-: Mini :-

Slamming shut the door I re-entered my room, one of Bhabi's bra in my hand, and locked it. My eyes fell upon the woman, who was hiding behind the washroom door, peeking, her terrified eyes resting upon me.

"Come out. Bhai and Bhabi are out." I walked up to her and held out my hand, making her glance at it for a few seconds.

With an encouraging smile, I titled my head , waiting for her to step out of the washroom. Her quizzical gaze went up to the door when I nodded again.

She finally slipped out, her dainty fingers interlocking with mine and my gaze fell upon her. My beautiful Nikita, what have those vile creatures done to her? What have they turned her into?

Her slender frame has turned malnourished, dark circles encompassing her eyes, a huge burnt scar on her left arm.

They had treated her so horribly, in these 3 years, I wanted to drag that rascal Arun and her parents out of their houses and whip them in the middle of the market for the inhuman treatment Nikita had received from them.

"Niki." I grasped her palm gently into mine and cupped her jaw with the other hand, a small smile grazing her face.

"I am so happy that I finally found you, my Sajni." Tears welled up in her eyes when I called her out with the pet name I had decided years ago for her.

Her lips parted but no words came out of her throat, making my fist clenched. Pushing her hair away from her face , she quickly grabbed the clipboard I had gotten for her ,and scribbled words on it.

As soon as she was done, I reached out for it and read her words , imagining them in her voice, which was etched in my memory from years ago.

'I can't express how happy I am that you came back. But I can't stay here for long. I am sure they are already searching for me . If they discover that I am missing they are going to kill me this time.'

"No! Nobody will even touch a single hair on your head. I will make sure of that, don't worry about anything, my Sajni." I threw the clipboard away and gently kissed her forehead, making her sit down on the bed.

For years we had been misled by our family, our love uprooted only because they couldn't accept something which wasn't normal for them.

But it was for me, for us. Me and Nikita, we loved each other and were still very much in love even after 3 years. Even if she is a married woman now, I refuse to accept it. She had been forcibly married off to a scoundrel who only knew how to abuse and beat his wife. They had tortured her so much that my love had lost her voice.

I gazed at her, every memory of our past playing in my head. I had been heartbroken that day, 3 years ago, when I had received the message on my phone from her number that she had decided to end our relationship and was getting married next week, the same week we were supposed to shift to Delhi.

When I had tried to contact her, I was locked up in the room, by Ma and Bhai, for which I had hated them so much back then. But when they showed me her wedding pictures, I had to accept that she had truly decided to move on from our forbidden relationship, unbeknownst to the truth that she also had been misled during that time.

Bhai had sent a message from my phone that I was only experimenting my sexuality to check whether I really was a bisexual or not by being with her, and had finally realized that I wasn't. He had portrayed me in such an image as if I had called things off between us and have finally decided to only be with men.

For this, I would never ever forget Bhai.

Her cheeks turned crimson, when she comprehended the position we were lying. My Sajni shyly looked down, making my stomach flutter with warmth. She was still the same, so shy and lovely.

"Don't get any wrong ideas, baby. I'm simply putting you to sleep. Last night had been hectic for both of us . You need a lot of rest. In the meantime, let me arrange for our departure. "

A red hue spread upon her neck and cheeks at the mention of last night . We had met each other after years, after suffering silently for so long . There was no way we would have kept our hand off each other.

Something flashed in her eyes and Nikita quickly took the pen and scribbled something down on the paper again.

'But what about Arun ? He is very influential at the factory he works at. He is the Head of the labor union. What if he comes here and threatens or attacks you?'

I scoffed and shook my head, a smirk appearing on my lips. It was evident from her face that she was terrified of her husband, but I wasn't going to let anyone stand between us this time.

"And I'm the Student's Body Head of my University with at least 700 students at my disposal. You really think, that so called vile bastard stands a chance against me?"

Uneasiness flashed on her face.

"What is it?" I gripped her neck, and turned her face up to look at me.

'Our marriage?' she jotted down.

My eyes turned into slit at the mention of her marriage with that rascal. Yanking the clipboard out of her grasp, I threw it away, her eyes widening at my actions.

"You're mine, you understand that? No one else's. And God forbid, I would burn down this entire village this time, if anyone tries to come between us," I growled, my grip on her neck tightening at even the mere threat of being away from her .

Tears ran down her cheeks as she nodded her head and wrapped her slender arms around my neck. I would turn the world upside down and die a thousand deaths but won't ever let her go. Ramifications be damned.

My Nikita, the love of my life. My Sajni

~

-: Rajeshri :-

Hoping, you would honor me today by bestowing your presence in this gorgeous attire. Kiss you in an hour. *wink*

A giddy smile appeared on my face at the beautifully written hand note sitting on top of a box on my bed, as I slinked inside my room after a hectic day out at the new women textile factory, located at the outskirts of our village.

A lot of women from our village work there but the conditions were atrocious , that's why Me and Arnav had gone there today to meet and have a talk with them.

Needless to say, it wasn't a fruitful endeavor and we would need to invest 2 - 3 more days there to convince them to vote for our party, so that we could withhold better working conditions for them.

My eyes fell back upon the box, and I quickly pulled the lid up to check my apparel for the evening, when the thing inside the box dropped my smile.

I clicked my tongue putting the beautiful saree back on the bed, heaving a deep sigh. Why would Shamrat ji do this? He knew how terrible I was at wearing saree , and he still bought it.

Sulking, I plopped on the bed, trying to think how to make myself look presentable for the dinner reservation he had booked for us, when another note caught my eyes, peeping from beneath the saree.

I quickly pulled it out and unfolded the paper. The same handwriting bought back the smile on my face.

In case my darlin' doesn't want to wear the saree, she could also opt for the exquisite salwar suit waiting for her in our closet.

PS : You look gorgeous in anything and everything

I pushed myself on my feet instantly and strode upto the closet to check out the salwar suit and true to my preference, it was one of most gorgeous suits I have ever seen.

The entire suit being in light peach color with slight golden thread works was bringing out the elegance of the attire. Overjoyed, I glided my hands over it to feel the soft material of the suit when my eyes fell back upon the silk teal saree which was still lying on the bed.

Exhaling through my mouth, I looked back at the suit and instantly made my decision.

"Another time dear," Saying that, I shut the closet door and strode up to the bed, taking the saree back in my hands. The sleeveless blouse was still sitting inside the box.

Coming to a halt in front of the mirror I draped the pallu part on my shoulder to check whether the color would look good on me or not. And to my surprise it was indeed looking beautiful on me.

My eyebrows furrowed in apprehension. I wanted to surprise Shamrat ji, so there's no way I could take help from him this time. Mini was also not at home , so that leaves only one person.

With Leila in my head, I ambled upto the door and opened it only to come face to face with the person I was just about to seek. She was standing by the door, her shoulders leaned on the wall, a playful smile on her lips.

"Leila, I was about to come look for you."

"I knew I might be needed." She nodded and looked behind me into the room, her gaze halting at the saree.

Her eyes twinkled as she stepped inside and grabbed my shoulders, turning my back towards the door.

"Let's get you ready." She grinned from ear to ear.

"Shamrat sent you?" I asked, curious about how she knew I was about to ask her help.

"Yeah, he did. But he specifically told me to wait for your call. Unless you don't want it, I was strictly told not to interfere at all and let you decide what you want to wear."

I bit my lips to stop my smile , and Leila giggled at my shyness.

"C'mon. Shamrat bhai would surely drop on his knees today at how drop dead gorgeous you're going to look in this saree."

~

Taking another deep breath I carefully stepped down the stairs as Leila covered my eyes with her hands.

"Is this really necessary , Leila? I might fall," I whined, stumbling. The heels weren't helping either though they were barely 3 inch high.

"Yes! Come on, don't be a party popper. He has arranged such an amazing surprise for you, and today I am your escort," she cajoled, making me walk towards god knows where.

We stilled and Leila removed my hands. I fluttered open my eyes, only to look back at her quizzically.

"Why are we standing in front of the backyard door?" I asked, to which she shrugged and took a few steps back.

Weren't we supposed to go to a restaurant?

"My job is done. Have a wonderful evening." Uttering that she ambled away, a wide grin upon her face, her shoulders jerking in joy.

I looked back at the door, and without thinking anything else, pushed it open, only to freeze in wonder.

Numerous fairy lights had outlined a trail, rose petals sprinkled upon the entire track as Shamrat ji stood at the end of it, adorned in a navy blue kurta, looking so handsome, it made my heart skip a beat.

"What's all this?" I whispered, my hands flying to cover my mouth. Unable to stop my smile, my eyes teared.

As soon as his eyes fell upon me, Shamrat ji's eyes softened, a gentle smile curving up his lips. His eyes rove my entire frame, his smile widening with each second.

He held out his hand, and I stepped upon the petals, his gaze beckoning me towards him. I ambled towards him, my heartbeats spiking as the propinquity between us decreased.

As soon as I glided my palm into his, he kissed my knuckles, looking up at me with so much reverence, it made my knees weak.

"God help me, how would I survive this entire evening with you looking so pulchritudinous, like an angel who had dropped from heaven itself?" he extolled, turning my cheeks warm.

He always had a way with words, but the way he said it, his voice sounding so deep , it brought shivers down my spine.

"You don't look so bad yourself too, Pradhan saheb," I teased to hide my blush, which I was sure was pretty evident now. He smirked and pulled me in, taking my lips into a gentle kiss.

My breaths stilled as I fisted the fabric of his kurta and molded our lips, my nerves in frenzy at how lovingly he caressed my lips with his.

He pulled away sooner than I expected, making me breathless as his forehead dropped on mine.

"Never knew my darlin' could do such wonderful makeup as well, your features are highlighted." Whispering those words against my forehead, he kissed my nose, and grazed my cheeks with the back of his hands.

"I don't, it's Leil .. "

"Shh, let's not talk about anyone else tonight and bask in each other's presence."

The soles of my feet tingle at his words, a deep breath escaping my nose. How could any woman ever resist such a demand from her husband?

~

My eyes rounded at the 4 course meal he had prepared for our dinner date tonight. The appetizers, meet balls, were finger licking good as we waited for the hired waiters to serve us our main course. Candles adorned the table as well as the area surrounding us, relishing us in a warm glory.

"I am so glad that the restaurant overbooked and canceled our reservation tonight. This is a far better ambiance than any restaurant can provide." I gushed, merriment making my stomach flutter.

Shamrat ji caressed my knuckles as he peered at me, his gaze dazed and hot.

"So, did you prepare all of this?" I gulped a sip of water, to hush my frenzy nerves.

His eyes widened as he smiled sheepishly. "You expect too much from me, darlin'. Of course not. How could I prepare this much food, decorate the entire garden, and look handsome for you?"

I chuckled at his words.

We conversed about this and that , when the food arrived and we dug in, savoring the blissful moment. The environment was light hearted and casual. My eyes fell upon the rose bouquet which was resting on our table and my lips parted at how pretty they looked. This was my first time receiving flowers from somebody.

"You like roses?" Shamrat ji enquired, out of nowhere breaking my daze to which I solemnly nodded.

"What is it darlin'? Don't you like it? Do you prefer any other flower?" he asked, when he examined my casual expressions.

I gazed back at him, my lips parting at how quickly he read my expression. "How did you ... "

He shook his head, and looked down at his lap, a smirk playing on his lips. "I can read you like an open book. Now tell me? Do you not like roses?"

Guilt rose in my chest and I pressed my lips, not wanting to appear ingrate. The roses were indeed very pretty but ...

"It's actually, my favorite flower is Orchid," I whispered, scratching my palm against my saree as he gazed upon me, no expression visible on his face.

"Okay, noted. Orchids, it is from next time." His words brought a grin upon my face as I glimpsed around us. A gentle breeze blew, making me shiver. The sleeveless blouse was hardly providing any warmth.

In a snap Shamrat ji stood up and unbuttoned his blazer. Before I could comprehend anything, he came to my side and put the blazer upon my shoulder, enveloping me in his warmth. My stomach fluttered at his gesture and I gently pulled the blazer in more to cover my frame.

"What is your favorite flower, Shamrat ji?" I asked, breaking the comfortable silence among us, when he sat back across from me again.

"Well, I don't really ave a favorite. But I do prefer Roses."

"Is that why you bought a rose bouquet for me tonight?"

He smiled sheepishly and nodded. "Yeah, you can say so."

I hummed, breathing in and silence fell upon us again as we finished our food.

"Tell me something. Are you enjoying your new role?"

"As in?" I asked, sipping my juice.

"As in, the work you're involved in right now as the pradhan's wife?"

"Mmm, I never really had a purpose before. It feels good to have a purpose now. To work for someone , something, for the betterment of our society. "

"But, do you like it?" he enquired, one of his eyebrows twitching up.

I heaved a sigh, and took a few minutes before replying. "I honestly don't know . Haven't got much time to focus on liking my work."

He hummed , and we sat silently for a few seconds, him sipping on his red wine and me on my juice, when he questioned again. "What did you want to do, when you were a child?"

"Why this sudden interest in your wife pradhan saheb?" I teased, liking our conversation. We never really have gotten much time to sit down and talk about our likes and dislikes.

"Just an attempt to get to know my wife better," he articulated. I would have fanned my face if he wasn't sitting in front of me at how my wife sounded from his lips.

"I wanted to do something, anything, than dedicate my entire life to my family, husband and kids. I wanted to step out of the toxic cycle, and so something good for the betterment of the society. Ma made it easier for me to choose that path." I finally admitted my deepest wish since early teenage.

I hated it when I saw and still see women around me giving up on their dreams, aspirations to maintain a family. Why is it only a woman's role to maintain it? Isn't a family supposed to be about both the partners. I guess

"That's excellent darlin'. I truly admire your thinking. Women should in fact work on their skills and gain knowledge of the world. Become independent so that no one could ever suppress them. They have so much potential in them, but so much gets lost due to household chores. So many waste their talents by becoming a homemaker."

"Isn't it? Doing household chores is a basic necessity and having a baby is a choice but why should that become an entire woman's personality and life." I never understood this concept. There is so much to life.

"I agree, but you still answer my question. What did you really want to become?" he enquired, making me exhale a deep breath.

" I guess, teach children?"

"As in, a teacher?"

"Yes, I love teaching kids. In fact I used to give tuitions to smaller kids in our village for pocket money." Shamrat ji nodded, encouraging me to continue.

"But when I said teach, I meant not in a school. I have always wanted to become a professor, in a College or University. They look so smart and wise, after gaining so much knowledge in their field. I admire that profession."

"You haven't done you graduation, have you?" he asked, to which I wistfully shook my head.

"Do you have a subject preference?"

I thought for a minute and only one subject came to my mind.

"I did like Geography a lot in school. In fact I scored highest in Geography in our entire batch."

"That's excellent. Let's get you enrolled in a good college," he suggested, keeping the empty wine glass back on the table, adjusting his cufflinks.

I froze, the moment stilling my limbs.

"What - Shamrat ji...? How will I ... ?" I drawled at his stupefying suggestion.

"You can and you will. I don't want any of your dreams to remain unfulfilled." He gently cupped the side of my face, gazing at me lovingly.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I have always wanted to pursue higher studies but Baba couldn't afford college fees so I had to discontinue my studies.

I don't know how I would manage ? I haven't been in touch with studying at an educational institution for over a year now. Will I look too old or out of place? But I'm just 20! I would figure it out.

"Thank you," I mouthed, to which he shook his head , and pulled me towards him by the nape of my neck. Placing his lips upon the crown of my head, he exhaled, making me tightened my grip on his kurta sleeve.

"What did you want to become in your childhood?" I uttered, my lips pressed in a thin like to stop the happy tears from rolling down, still unable to come in terms with what he just suggested,

"Lawyer."

"Really?" That was quick and direct. My eyebrows rose at his rapid answer, as if he was waiting for somebody to ask this.

"Yes, what do you think I have a degree in?" He pulled back, and wiped his lips with a tissue.

"What?"

"BA LLB, from NALSAR University Of Law, Hyderabad. As a matter of fact, I was practicing as an intern at a law firm in Delhi, when Ma called me back to stand in elections last time. That's why I couldn't continue my practice."

"That's horrible .... You had to give up on your childhood dream." I couldn't imagine ever giving up on my dreams for someone's desires.

"It's alright . I always knew I had to follow in my parents path one day, so I have mentally prepared myself for that day. I didn't, however, expect to take up the role before 30," he said nonchalantly but it was evident from his eyes that he was upset about it and misses his profession.

After the dessert, we were walking back inside the haveli, me tucked beneath his arms as he lovingly kissed my temples when an idea struck me.

Shamrat ji looked down at me when I gently pushed him away and came to stand in front of him. He quipped his eyebrows silently asking what the matter was when I pulled a rose out of my bouquet and handed it over to him.

He tilted his head and eyed the flower as if it was a foreign thing, puzzlement swirling in his gaze. When he didn't make any move to take it from my hand after staring at it for several seconds, I heaved a deep sigh and stepped into his space to tuck the red rose into his breast pocket.

"As a token of this memorable night," I whispered against his cupid's bow and pecked the corner of his lips, before sauntering away.

●~~~~~~~< ☆ >~~~~~~~●

I wanted to give them some lovey dovey moments 🥰 beyond hankie-pankie moments🌚 so decided to upon this. They have never really gotten time to go on dates.

Anyway, buckle up cause someone from Rajeshri's past is about to make an appearance in the next chapter, and a lot is going to happen in the upcoming chapters . A lot of drama awaits 🤩

I wanted to include Leila and Arnav, buy this chapter has already crossed my words limits so decided against it. They will be in thr next chapter.

Mini made a reappearance in this chapters and you might not see her much in this story anymore.🤒

If you liked this chapter, please

VOTE 🌟 and COMMENT 💬

Take care lovelies, I'll see you all soon😘

Babye🙋‍♀️