twelve

12. Mere toh khwaab aur haqikat, dono hi khubsoorat hai. (My dreams as well as the reality, both are beautiful.)

•°•

It's a universal fact that Aditya Shrivastava hates waking up early in the morning. Especially during the days he is supposed to relax. Like weekends, festivals, national holidays, and vacations. Then tell me why, I, the formerly mentioned Aditya Shrivastava, am dragging myself up uneven terrain, at five in the morning? To tell you the answer, it's because he is absolutely and irrevocably infatuated with his to-be wife. I think it's quite right when people say men change after they get married. I haven't even put on a ring yet she has me completely under her control. And she doesn't even know it.

"Water?" The reason for my beautiful sufferings offered.

I panted harshly, lips chapped, throat drier than Sahara and my oesophagus, spare me if I spelt the word wrong, was facing the hardships of a drought. To my misfortune, I'm a well-built man so my lack of physiological strength was being judged strongly. I could feel it.

"You should keep up with them," I sat down on a rock, unable to push myself any further. "You'll miss the sunrise."

She nibbled on the inside of her bottom lip, looking at our family that was way ahead of us.

"It's okay. Go." I assured her.

Instead, she crouched to my level. "Are you okay?"

I chuckled. "Except for the fact that I've asthma and I use that as a reason to justify my lack of enthusiasm to do adventures, I'm absolutely fine."

"Is it chronic?"

"Nope." I smiled down at her. "It just gets worse when I have a cold. Give me a few days and I'll be fine again."

She sighed, sitting down on the ground with her legs pulled up. "If I knew your immunity is so weak, I would have never persisted in getting out of the temple."

"You didn't though," I leaned in, hands interlaced between my knees. "It was my idea."

She shrugged. "I should have asked you. Like you did."

I chuckled. "That's okay."

She sighed helplessly, plucking at the grass by her feet.

"You should seriously go," I encouraged.

"I'll keep you company." She looked up at me.

"Are you compensating for what you did at the temple?" I smirked.

"I did what?" She frowned.

"Persisted at getting out in the middle of rainfall," I answered.

"I did no such thing!" She got defensive.

"Did I hear it wrong or was it not you a few minutes ago apologising to me for persisting to leave the temple that evening?"

She blinked at me. "Mr. Shrivastava, you're being so infuriating right now!"

I snickered. "You, Miss. Mathur, don't do well in verbal sparring."

"Please." She rolled her eyes. "I was the top choice for teachers at school during every debate competition."

"I wasn't. Yet here you are, losing against a major introvert. You need more practice." I nodded.

She looked away with a scoff.

A long pause of silence followed where we both enjoyed nature and each other's company. Sometimes she caught me stealing glances at her, other times I pretended she was doing the same. She had the most simple, regular brown eyes one would see every other day on different strangers, yet I was lucky enough to be so close to her that I can point out every single difference that sets those browns apart from the rest of the world. For example, the golden sparkle in her eyes reflected by the hit of the rising sunrays in the still water puddles around us was as beautiful as the magnanimous sun peeking from the east of the mountains. She was no Goddess by any means, her beauty could not be compared to those flawless models on billboards. But she was real, in the flesh for you to admire, and notice all those tiny little details that make her beautiful.

"You shouldn't have come along," she looked up at me, cutting the train of my thoughts short. "For the trek, I mean. Your mother did say you need rest. Why did you insist?"

How could I have missed out on the opportunity to spend some time with you?

"I didn't want to miss this beauty," I met her eyes. She startled. "This beauty," I smiled, easing her off as I gestured around us. "It's beautiful here," I sighed.

"Right," she murmured. "It indeed is."

"And therefore I'm still saying, you should go ahead. They must have reached already but I know you'll be able to catch up before the sun rises fully." I explained.

She shrugged. "I did say what doesn't have a purpose, is a waste of time. I see the sunrise every other day. It'll be nothing different."

I rolled my eyes. "There's a purpose. Remember what I told you?"

"We're making memories," she answered.

"That's right. So now, go." I nodded towards the peak of the mountain.

"No," she shook her head. "I mean, we are making memories."

I stiffened.

"So I see no point in interrupting the current process only to start a new one." She mumbled, avoiding meeting my eyes as I shamelessly stared at her in awe. And people say this woman is an emotionless robot. Talk about being judgmental at its finest.

"That's right," I smirked, leaning closer. "No point in making memories without the protagonist. They won't make it to the final draft anyway." I tsked playfully.

She chuckled. "Don't you think you give yourself too much credit?"

"Nope." Just in front of you. You're better not knowing the timid, self-conscious side I've mastered the art of hiding from the world. "I'd like to believe I'm the only protagonist in your life," I added cheekily.

"You're fourteen years late, Mr. Shrivastava." She pursed her lips, feigning disappointment.

"I know."

The playfulness in her eyes vanished. "You do?"

I hummed. "Your work. Your company. Your sister. Money. Your family." I shrugged. "I don't think I've even made it to the list yet."

She looked away but didn't say anything. "I think I should go and check out the view everyone was so excited about," she got up, dusting off her jeans slightly. "See you later,"

I met her eyes, a small smile present on my face. "Go ahead."

She nodded, falling in the steps past me before she walked away hurriedly. I watched her go, wondering what part of our conversation made her escape. Did I come out too strong? I've never done the dating thing before. And male protagonists in books are often confident, handsome jerks, the category I don't fit in. So there's no point in trying to copy them. I'll be just faking it. I should ask Vikram. Not that he is the best person to turn to for advice in time of need, but considering my situation and lack of friends, he is my only option.

I sat in my place until the time everyone returned. My eyes drifted towards the direction of the chatter, only to find Bhai and Priya walking back together, talking to each other. She said something and Bhai smiled. I frowned.

A flicker of discomfort passed through me. I know there was no point in reacting so strongly. We're all going to be a family one day. They'll be interacting a lot in the future. And not just as business mates as they once were. But as proper relatives. Then why couldn't I control the jealousy I felt? Maybe because of the way they looked together. So perfect. As if they were made for each other. His tall height complemented hers, their looks, the way they walk, speak, and smile looked so well done, put together. Unlike when we're together. Always a mess, stuttering, stumbling, trying to find a topic to talk about before the awkwardness could suffocate our blooming relationship.

I tore my eyes off them, getting up and making my way back down.

"Aditya!" She called out softly after me.

I acted as though I didn't hear it.

"Adi- ah!"

Just as I turned, panic between our families ensued. I rushed closer, spotting Priya on the ground holding her ankle gently. "What happened?" I squatted to her level.

She looked up to meet my eyes.

"I think she sprained her ankle," Bhai informed, reaching to hold her shoulders.

"Why did you run?" I questioned her.

"I thought you didn't hear me so I...." She trailed, wincing when she tried to twitch her feet.

God, just because of my petty jealousy. What the fuck is wrong with me!?

"I'm sorry," I murmured. "Can you try standing up?" I asked, coming to her right. I tried to ignore Bhai who had her hand in his with his arm around her shoulders. She hoisted herself with my help, removing her hand from his hold and leaning to my side. The uneasiness in me quietly settled. "Uh," she whimpered just as we took a step forward. I bent to scoop her in my arms.

Ignoring the little gasp that escaped her mouth, I began to walk.

"Adi, careful," Mom said, following me in a jiffy. "Don't rush, okay. I don't want you to fall along with her. The path is not fit to walk." She mumbled.

"Yes, Adi, be careful." Bhai rushed after me.

I clenched my jaw. "I can manage."

"They're just worried about you," she whispered, catching my attention.

I tilted my head to connect our gazes. "I'm not the one they should be worried about right now."

"You've asthma," she justified.

"Shut up. Don't make me regret telling you about it."

Her brows furrowed together. "I was just being considerate."

"I'm perfectly capable of carrying you for a little while."

"And yet not capable of climbing a mountain with no weight on you." She shot back.

"You know I can drop you, right?" I cocked a brow at her.

Her lips fell apart. "Are you threatening me, Mr. Shrivastava?"

"So wise, Miss. Mathur. You're finally eligible for the next debate competition. Congrats!" I commented sarcastically.

"You're so much worse than I thought."

"And what did you think?" I asked curiously.

"That I'm saying yes to a quiet, mature gentleman."

"Except for the quiet and mature part, I'm still a gentleman."

"Objection, Mr. Shrivastava. A gentleman never ignores a woman." She pointed out eloquently.

"That's right. Does that mean you're not a woman?" I smirked down at her.

She slapped me on the shoulder. "No! That means you're not a gentleman."

"What's that phrase? Jis thali mein khaya, usi mein ched kiya. (Biting the hand that feeds you.) How much do you weigh by the way?" I taunted, huffing dramatically.

"You can put me down. I can manage on my own." She looked away from me.

"No, I think I like this better." I smiled.

"Where's the Aditya Shrivastava who couldn't even speak a word in my presence?"

I chuckled. "He left when you no longer remained a stranger."

She rolled her eyes.

"By the way, where's the Priya Mathur who treats everyone coldly?"

She looked back at me while I was focused on the road. "She left when you no longer treated her like a stranger."

I had to meet her eyes at that moment.

"Flirting baad mein kar lena, pehle chalne par dhyan do. (Flirt elsewhere, right now walk carefully.)" Preeti jabbed playfully.

We reached the parking lot and I set her down on the passenger seat of our car. She gently tucked her legs inside before looking up at me with a smile. "Thank you."

"My shoulders are about to give up," I rolled them dramatically.

She eyed me bitterly. "I told you to put me down."

Holding the roof of the car, I leaned in, surprising both of us with my courage. "How else could I have proved that I'm perfectly capable of taking care of my wife in times of need?" I grinned lopsidedly.

She blinked rapidly. "I-I think I liked the previous Aditya better."

My grin transformed into a smirk. "So you did like him. Why play coy in the video?"

"Hey bhagwan, kitne besharam ho tum. Hato! (Oh lord, you're shameless. Move!)" She pushed me, causing me to stumble back before hastily slamming the door close. I chuckled at her through the window.

"Tum sach mein besharam ho, chalo hamari gaadi ki taraf! (You're honestly very shameless. Let's go to our car!)" Mom dragged me away from Priya. "Bhagwan ka shukr manao uske mama aur tere papa piche ruk gaye bakiyo ke saath nimbu paani peene. (Thank God that her uncle and your father stopped back along with everyone else to drink lemon juice.)" She chastised softly.

"I didn't even do anything." I rolled my eyes.

"Considering you're not even married to her yet, yes you're doing a lot!" Opening the car door, she pushed me inside the backseat. "Now stay here and don't go anywhere close to her. Warna ghar jaakar rassi se band dungi. (Else I'll tie you with a rope back home.)" She warned, shaking her head as she prepared to walk away. "Shaadi hui bhi nahi aur ladka mera abhi se biwi ke peeche pagal hai. (They aren't even married and my son is already whipped for his wife.)" I heard her mutter under her breath.

I sulked inside the car.

Upon reaching home an hour later, Priya insisted on walking inside the house rather than being carried once again. I tried to talk her out of it because she did not look in good enough condition to use her feet. She revoked my suggestion with a few words, "No, I prefer to walk lest I cause your shoulders to fall this time."

I shook my head and watched her suffer. When it came to stairs, she took a step forward and tripped to her sister's side because of the pain. Her eyes raised, meeting mine innocently. I sighed and walked past everyone, lifting her back in my arms.

"Thank you, beta," Mami said to me with a smile of gratitude once I had laid Priya on the bed.

I smiled back.

The older woman shuffled through different drawers before Preeti came out of the bathroom with the first aid box. She took it from the younger lady and sat by Priya's feet, analysing her ankle like a professional doctor. She asked Priya where it hurts the most and sprayed the area before covering it with gauze.

We left the room to let Priya rest.

"Vacation shuru bhi nahi hua aur pehle Dulhe raja bimar hogaye phir unki hone wali Dulhan. (The vacation hasn't even started properly and first Mr. Groom fell ill following him, his to be bride.)" Meghna shook her head.

We all departed to do our own stuff.

"Why did you ignore her there?" Bhai asked when we entered our temporary stay.

I frowned at him. "What do you mean?"

"It was because of you she fell. Why did you do that?"

I dragged a hand down my face, exhausted from these silly arguments between us. I have no idea what's gotten into him since my decision of getting married to Priya but he's acting weird and it's getting on my nerves lately. "Do I have to explain everything to you?"

His shoulders stiffened. "I don't mean to pry-"

"You're doing it," I stated bluntly. "There's no space for a third person when it comes to my relationship with Priya. I owe you no explanation. And stop making me feel guilty every time I goof up. I'm adding a new person to my life. It's given I'll need some time. To adjust, to find a sense of comfort in this new space. So please, stop trying to advise me." I added. "Now I've been as clear and blunt as I could be regarding my feelings of you needlessly involving yourself in the matters that don't welcome you, so I hope you'll be careful next time."

I left the room with my phone and a bag of chips.

I sat on the swing in the verandah, watching the outdoor activities as I plugged in my earphones and put my playlist on shuffle before opening the bag of banana chips to enjoy the snacks.

I liked the mornings here. They were peaceful and quiet. Unlike in Mumbai, where my day begins with Tweety's sharp noise and ends with.... I don't even remember. I'm far too exhausted by the end of the day to notice what I heard last before falling asleep.

A bird flew up to me and sat on the railing of the verandah. I smiled at her. She reminded me of Tweety. But they looked different. My Tweety is a tiny little thing with devil eyes. Sometimes I wonder if she does black magic in her spare time. The bird chirped, catching my attention. I removed one earbud and leaned towards her. "Hey there,"

She chirped again, tilting her head at me.

"What are you doing!?" Preeti burst in like a firecracker, scaring off the poor bird and me. The little thing flew away while I looked at Preeti with wide eyes, a hand on my chest. "Sorry. Did I startle you?" She chuckled, sitting on the threshold of the main door.

"You almost gave me a heart attack." I sighed heavily.

She snickered. "Can I have some?"

I forwarded the packet to her. She shoved her hand inside and scooped a fistful of chips. "What were you doing?"

"Talking to this bird before you came and scared her off." I narrated.

"Huh? You talk to birds?" She looked at me in astonishment, stuffing a bunch of chips in her mouth. And I thought no one can be messier than me while eating junk food. "Can I have some more?" She reached out. I pulled the bag back and shook my head.

"No, you can't. And yes, I do talk to birds. Though I don't know if it's a one-way communication or two-way. I have got a bird at home. Her name's Tweety."

"Cruel,"

"Not a pet," I clarified. "I don't know what breed she is. She just comes every morning, wakes me up in time, shits on my laptop, and leaves. We sometimes meet on weekends. But that's it. She is my personal alarm."

"And you're a real-life Disney princess." She giggled. "By the way, you saying you two sometimes meet on weekends sounds so wrong. Does my Di know you're having a casual relationship with this Tweety?"

I mocked a laugh. "Ha ha, very funny."

"I know right. It's impossible to expect something more than a touch on the hand from you. Poor Tweety. And poor my sweet elder sister."

"Shut up," I grimaced.

"I think my sister should pretend she fell often. So you'll carry her in your arms more."

I looked at her in disbelief. "What?"

She gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. "Oh, right! Wrong person to reveal to!" She got up to leave.

I watched her rush back inside.

"I think my sister should pretend she fell often. So you'll carry her in your arms more."

I tossed the bag of chips aside and scampered inside the house. Reaching upstairs, I pushed the door open since it was unlocked, startling Priya with my abrupt, uncalled-for presence.

"What the heck, Aditya!? You should have knocked!" She said sternly.

"You- Your ankle?"

"What about it?" She asked.

I looked at the leg that was neatly wrapped in gauze. "Is it okay?"

"You rushed in here like a madman to ask me if my sprained ankle is okay? Obviously, it isn't. It's not even been a day." She said in a clipped tone.

"Right. Sorry. You should rest." I murmured, ignoring the laptop on her lap as I gently closed the door and walked back downstairs. "Seriously, Adi!!?" I hissed to myself, knocking my head with my fist.

How can I even think she'll pull such a stupid stunt for my attention!? What the hell is even wrong with me? She is a mature woman in her late twenties or early thirties, whichever is plausible, she must have a lot on her mind than playing college lovers with me.

"If the word fool had a face," a giggle stopped me. I spun around furiously, watching as the menace sat with another menace (my sister) laughing at my expense while munching on my bag of banana chips.

"Did you really think the Hitler-"

"Hey!" Preeti slapped her on the ribs.

"Sorry," Meghna smiled sheepishly. "Did you really think Priya Mathur would do such thing as faking a sprained ankle just to get you to carry her in your arms?" Meghna snorted. "Wake up, Adi. Which unrealistic book are you reading currently?"

"Shut up!" I snapped. "Aur tu! (And you!)" I pointed at the other woman. Preeti flinched, looking at me with fear in her eyes. That's right, woman. Be afraid of me. Because soon you're going to wake up with nightmares of this day. "Preeti ki bacchi! Tujhe toh mein- (Wait until I get my hands on you-)" she shrieked, throwing the packet of chips in the air as she leapt off the couch and took a run for her life. I chased her like a madman.

"Uncle aapka beta paagal ho gaya hai, isko roko! (Uncle, your son has lost it. Stop him!)" She hid behind my father who was in conversation with her uncle. I hovered around, my eyes in slits as I kept them locked on her, ready to take off in the direction she chooses to get away from me. Dad and uncle laughed, asking what it was about.

She opened her mouth to explain her side when I hunched forward and grabbed her wrist. The woman screamed like I was kidnapping her to smuggle her kidneys.

"Shut up!" I snapped.

She clamped her mouth shut. "I'm sorry. It was a prank. I did it for fun."

"And I was embarrassed. So you're paying for it."

She blinked innocently. "How?"

"You know this city like the back of your hand, right?"

She nodded vigorously.

"Take me on a long drive. It's so boring to sit around and do nothing."

She beamed. "Yes! That sounds like a great punishment! Let me get the car keys!" She went past me before turning around abruptly. "Meghna can come along?"

"Sure. Bring Ketaki and Saransh too. If he's interested." I smiled at her.

"Okay! Wait for me in front of the house!" She grinned wide and rushed upstairs.

I went in the same direction to get to my room. Bhai was working as usual but I had the decency to invite him since every young adult was coming along, except for Priya. He denied the offer with a shake of his head.

I changed into a pair of black hoodie and black jeans, topping them with a mustard color woolen coat since it was cold outside. Grabbing my glasses, I wore my shoes and left the house, joining others in the black SUV.

"Dang, you look good. Di should have been here." Preeti whistled looking at me with a smile.

I blushed. "Shut up and drive."

It wasn't as lame as I thought it would be. Preeti showed us some good places around, made sure we ate at all of her favorite spots, and also took us to the places that her parents used to bring them when they were kids. While she doesn't remember the memories, her sister told her about them. I liked the climate here. I'm not a great fan of summer, monsoon irks me on working days, and though it's my favourite season to watch, winter is my favourite season to live. There's something peaceful about walking through the shedded leaves and morning mist. It's scenic and calm.

We returned home late in the evening. It was around nine pm when we entered the house. Everyone was in the living room, watching a movie. We were told to go to our rooms and get fresh. After I was done, I came downstairs to get myself a glass of water.

Just as I entered the kitchen, Priya looked up from the kitchen counter.

"Hey," I smiled casually, walking past her towards the refrigerator.

"Hi," she mumbled back.

"Your leg's all good?"

"Looks like it," she answered rather disinterestedly.

I placed the empty glass upside down and turned towards her. She had her back on me. "Everything okay?"

She turned around with a bowl of fruit salad. "I'd like to think so." She shrugged.

"Excuse me?" I frowned.

"You're excused," she faked a smile and limped out.

What's with the attitude?

"Priya," I followed and stopped her before she could enter the living room. "What happened? Are you still angry because of what happened this morning?" I asked, remembering how I had entered her room without knocking. She sounded pretty upset about it.

She sighed and met my eyes. "What happened this morning?"

"I entered your room without knocking?" I shrugged.

She looked taken aback. "Th- That's right. I'm still angry about it." She mumbled, quickly looking away.

"Well, I'm sorry."

She nodded and walked away.

I sighed, walking out behind her.

"Adi, Priya," Dad called out, stopping us.

"Yes, Dad?"

"There's something we need to tell you, sit down. Both of you." He invited.

Priya and I sat down beside each other.

"There's no rush, but we've decided something." He said, referring to every one of his age group present in the room.

"What is it?" Priya asked softly.

"How about you two get engaged at the end of this week?"

Wonder why Priya was acting so rude towards him in the evening?

And the decision to get them engaged so early? Why? Let me know in the comments!

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

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