as she removed the saree as she messed up again.

Shaurya was talking to his PA while sitting in the balcony attached to the room. After ending the call, he checked the time. As function would start soon, he opened the balcony door, stepped inside the room and closed the door.

"Anokhi tum tayar ho-" Shaurya turned and was about to ask Anokhi if she's ready but stopped in middle as he saw her standing there in her blouse and in skirt while fighting with the saree. (Anokhi, are you ready-)

Shaurya was tongue-tied for a moment, getting lost in Anokhi. As much as he wanted to look away, his eyes took the image of his wife in front of him, tempting him. His eyes trailed down her body and rested on her naval. Shaurya gulped nervously. He was lost for few seconds before regaining his control. He averted his gaze immediately. How can I watch her this way? He chided himself, trying to shake such thoughts out of his mind.

"Anokhi?" Shaurya said, composing himself.

"Haan ji?"

Anokhi looked up at Shaurya with a smile without realizing her state. When she saw him looking away, she got confused for a second before realizing her state. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment as she covered her upper body with the saree.

"Voh, function would start soon. Isliyeh I-" Shaurya stammered. (Function would start soon. That's wh-)

"Haan... haan, voh... mein toh bas tayar ho rahi thi" Anokhi replied back. (That... That.. I was just getting ready)

Anokhi turned around and started covering the saree around her as by the video. Leaving some cloth for pleats, she quickly folded the pallu and placed it on her shoulder and pinned it.

Shaurya shifted on his place uncomfortably, his mind and heart at war. At one side, he is tempted to go near to Anokhi while the other, he wanted to go away before he reacts on his temptation. He looked up at Anokhi whose back is facing him. He looked away instantly.

'Yeh mujhe kya ho raha hai? Why am I getting this affected? Mein Anokhi ko is tarah... Aese kaise mein kisi ladki ko dekh saktha hai?' He chided himself on his mind. (What's happening to me? Why am I getting this affected? I looked at Anokhi this way... How can I look at any girl this way?)

'Tera biwi toh hai' A voice inside him yelled back. (She's your wife)

Shaurya shuddered out of his thoughts. He cleared his voice and started to walk out of the room not wanting to make it more awkward than it already was. He needs to clear his mind.

Anokhi looked at the clock. Time's running short. She tried making the pleats but she couldn't align it in the bottom. In the corner of her eye, she saw Shaurya walking out. She decided to take help from Shaurya.

"Suniyeh na" (Listen)

Shaurya stopped on his track and looked at Anokhi.

"Haan?" (Yeah?)

"Meri help kijiyeh na" Anokhi said nervously while holding the saree in place "Voh, we are getting late and I don't know how to wear this. Isliyeh aap help kijiyeh, Shaurya" (Help me)

Shaurya looked at Anokhi once. He doesn't know what came over him. He nodded at Anokhi and moved towards her.

"Kya karna hai?" Shaurya asked, trying not to look at Anokhi. This is the first time he's feeling this affected by Anokhi's close proximity. (What to do?)

Anokhi noticed Shaurya's restlessness and laughed in her mind.

'Aese hi mujhe restless banaya na aap ne, Ab aap ki baari, enjoy kijiyeh' Anokhi thought with a smile, not knowing his dilemma. (You made me restless. Now it's your turn. Enjoy it)

Anokhi enjoyed the way Shaurya's reacting although she was conscious of her state. His proximity affected her and he has teased her about it. She always wanted to take revenge on him for that and she would have teased him back if they weren't late for the function. She quickly skipped the video to pleats part.

"See this, aese karna hai aap ko" Anokhi showed the video where the instructor was draping a saree on the mannequin. (See this. This is how you should do)

Shaurya observed the video carefully and turned towards Anokhi. He extended his hand so that she can pass the pleats to him. Anokhi looked away feeling shy while Shaurya tried his best to control himself which proved to be tough when her naval which was on the display tempted him.

Shaurya chided himself in his mind and quickly worked his fingers on the pleat, his fingers slight grazed Anokhi's skin on the process. Anokhi's heart quicken at the sudden contact. She looked at Shaurya who bent down on his knee and leaned down to arranged the pleats, careful not to look up at her.

"Safety pin dena" (Give me safety pin)

Anokhi handed him the safety pin and he pinned the pleats together at the bottom. He pulled Anokhi closer instinctively and looked up only to come face to face with his new found weakness – her navel. He was silent for a second, fighting within himself to look away.

"Voh... align kar raha hoon, ek aur safety pin chahiyeh" Shaurya said breaking out of his thoughts and averting his gaze. (That.... I was just aligning. Give me another safety pin)

Anokhi closed her eyes as Shaurya's hot breath fanned on her stomach, her heart quickens. Strange feelings took over her body as a shy smile bloomed on her face. Shaurya's proximity always affected her. His hot breath on her stomach is driving her crazy.

Shaurya aligned the lines of pleats together. Anokhi gave him a safety pin. Shaurya pinned the pleats material together so that it stays put. He wanted to finish this all soon. The temptation was too much for him. He stood up and handed the pleats to Anokhi so that she can tuck it in.

"Ho gaya" Shaurya said, looking anywhere but her "Tuck it in" (Done)

Shaurya walked inside the bathroom before Anokhi could say anything. He leaned against the washbasin and calmed his racing heart. He turned around and faced himself in the mirror.

'Yeh kya ho raha hai mere sath? Why am I looking at her in that way? I like her but yeh sab thoughts, yeh feelings... I just wanted to pull her closer and ... Oh god, Kahi voh mujhe galat samaj gayi toh' He chided himself in his mind. (What's happening with me? Why am I looking at her in that way? I like her but these thoughts, these feelings... I just wanted to pull her closer and ... Oh god, what if she mistake me?)

Shaurya splashed some water on his face, trying to clear his mind.

"Voh tumhe galat kyun samjegi Shaurya?" Shaurya was shocked when his image in the mirror started speaking "Teri biwi hai, tujhe kyun galat samjegi?" (Why would she mistake you? She's your wife. Why would she mistake you?)

"Yeh kya ho raha hai?" Shaurya blinked, trying to make sure if what he's seeing is real. (What's happening?)

"Don't worry, I'm just a representation of your thoughts, Shaurya"

"Are you real?" Shaurya was shocked.

"No, silly. I'm in your head" The mirror image spoke.

"Then ho-"

"Voh sab chod do, Shaurya" The mirror image said "Yeh bolo ki kya problem hai? Aese kyun khud se lad rahe ho?" (Leave that, Shaurya. Say what's your problem? Why are you fighting with yourself?)

"Aur kya karun? Mere dimaag mein jo kuch bhi chal raha hai, us-" (What else shall I do? With whatever going in my mind, I-)

"Kya chal raha hai aesa? Anokhi?" (What's going on? Anokhi?)

"Haan, mujhe samaj mein nahi aa raha hai ki mein Anokhi ko usi nazariya se kaise dekha" (Yeah. I don't know why I was looking Anokhi in that way)

"Kis nazariyoh se?" (In what way?)

"I don't know, in a romantic way? I mean I was gawking at her! I couldn't look away. I wanted to hold her closer... kiss her, hug her, burry my face into her locks... jaisa mujhe nahi soch na chahiyeh. (I shouldn't have thought like that) Not without her consent, I mean student hai meri. A-"

"Aur tumhare biwi bhi" (and she's your wife too)

"Yaar das baar bol chuke ho. Patha hai mere biwi hai, bar bar math bolna" Shaurya sounded irritated. (You have already told it like ten times. I know she's my wife. Don't say again and again)

"Wonderful. Jab tum he patha hai ki voh teri biwi hai toh phir aese kyun soch rahe ho? Pasand karthe ho na usse. Bol hi dho na" (Wonderful. When you knew she's your wife then why are you thinking so much? You like her na. Tell her)

"It's not that simple" Shaurya let out a tired sigh.

"Dekh bhai. Shadhi ho gayi hai. Dhono ek dusre ko pasand karthey ho. Acchi jodi hai. Live in present na. Humesha ghol ghol soch ke kyun jeethey ho? Kya patha, shayad voh bhi tujhe Pati ke nazar se dekhthi ho" (Look man, you guys are married. You like each other. You both look good. Live in present. Why are you thinking again and again? Who knows, she might be looking at you as her husband)

"Tum na yeh sab thoughts mere dimaag mein dalo math" Shaurya spoke after a small silence. (You don't fill my mind with these kind of thoughts)

"Hareey, you were comfortable when you were caring her, teasing her, tagging her as your wife in front of others. Ab kya hua?" (Now what?)

"Woh alag bath hai.(That's different) She's my wife but I was just holding her back then, teasing her. When I held her closer, that touch just felt right. But ithna intimate, the way I was looking at her naval, the desire I felt for her... I mean-"

"You know these are part of husband wife relationship, right"

"Haan par-" (Yeah, bu-)

"Phir se ghol chakkar ka rahe ho. Try to enjoy life as it is. You have her by your side now. You both like each other. Har bath bolne se bas khubsoorath nahi hotha. Usse yehsaas karne se hi khubsoorat ban jathi hai. Live in present, mere bhai.' The mirror image paused and added "Akhri ek bath bolun jo either tum ab tak realize nahi kiya aur kiya bhi toh accept nahi kiya?" (You are thinking so much again. Try to enjoy life as it is. You have her by your side now. You both like each other. Unspoken feelings are beautiful too. Live in present bro. Shall I say one final thing that you either you have not realized or hasn't accepted yet?)

The mirror image Shaurya asked Shaurya with a raised eye brow.

"Kya?" The mirror image's words sounded sensible to Shaurya. He should focus on present. (What?)

"Tumhe" The mirror image Shaurya leaned in "Anokhi se pyaar ho gaya hai" (You have fell in love with Anokhi)

Shaurya was taken aback while the speaking mirror image disappeared and only his reflection in the mirror remained.

"Yeh tum kya keh rahe ho?" Shaurya asked but found only his reflection staring back at him. (What are you saying?)

"Where did you go?" Shaurya was disappointed of the unfinished conversation.

Shaurya sat on the closed toilet seat, confused with the mirror image's words.

"Do I love Anokhi? I know I like her. I enjoy my company with her, but love? Is such equation possible between us? The desire I felt for her, even if I say it's wrong why do I feel it within me that it's not?"

After five minutes of pondering over his thoughts, Shaurya decided to go with the flow and live at present. As days goes, he will figure out about his feelings eventually. And with this thought Shaurya walked out of the bathroom, composed and collected.

Anokhi was wearing her bangle by sitting in front of the dressing table. She glanced at Shaurya once and started wearing her jewels. Thank god, Nisha's friend came within few seconds after Shaurya walked away and helped with the adjustments in the saree. It was a cream-colored saree with works that matches Shaurya's kurtha colors.

"You ready?" Shaurya asked walking towards Anokhi.

"Just two minutes" Anokhi said as she placed down her kajal.

Anokhi took out a jewel box she kept separate and opened it. Her mangalsutra was inside. Anokhi pushed her hair to one side, took out the mangalsutra and tried to tie the hook but failed. Shaurya noticed this and decided to help her out.

"May I?" Shaurya offered to help.

"Haan ji" Anokhi glanced at Shaurya in the mirror and replied.

Shaurya took the chain ends from Anokhi and clasped the hook, his eyes locked with Anokhi's who glanced at him through the mirror.

"Thank you" Anokhi said with a smile while Shaurya smiled back at her.

Anokhi broke the eye lock and took the vermillion box placed on the dressing table. Shaurya doesn't know what took over him. His hand worked on his own as he took the vermillion box from Anokhi.

Anokhi turned around, looking at him puzzled. Shaurya opened the vermillion box, took a pinch of vermillion in his hand and eyed at her as if asking for her permission with a small smile. Anokhi smiled at his gesture and nodded her head. As Shaurya placed the vermillion in her partition, Anokhi closed her eyes in prayer for Shaurya's well being as she always does.

A strange calm spread over Shaurya's heart as he looked at Anokhi, the vermillion and mangalsutra on her filled him with a strange joy and pride. He handed the vermilion box to her. Anokhi stood up. Together the Sabherwal couple left to the function hall, walking side by side.

~ * ~

Hey guys, hope you all are doing good. I hope you enjoyed reading the chapter. I'm sure you all are on high spirits after watching today's precap. Don't forget to watch SAAKK on Star Plus. Do let me know what you think of the chapter. Stay home, stay safe.

Thank you.

Nan ~