43. Chalo kahi door chalte hai (Let's go somewhere far away)

•°•

"So I heard your leave request was approved?" Pari asked me at the end of the day on our way to the ground floor. I pressed the G button, nodding at her with a smile. I can't wait to go home and tell Priya the good news, along with the surprise I've planned for us. She's going to love it. "And what are the plans for your honeymoon? Last I heard it was Bali, but you must have cancelled the booking considering your leave request wasn't approved?" She inquired curiously.

I nodded with a sigh.

That was the first time I had seen Priya so disappointed and sad. Watching her smile of hope fall had my heart clenching in my chest. Yet, that did not stop me from treating her badly.

No, this can't do.

She has been so accommodating, so adjusting, and all I've given her is a cold shoulder for the last month. While things between us have gotten better over the course of last week, she still acts around me way too carefully, choosing her words as though she weighs them in her head before speaking out her thoughts. I don't want her walking on eggshells around me. I don't want to be the kind of husband who makes it hard for his wife to speak her mind, who oppresses her. I know I'm pretty stubborn sometimes, but I'm still willing to hear her side.

"Adi?" Pari touched my shoulder, bringing me out of my thoughts.

I realised we had already reached the ground floor. "Sorry," I chuckled sheepishly, stepping aside to let her out first. She smiled and walked out, waiting for me to follow her. We headed to the exit together.

"I asked you something?" She reminded me with a smile.

"Right," I chuckled. "Well, this time it's Europe."

She gasped, a hand flying to cup her mouth. "Wow!" She exclaimed. "Priya must be over the moon."

I shrugged. "She doesn't know yet. It's a surprise."

"I'm sure she'll love it." Pari nodded in reassurance.

She will.

She looked quite excited about the Europe package. It costs a fortune, but maybe it's time I stop fretting over the money constantly. Marriage comes with responsibilities and responsibilities are expensive. If she wants to go to Europe for the honeymoon, I'll take her.

Also, the money she transferred to my account this morning to confirm the booking and arrangements was quite a lot, it helped me cement my decision.

"Oh, isn't that her car?" Pari stopped short upon exiting the doors. At her words, I did too, my eyes darting to where she was looking. I smiled as the door to the familiar Range Rover opened and my wife stepped out gracefully.

What a fucking Queen.

"See you tomorrow!" I said to Pari, too impatient to wait for her response as I made my way toward Priya. She closed the door and turned in time for me to put my arms around her for a hug. She gasped, chuckling softly before her arms slowly reciprocated, locking around my torso. "Hey!" I pulled away to grin down at her.

She smiled back. "Hi," a soft timbre, just like her eyes that gazed up at me warmly. "What do they make you do?" She tsked, picking off the lint from my shoulder before reaching to fix my hair. "I send my husband to the office like he is ready to take over the world and these people send him home looking like this?" She sighed helplessly as I chuckled.

"Why? Do I look that bad?"

"Yes!" She frowned, caressing the creases on my shirt. "Do you know I spend fifteen minutes to make sure there's not even a tiny crease on your shirt?" She shook her head.

"Well, Mrs. Shrivastava, not everyone looks like they stepped out of a vanity every time they leave their workplace." I bit back.

She opened her mouth to retort but the growling in her stomach stopped her. I cocked a questioning brow as her face morphed into a sheepish one.

"You did not have your lunch?"

"I ought to-"

"But you forgot." I completed it for her.

Her shoulders slouched in guilt.

"No, I need to speak to your boss. What kind of tyrant is she? How dare she works my wife like a slave? Does she not have a conscience!?" I fired furiously.

Priya bit her lip to stop the smile from growing on her face. "I know right? You need to put her in her place!"

"That I will," I stroked the underside of her chin. "Tonight," I promised, enjoying the flush on her cheeks. "But first, let's get my wife's tummy filled," I said, opening the door for her. She got in wordlessly, sliding to the left to make space for me. I followed, closing the door after me.

"Good evening, Aditya sir." Jatin Kaka greeted me.

I smiled back politely. "Good evening, Jatin Kaka. How are you?"

"Fine, sir. And you?"

"Splendid." I chuckled, wrapping my arm around Priya's shoulder to pull her close. She looked up at me with wide eyes, coy because of the third presence in the car. I winked down at her, pressing a soft kiss on the crown of her head that melted her right into my arms. I turned my head to stare at the view outside.

I made the car stop at a Subway outlet, grabbing a Sandwich that I made her eat right in front of me. She obliged without putting up much fight.

The trip back home was cut short due to the thin traffic. I stepped out first, holding the door open for her. We wished Jatin Kaka goodnight and made our way home.

Mom approached me hesitantly with a glass of water. I thanked her politely, drinking half of it and sharing the remaining half with Priya.

"Adi," Mom called out as I was about to head to my bedroom. I gave her my attention, waiting patiently for her reason to stop me. "Wash up and come for dinner. I made your favourite." She smiled at me.

"Yeah," I nodded, withdrawing myself from the lively chatter in the living room. Priya stayed back since dad was watching basketball on the television. I'm sure Bhai will join the duo later. Even the thought unsettles me.

Placing my laptop bag on the desk, I removed my socks and removed the buttons of my shirt on my way to the bathroom. When I came out, Priya was surprisingly in the room, picking up my discarded clothes.

She met my eyes, holding the socks and shirt in disapproval. "Do you know how much socks smell, Aditya? Please don't throw them in the middle of the room. You can always stuff them in the shoes if you want to use them again or in the laundry basket if they are to be washed. And don't even get me started about picking up after you. When you shave, can you not clean up the basin?" She sighed in disappointment.

"Isn't it the night of your basketball match with Dad and Bhai?"

She gave me a deadpanned look. "Did you really ignore whatever I said just now?"

I grunted, stomping towards her and snatching my things. "I'll do them. And I'll try to clean up after myself even if I get late, even if I miss my bus, even if I've to mark the half day at the office, even if-" she placed a hand on my mouth, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Are you emotionally blackmailing me?"

I pushed her hand aside. "No, I'm guilt tripping you." I stuck my tongue out at her, walking up to the bathroom to put the clothes in the laundry basket.

"You need to wake up early then!"

"I wake up at six!" I leaned against the doorjamb, crossing my arms on the chest.

"Yeah," she snorted. "Thanks to Tweety. But even then you spend half hour rolling around the bed, then half hour in the washroom, then another half hour troubling me, and another half hour getting ready. Of course, you'll be late!"

I rolled my eyes, walking up to her before I grabbed her shoulders to turn her in the direction of the door. Her feet skidded in resistance as I forced her out. "What are you doing!?" She turned around when she was finally outside the room.

"Go watch your basketball." I sighed, closing the door on her face.

I hadn't even taken a step forward when she was already opening the door and walking inside past me. "This is my room too." She plopped down on the bed, crossing her arms on her chest stubbornly.

"So you're not going out?"

She shook her head.

"You sure?"

She nodded.

"What about basketball?"

"I'll ask dad later who won." She shrugged.

I turned and locked the door. When I faced her again, she sat up alarmed.

"Uh..."

"I gave you a chance," I shrugged, removing my t-shirt and tossing it on the couch before I literally pounced on her. She shrieked, throwing her head back to laugh when I began tickling her. I grabbed the legs that began to kick aimlessly in the air, trapping them between my thighs as I pinned her hands above her head.

"Please don't," she begged me.

"What more complaints do you have regarding your husband, Mrs. Shrivastava?"

She shook her head.

"None?"

She nodded hurriedly.

"A few minutes ago your mouth didn't seem to stop though," I pondered dramatically.

She grinned.

"Ah huh, look at you, having the audacity to smile."

She chuckled.

"Shameless."

She turned her head to the other side in defiance. I took that opportunity to bury my face in the nook of her neck, breathing softly against her skin. She recoiled in response, her arms escaping my loose grip to hold my bare shoulders. I brushed my lips across the bridge that connected her shoulder and neck, dragging them over her collarbones to meet the center of her throat. She sighed helplessly underneath me, cupping my nape to raise my head. Our lips met immediately while my hands got busy kneading and squeezing and caressing her soft flesh.

"Again with the live-in!?"

I flinched in surprise hearing my father scream. Priya pushed me back and I sat up straight, we both looking at each other in confusion.

"I'm an adult for god's sake!" Meghna shouted.

Dragging a hand down my face, I got off the bed to grab my t-shirt. Priya fixed her appearance before we left our room to figure out what's the commotion about. From what I heard, it has to center Meghna and her adamant decision on moving out with her boyfriend.

"Meghna, kyun zid kar rahi hai! Tujhe toh khana bhi banana nahi aata- (Meghna, why are you being so stubborn! You don't even know how to cook-)"

"Mom, please don't!" Meghna held up her hand. "I've been compromising for so long now. It's my life! So why can't I decide what I do with it!?"

"Because you're clearly immature to be making your own decisions!" Dad spat out.

"I'm immature!?" Meghna shot back in disbelief. "Wah Bhai, iss ghar mein har koi apni marzi ki karta hai. But jab meri baat aati hai, toh mein immature. (Wow, everyone in this house does whatever they want. But when it comes to me, I'm suddenly immature.)" She clapped sarcastically. "Why do these rules apply only to me? Because I'm a girl!? I don't see you interfering in Aditya's or Bhai's life so much!" She screeched.

I winced, wondering why does she have to be so loud. She can get her point across even if she talks calmly.

"Because they don't act like you!" Dad hollered. "They have jobs, they are settled and they're responsible! You on the other hand still need me to fill out a form for your job applications!" He scoffed in disappointment.

"And it's my fault!?" She looked on the verge of tears. "You never let me go out on my own, never let me stand in a queue to get things done, never let me travel alone!" She wiped her face with the back of her hand. "And you," she turned to Mom accusingly. "You didn't let me step inside the kitchen for twenty-four years! Always bragging you'll feed me until you're alive. But now you suddenly want me to cook?! How is that fair, Mom!?" She slammed her foot down.

Mom sighed guiltily.

"I'm moving out and that's final." She looked into dad's eyes.

"You are not." He stated. "And if I've to lock you inside the house to get that stupid thought out of your head, then I'll gladly do so."

She groaned, whining like a kid. "Why are you doing this to me!?" She cried out. "You know I can file a complaint against you!?" She threatened.

"Really?" He cocked a brow at her challengingly. "Do it. Now."

"I will do it." She fished out her phone.

"I'm waiting." Dad crossed his arms on his chest.

Meghna glared at him angrily before unlocking her phone.

"Meghna!" Mom rushed up to her, snatching the phone from her hand.

"Nahi, Arpita, mat roko. Dekhe toh, ek ladke ke liye kis had tak jaa sakti hai yeh ladki. (No, Arpita, don't stop her. Let's see how far she can go for a guy.)" He grabbed the phone from her, slamming it back in Meghna's hands. "Karo beta. Tumhara toh janam hi Pratik ke liye hua hai na. Hum toh dushman hai tumhari mahan Prem kahani ke! Lo, Karo phone. Daal do hamein jail mein. Aaj yeh din bhi dikhado apne ma baap ko. (Do it, child. You were born to serve Pratik in this lifetime. And what are we? Cruel enemies of your epic love story? Don't let us stop you. Call the police and jail us.)" He mocked dramatically.

She clenched the phone in her hand, glaring at him through the sheen layer of tears glossing her eyes. "Dad, why are you doing this?" She asked weakly.

"Why am I doing this?" He responded incredulously. "Meghna, you-"

The doorbell rang, interrupting him. Mom quickly rushed to attend the door only to return with Bhai in tow. His eyes ran across the room, glancing at each one of us in question, lingering longer on our sister who was crying silently. "What's wrong?"

"She is talking about the live-in again." Mom answered him.

He let out a long sigh. "You're still not done with that?"

"Shut up!" She snapped at him.

"Watch that tone, Meghna. He is older than you." Mom chastised.

Meghna gritted her teeth in frustration but thankfully didn't retort back. She also knows how mom gets when someone disrespects Bhai in front of her. He is the pride and shine of the house after all.

"Meghna," I called out softly. She looked at me, still sniffling, her nose red at the tip. "Pratik is a nice guy, then why don't you get married?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Meghna," Priya stepped beside me. "I don't want to interfere in your matters, but isn't live in a sort of commitment too? Then what's the problem if the family wants to make it official between them and in front of the world?"

"How? By getting us married!?" She scoffed.

"Well, unfortunately, that's the language this society speaks. I know you carry the mindset that doesn't care about what the people have to say about you or your relationship with Pratik, but your family does. Mom and dad do." Priya explained gently.

Meghan smiled mirthlessly. "Where was this thought process when you got married to my brother!? Isn't he younger than you by six years? That's also frowned upon by society."

I clenched my jaw, opening my mouth to put her in her place when Priya grabbed my hand, catching my attention. I looked down at her and she shook her head, rubbing the underside of my wrist in an attempt to calm me down.

"I've no problem if you get married to him and then move out." Dad declared.

"But Pratik doesn't in believe in marriages!" She replied sharply.

"And I don't believe in live-in!" Dad shot back just as angrily.

"God!" She clutched her head, groaning loudly. "Can't you mind your God damn business!?" She glared at me accusingly. "Did you have to put this thought in his head!?"

I gaped at her in disbelief.

I can't believe she is blaming me.

"I'm not a kid that'll pick up words from others and then repeat them like a mantra!" Dad slapped the back of her head, eliciting a whimper out of her.

"I can't believe you all!" She stepped back, rubbing the sore spot. "Why do I've to be the one agreeing to everything you say! He gets married to whoever he wants." She pointed at me before her finger darted in bhai's direction. "He stays single because the woman he loves is already married to someone else. None of them makes sane decisions yet you have time to object to mine!"

"Stop dragging us into this." I twisted my face at her, displaying my disapproval openly.

"Exactly, Miss. None the wiser." Bhai rolled his eyes.

She looked at him heatedly before turning to dad. "Fine, I'll get married. But aren't you the traditional one, dad? Worrying about what people might say? Then does it look good that both of your younger kids are getting married while your eldest son is still single and unwed? Get him married, then I'll do it too. But until then, I'm moving out with Pratik."

My eyes drifted to Bhai who was frozen in shock.

Dad looked between both of his kids in defeat, no wonder having nothing to counter Meghna's words with.

"Mom!" Bhai turned to her since Dad didn't seem to be prepared enough to defend him.

"Meghna, you've no right to make decisions for him." Mom said sternly.

Meghna chuckled sarcastically. "That's what exactly I'm saying, mom. No one here has the right to make decisions for me. But I didn't hear you saying anything of that sort when I was getting cornered like this?"

Mom was silenced just as quickly as she had begun.

Sometimes I really think Meghna should have opted for law, she would have made a great lawyer.

"Let me speak for myself then," Bhai started in a gravely low voice. "I don't give a fuck what you do with your life. Go and get dumped by that loser for all I care, but don't you dare use me for your benefit. I won't stand by and watch as you shoot your shot using my shoulder!" He snapped.

"Pratik and loser!?" Meghna barked out a laugh. "At least you shouldn't be calling someone else a loser when the woman you're hung up on is already married to someone else. The loser here is you, not Pratik or me." She scoffed.

"How are you so shameless?" Bhai's face screwed in disbelief.

"I'm not shameless. It's you. What are you waiting for? That she'll come running to you? Don't tell me you're waiting for a chance to get between a husband and his wife. Are you planning to seduce her so she cheats on her husband with you-" Mom slapped her.

Thank you.

Meghna breathed harshly through her mouth.

"Go to your room." Mom said to her.

"I'm moving out and that's final!" Meghna declared before she stormed off to her room.

"Start looking through potential suitors for him," Dad said to mom, nodding towards Bhai.

"Dad!"

"What!?" He snapped back. "Are you never getting married, huh!? You're thirty-two now! Are you planning to live the rest of your life longing for a married woman!? Do you know how unfilial that sounds!?" He shook his head in disappointment, striding to his room as well.

"Mom," Bhai turned towards mom, his eyes narrowing pleadingly.

"I'll talk to him. Don't worry," she patted his cheek, following Dad into their bedroom.

Bhai sighed helplessly, dragging himself to his bedroom.

Priya and I both looked at each other. She appeared crestfallen, probably because of the thoughtless comment Meghna made regarding our age difference. I leaned in and pecked her pursed lips, starting her.

"Aditya!" She gasped, slapping me lightly on the chest. "This is not the time."

I rolled my eyes, scooping her in my arms which made her shriek softly. "Aditya!" Her eyes widened at me. "Let me down!" She pushed on my shoulder, kicking her feet in the air in a useless attempt. I carried her to the bedroom, unflinching to her shoves and punches.

I laid her on the bed but before I could climb on top of her, she rolled away to the other side and sat up with her feet resting on the floor. With a sigh, I crawled behind her, dropping my legs on either side of her hips before I undid her pony and brought her head to rest on my chest. Her eyes fluttered close when I began to massage her scalp.

"Remember what you once told me?"

"What?" She mumbled sleepily.

"That whatever Meghna said in anger, she didn't mean it."

Priya exhaled audibly. "But it was the truth."

"Wahi toh, meri jaan. Mujhe bhi yahi laga tha. But maine phir bhi tumhari baat maan li, pata hai kyon? (That's right, my love. Even I thought the same. But I still accepted your words, you know why?)"

"Kyon? (Why?)"

I wrapped my arms around her, placing my chin on top of her head. "Kyon ki bhale hi woh sach na ho, par usse mere dil ko tassali mili. To dil ko woh batate hai na, jisse sunke usse accha lage, na ki woh jisse sunke woh aur mayus ho, nahi? (Because even if it might not be true, it made me feel better. So let's tell ourselves something that makes us feel better, not anything makes us sadder, don't you think?)" I crooned.

She nodded, causing my head to bob up and down along with her.

"You agree, my love?"

"Hmm,"

"Give me a smile then," I requested.

She turned her head over her shoulder, smiling brightly at me. "That's like my girl," I placed my lips on hers, smiling against them. She pulled away, getting from between my legs. I frowned, which quickly turned into surprise when she turned and boldly climbed my lap. My hands flattened against the sheets, eyes watching her as she made herself comfortable on me.

"Comfortable?"

She squirmed in displeasure, shaking her head at me. "Aap thoda hilao na. (You move it a little.)"

My brows shot up in shock. "What!?"

"Pair! (Legs!)" She deadpanned, knocking my forehead as she clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth.

I laughed, dropping back on the bed, unable to help myself.

"Aditya!" She grabbed my collar, forcing me to sit up again. "Don't lie down. It makes the position more awkward." She mumbled.

"More awkward or more provoking?" I poked the inside of my cheek.

She slapped my shoulder, blushing under my gaze.

"What?" I gripped her waist, fixing her on my lap properly so it was no longer uncomfortable. She sighed in relief. "Tell me you never thought of it,"

"Shut up."

"Priya," I got serious, stroking her back gently. She hummed in response, her hands busy threading through my locks. "Do you think dad's decision is fair?"

Priya pursed her lips as she stroked my left earlobe. "No, I guess. If someone's not ready for marriage, you can't force them, can you?"

"But you told Meghna to get married?" I raised my brows at her.

"Well, I said that because they are serious about each other. If they are willing to live like husband and wife, then why not become one for the sake of her parents?" She shrugged.

I nodded, understanding her point of view. "By the way, I've got a surprise for you." I cupped her chin.

Priya lit up with a smile.

I got up with her in my arms, causing a reaction of shock and fear from her as her arms came around my neck to lock. "I can walk on my own!" She exclaimed, making me chuckle. I held her with one arm wrapped around her waist as the other clumsily unzipped the front of my bag. Fishing out the envelope sent to me this morning by the travel company, I went back to the bed and sat down against the headboard. "Yeh lo, meri shehzadi, (take this, my princess)" I held out the envelope towards her.

She tore it excitedly, removing the tickets and confirmation paper from inside. I watched her flipped through them in confusion before realisation dawned on her face.

"No way!" She looked up at me with wide eyes.

I nodded.

"We're going to Europe?"

I smiled.

"Really?" She held my shoulders excitedly.

"Yes," I chuckled.

She shrieked, getting off me and on the floor. As though to confirm the reality, she read through the tickets and confirmation slip once again, squealing as she jumped back on me.

An Oomph! escaped me at the impact but I didn't get to react as she planted a loud kiss on my lips before rolling away and laying on her back, holding the tickets in the air in front of her face.

"I wanted to go to Switzerland so bad! And Paris! Oh my God, we're going to see the Eiffel tower! And Mount Titlis! I heard it snows heavily there!" She turned on her side to face me. "We'll also go skiing, okay? I wanted to try it so bad. And we'll have dinner on top of the Eiffel Tower. I heard it's the best at night. And," and she went on and on, and on and on, about everything and anything, almost boring me to death with her long to-do list. I nodded along to each of her words.

"Wait!" She exclaimed suddenly. "I did not send you enough money for us to afford this expensive package." She got up, looking down at me seriously. I followed with a sigh. "You used money from your savings, didn't you?"

I nodded.

Priya tossed the tickets on my chest, flopping back on the bed but facing the other side now, drained of her excitement in a split second.

I caught the tickets, placing them on the nightstand before I lay spooning her from behind. She tried to shove me away, failing miserably.

"Listen -"

"I don't want to hear anything."

"Priya-"

"I said-"

"Shhh," I pressed my lips against her ear, silencing her protests. "Listen to me, traveling around in Europe, especially in the developed countries, is not cheap. Whatever expenses we'll have to spend there, it's all on you."

She turned in my arms, looking at me with narrowed eyes. "Everything?"

I nodded.

"You won't stop me from buying things." She warned me. I hummed in response. "I'll carry the expenditure there. And I'll buy things for everyone. You'll not spend a penny of yours. And most importantly, you won't stop me no matter how much I spend on you!"

I swallowed.

"Promise me!" She held open her palm.

I knew I was making a mistake but her hopeful face stopped me from putting up an argument.

I placed my hand in hers hesitantly but she clasped it tightly.

"That's like my man!" She beamed at me.

I chuckled, not being able to help the smile that bloomed on my face seeing how happy she looked. "Oh God, I can't wait now." She buried her face in my chest, almost vibrating with excitement. I smiled.

Even I can't wait anymore.

Heya! I'm back!

But I've a massive headache lol.

So, bye.

Dw I'll update regularly now.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Don't forget to vote and comment. Makes my day.