-: SHAMRAT :-

Morning sunlight peeked from behind the curtains, blinding my vision. My eyes fluttered open when something soft tickled my face . Scrunching my nose, I turned my face away, but it worsened as it brushed my nose.

Trying to put the annoying pest away, I sleepily picked it up and pushed it away, only to wake up at a screech.

"Shamrat, what the hell!" My eyes snapped open at a glaring Rajeshri,  whose eyes were half scrunched, sleep evident in them, her locks falling on her face.

The sight of my wife the first thing in the morning filled my chest with so much warmth.

"Good Morning, darlin'." Greeting her in my morning husky voice, which I knew she wouldn't be able to resist, I tried to pull her into my chest when she kicked me away, flailing her limbs before I could grab her.

"Don't you dare bother me! And put that damn phone away . It has been ringing for the last 2 minutes," she snapped, and grabbed the blanket, covering herself from head to toe, huffing out a breath.

What was that?

I pushed my body up, blinking away the daze of sleep, and stared at her blanket clad figure.

"Uhh, okay." Was something wrong with her? I have hardly ever seen her this irritated.

"Darlin', do you need anyt …?" I tried to ask, when her low growl zipped my lips.

"One more word, and I will kick you out of the room, Shamrat. Let me sleep." I quickly jumped down the bed, grabbed my phone to quieten the ringtone and strode out of the room, my eyes widened in sheer shock.

Something was wrong, but I better not provoke her for the time being and let her enjoy her beauty sleep.

My gaze fell at the caller id and I quickly received the call.

"Hello, bhanje," I teased Vikrant, who from the other side grumbled a greeting.  (Nephew)

"Morning. How's the situation there ?" he enquired.

"Why? Can't wait to get rid of your Maasi?" (Maternal Aunt)

After the attack, I had sent Ma away to live at her Sister' home, which was in Sarbelapur, a town situated 178 km away from our village. My Maasi (maternal aunt) Gayatri Thakur, was the Bari Thakurain of their town, a highly influential and powerful family. She was the only relative from my mother's side whom I had been able to connect with Ma. 

Gayatri Thakur was a stern woman in the late 70s, but one glance at Ma when I had taken her there for the first time to meet, she had melted off, and together they cried bitter tears , reminiscing old days. They had apparently met after 40 years.

Vikrant and I have known each other for 11 months now. We had met at an event, and instantly clicked, owing to our same ideologies. It wasn't until I talked about Ma, and he about his grandmother, I realised he was talking about Gayatri Thakur, whom my mother had also told me about ages ago. 

She idealised her sister, Gayatri Thakur and truly she was a woman of unfathomable courage and tenacious spirit. She had fought through the abuse of her ex husband for 3 years, before her present husband took matters in his hands.

In the end however … 

"Shamrat, you there?" Vikrant asked, breaking my chain of thoughts.

"How's Ma?"

"Oh, your Ma has been keeping Dadi really busy these days . They spend a lot of time together. Even Dadaji was complaining about how little time he is getting these days with Dadi."

Arjun Thakur … he loves his wife so fervently,  but their love story was a tale to behold. If anyone ever asked me if I knew any "enemies to lovers" trope couple in real life, that would be them.

"Well, how's your election proceedings going on? Any recent attacks?" Vikrant asked to which my fist clenched.

 I had figured out it was Chauhan's party members who had planned the attack that day . He didn't even hold a seat in our panchayat, he only wanted to capture Shri. What better moment than to forge an attack and try to blame it on the other party.

"Everything is under control, for now. Extra precautions have been taken to keep Rajeshri safe. They were after her." I massaged my nape and cracked my neck. Last few days had been excessively hectic, running around , taking care of security measures and party proceedings.

"Why is that bloody Chauhan after your wife, anyway?" Vikrant wasn't informed much, only that he and Bare Thakur (Arjun Thakur) where to keep Ma safe. And they had discretion and possessed that kind of power . Not even a single strand of Ma's hair would be harmed until she stayed there.

I quickly filled him in and was about to walk downstairs to have breakfast when a thud on the wall sounded, halting my steps beside Mini's door.

It was 7 in the morning and she wasn't an early riser. What was that?

Not giving it much thought, I was about to walk away when another thud caught my attention, followed by the noise of things falling down. 

Was she in trouble? Has someone broke in?

Countless unnerving scenarios invaded my head. Putting my phone away, I strode up to it and banged my fist against her door.

"Mini!"

An audible gasp, and my eyebrows raised. 

"What the hell is going on there? Mini!? Are you okay?" 

Ruffling noises of clothes and a faint 'Give me a minute bhai' eased my mind for a minute. She was alright.

Her door clicked open and Mini peeked, her face flushed red, her hair ruffled, as she exhaled heavy breaths.

"What are you doing? Why do you look so messy?" 

She gawked at me like a deer caught in front of a headlight. Pressing her lips she tilted her head, and opened her mouth, but no words were spoken.

"Uh, I was … I um … "

"Mini! What is going on here!? I snapped, trying to enter her room.

"Nothing, I was working out! Yes, and I forgot to tie my hair. That's why the messy hair and heavy breaths!" She nodded continuously as if trying to convince herself more than me, and pushed me away by my chest.

"Since when do you exercise?" I queried, my hands on my hips. She was one of the laziest people I knew.

"Since I saw the amazing figure of Leila bhabi, okay!? Now leave me alone." She was about to shut the door, when she paused midway and gave me a quizzical look.

" Uh, can you get me one of Bhabi's bras?"

My eyebrows rose to my hairline and my gaze fell to her chest before I realised and swiftly looked away.

"Mini, she is 30C, you're 32 A . Your cup size doesn't even match . Why do you need her bra?" Her face has turned ruddy, as she scratched her head.

"Huh! You don't know anything. I have gained weight and now I need C. And bhai, that was a year ago when we went lingerie shopping." Throwing her hands in the air, she exclaimed. 

I shook my head and looked up to the ceiling, praying for some patience to deal with these fierce women in my house today. 

"She is sleeping, and God forbid if I disturb her one more time, she will have my head. So why don't you go and ask her for one." 

"Is she okay?" Mini enquired, her eyes scrunching in genuine concern. Shri was hurt the most among us. My injury had healed faster, but hers was taking time.

"Yes, but she was vexed and snappy this morning. I don't know what's wrong?" Was she in pain? Had she not been getting any sleep?

"Maybe she is tired. Let her take some rest.  I mean, she has a lot of responsibility right, now that Ma is away."

True to Mini's word, a lot of unprecedented responsibilities has fallen on her, which May used to do before the elections, till last time. She was new to this, and had to converse with a lot of men everyday, planning. 

So far, she has been doing a great job, but now that Mini has reminded me, it was all an unknown territory to her. It must have been overwhelming as well.

"Also, when was the last time you two spent some time together? Maybe she needs a break?"

"We are together all the time Mini," I reminded her to which she clicked her tongue.

"I meant like hanging out , not together for party work, or fucking each other like rabbits."

"Mini!" I snipped, my face turning stern. 

We weren't fucking each other like rabbits, we're we?

"C'mon. You two haven't even been to a proper date. Yeah the timing isn't right. But you still have to do things, to keep her content. And trust me, no matter how good the sex .. "

"That's enough. Point noted. Shut it." I won't be discussing my sex life with my sister.

"I will get the bra for you later." Saying that I was about to walk away.

"That's fine. It's not like we need it right now.?" Mini murmured and had almost closed the door .

"We?" 

My eyes narrowed at her statement.

Mini quickly bit her tongue and tilted her head, pressing her lips together.

"Yeah, we as in me and bhabi!"

"Ouu." Something seemed fishy, but I didn't ponder much.

"Urgh, stop staring at me and get lost," saying that she slammed the door shut on my face.

I shook my head at the audacity. Only two women had the audacity to behave with me with that much insolence.

Shri, Mini and … Ma.

Right, so three. But it didn't matter. They were the centre of my world. Shri probably owned more than 70% shares though.

"Of what, Shamrat bhai?" My daze broke as my eyes fell on Leila who was carrying a laptop below her armpit and a pizza box in her other hand.

"Shri shares of my heart." I murmured before realizing.

She stilled, her lips curving up in a playful smile.

Shit, did I say that out loud? Now both Mini and Leila would tease me at every chance they got.

Trying to look intimidating I narrowed my eyes and signed zipped lips at her, but she giggled, shook her head with a wide grin.

Arnav and Leila has been staying with us since last week, as per Ma's order. She didn't want Arnav to stay away at such vulnerable moments. He still hasn't remembered anything, much to all of our dismay.

"Why are you carrying pizza boxes the first thing in the morning?" 

"That's our breakfast."

"Pizza?" I frowned. Who the hell has Pizza for breakfast? It's unhealthy.

"Yes, and I have decided to surprise Arnav with breakfast in bed today. Just like he used to until a few days ago," she whispered the last part, her smile sliding.

"He will be okay soon." I tried to reassure but all of us knew it was fruitless. Only God knew when Arnav would ever recollect his memories.

"Oh , Arnav was asking about his mother?" My heart fell to my stomach at her statement. His mother had died 2 years back, since when he had become reserved. I don't think I can see him turning back into a hollow shell once again.

"Tell him that she is away with Ma, at Sarbelapur."

"Will that be fair with him, Shamrat bhai?"

I nodded. "We can't make him go through the same pain again. So yes."

"Alright." Nodding, Leila was about to walk away when the playful smile returned to her face, as she eyed me.

"Wait until Rajeshri hears that you have allocated the rest 30% of your heart for someone else."

And? So what? I can't give all of myself to another person. Beyond a husband, I was a son, a brother and maybe someday I will be a father as well. Shri was a part of my world, occupying a humongous chunk, but not my entire world. She was definitely my top most priority, but there were others who hold importance in my life as well.

Shaking my head, I decided to visit the home gym and cool some heat off, before grabbing breakfast, for both of us.

Well, Mini was right. Shri deserved some break. 

~~~

-: Rajeshri :-

Soft breeze blew into my face, as my eyes fluttered open, a content sigh leaving my throat. Stretching my arms out, I took a deep breath and shut my eyes again, to rest for a few more minutes.

After the attack, everything has turned so hectic. I needed a good night's sleep to rejuvenate myself and get ready for the day. A lot of work was pending and I needed to get them done within two days. 

A heavy exhale sounded behind me and my eyes snapped open. With a flash I turned back to see Shamrat ji, eyeing my butt which was jutted out of the blanket.

"Only because I want to give you some time off," he whispered with a low, heavy tone, sending tingles all over my body.

"Good Morning," I murmured and threw the blanket away, sitting up. My gaze stilled on the tray kept on a stool by the bed.

"Morning darlin'." He stood up and kissed my forehead, before putting the plate on my lap.

"What's this?" 

"Breakfast." He sat down beside me and rolled a rubber band off his wrist , putting my hair away from my face by tying it back into a ponytail.

"On bed?" That was new.

"Yes. Also we're going out today for a movie and dining out today." Any trace of sleep vanished from my eyes at his statement.

"What? But don't you have an important meeting this afternoon? Also I have to visit  … "  

"Don't worry about it. We have taken a day off." He winked, putting a stray strand of my hair behind my ear.

"Have we? Won't you be needed today at the meeting?" It was a vital one. 

"Shh" He touched my lips with his index finger, eyes darkening as his gaze fell upon it. Swallowing his desires down, he pulled back his hand, his gaze boring into me.

"Arnav will handle it. Let me enjoy the day with my wife."

A pleasant smile appeared on her face. We haven't exactly spent a day together like this.  

"I like the sound of it." He smiled at my remark.

"So, what have you prepared?"

"Sandwiches and oatmeal. I didn't know when you would wake up, so decided against any kind of warm meal." Putting the cover away, he showed me the food, my stomach rumbling at the perfect time.

"Have you had breakfast?" I asked, holding back my embarrassment by yawning.

"No, I was waiting for you darli'," he stated.

My eyes widened as it fell on the wall clock. 9:17 am? He had woken up at least 3 hours ago.

"Aren't you hungry?"

"What's a little bit of hunger? I would brave the depths of hell for you, darlin'." His eyes twinkled in so much adoration, it made my heart flutter with giddiness

Guilt surged in my heart but I didn't let it reside there. It wasn't like I had told him to stay hungry for me or to starve himself .

Putting the comforter away, I hopped off the bed and strolled inside the washroom to take care of my morning business.

The moment I stepped out of the washroom, Shamrat Ji appeared in front of me with a towel, a smile playing on his lips.

I took it and wiped my face, taking a deep breath. 

"Is there something special today ? Why am I getting the princess treatment suddenly?"

He playfully frowned as if offended by my words. Pulling me in by my waist, he kissed my temple, before whispering, "My wife deserves every bit of a Queen's treatment."

My lips curved up in a smile, butterflies erupting in my stomach . He always has a way with words, which tugged at those invisible strings of my heart.

Clearing my throat, I pecked his chin, and pulled myself out of his embrace.

"Let's rate your cooking skills today, pradhan saheb." 

~~~

"Wow, this is a movie theatre?" I wondered in awe, my mouth falling open at how posh it appeared 

"A multiplex actually." Shamrat ji displayed the ticket checker, our tickets, my fingers intertwined with his, as I took in the beauty of the place.

Being born in a lower middle family, I never really had the opportunity to visit a multiplex. But I have cherished those moments when Baba had taken me and Adi to watch films once every 3 or 5 months in the cinema hall which was close to our village. 

I followed Shamrat ji dumbfounded, feeling out of place, girls of my age loitering around, wearing crop tops, shorts and skirts. They absolutely looked beautiful in them, so confident and sexy.

Jutting my lip out in a pout I glanced down at my chikankari kurti which I have paired with flared jeans and a pair of boots Shamrat ji had purchased for me last month. 

Was it modern enough?

"What happened darlin'?" Shamrat ji enquired, as he noticed I have gone quiet since I stepped foot in this place.

"Nothing." I shook, my head biting my lips. Would I sound silly if I voice out my concerns? Would he mock at my insecurities or agree to my view point?

He narrowed his  eyes but then quickly looked away to order snacks at the food counter. From the corner of my eyes, I saw two girls eying him, twiddling with their locks.

Envy surged in my veins as I noticed one of them confidently striding towards us, swaying her hips. Biting her lower lip softly, she barged into the queue. One of her hands skimmed on the countertop, the other sliding up Shamrat ji's biceps.

"Hey handsome, this shirt really looks ni … "

"Hands off me," Shamrat ji growled, interruping her flirtatious words and slapped her hand away, pulling away from her hovering figure.

She gaped at him, her lips falling open, as her cheeks turned pink with every passing seconds.

A chuckled escaped my throat  and her seething eyes turned towards me.

"Only my wife has the right to touch me. No. One. Else." The girl's jaw clenched as she pulled her hand away from the counter and took a step back, stumbling out of the queue.

It sounded so corny, but all I wanted to do was swoon over him, a sigh almost escaping my lips.

She scoffed, offended by his remark, her glare switching between us. Eyes blaring with annoyance, she rolled her eyes and strode away, her heels clanking against the floor.

My lips curved up into a smile, the entire scenario happened so fast it felt surreal.

"Let's go darlin'."

"The food?" I shook my head, as he reached out to grab my hand.

"They will deliver it during the movie." Intertwining his fingers with mine, he kissed my knuckles, my nerves tingling at that gesture.

Insecurities which were surging in me a few minutes ago disappeared entirely. 

~~~

It was 6:30 in the evening when we walked out of the multiplex hand in hand, his arm draped around my shoulder. My legs shook, goosebumps still pimped on my skin.

"That was a very first bad experience," I grumbled, rubbing my face. The horror elements flashed behind my eyes and I shuddered. 

"I didn't know you won't like it darlin'," he chuckled, squeezing my shoulders. 

"Who choses a horror movie on the first date, Shamrat?" During most part of the movie I had my eyes covered, half of my body leaned on him.

"Well, now I know your favourite genre is thriller. I will keep that in mind the next time."

"There won't be a next time unless you let  me chose the movie," I warned, making him drop a kiss on my crown, as we strolled towards the parking lot.

"As you wish, darlin'."

We walked, conserving on points from the movie when a thought appeared in my head.

"What's you're favorite genre?"  I asked.

"Rom com." 

"Really?" That's unusual.

"Yeah."

"I though it would be Action or something manly … "

He chuckled, his deep throaty laughter making me grimace at how weird my words sounded.

"Oh, don't worry darlin'. I am manly enough to not associate my masculinity with petty things," he whispered, his hot breaths tickling my neck, seeding shivers down my body. 

~~~

Hello again, lovelies. I wanted to update this chapter on Monday, but rewrote it 3 times, because I wasn't satisfied.

• Anyway, why do you think Mini appeared so strange?

• Leila and Arnav's POV will be there in next chapter, so buckle yourself up for the 2nd leads of this book.

Do consider checking my IG page cause I have been making my stories related content there. You might enjoy it 🤭💞

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See you all soon, till then take care 🥰

Babye 🙋‍♀️