25. Yun saree mein, gile zulfon ke saath, maarne ka irada hai kya? (In a saree, with your wet locks, are you planning to kill me?)

•°•

The sound of the dryer woke me up.

I stirred slightly, lying on my stomach to bury my face in the pillow. The noise was still so damn loud.

"Stop!" I snapped, frustrated from the lack of sleep.

The noise cut off abruptly.

Sinking into the warmth of my bed, I fell back asleep. A few minutes later, the noise started again, just a notch down than earlier. I sat up straight in annoyance, my arm hanging off the pulled-up knee as I met Priya's sheepish eyes through the mirror. She looked away guiltily, then side-eyed me for a split second with pursed lips before shutting off the dryer. Slowly putting the dryer down, she picked up the towel from the ottoman. "I'll dr-dry with this. Sleep. Good night." She waved, dashing out of the bedroom immediately after.

I sighed softly and laid back down, trapping a pillow between my legs before attempting to catch some sleep for a few more minutes.

I couldn't sleep.

With an exasperated groan, I turned to lie on my back and stared at the ceiling tiredly. Last night I was awake past midnight, thinking about ways to get a good two bhk apartment with my limited savings. I've seen Priya's house, it's big and it's luxurious, and in the locality it is in, I can't even think of renting a square foot there. If it was only me, I would have even adjusted in a one-room kitchen. But I can't let Priya live in such conditions. Even if I look for houses in this locality with at least considerable security, it'll still cost me a lot. I rubbed a hand down my face. Life is so expensive damnit.

I tossed the duvet away and made my way toward the bathroom. After a quick shower, I slipped into casual clothes and left the bedroom in search of my wife.

She was on the balcony, drying her hair with a towel. Since it was Saturday, I knew no one was waking up this early. It's only my wife who wakes up at five-thirty even on weekends. I decided to sneak up behind and scare her.

Tip toeing as quietly as I can, I walked out on the balcony and stopped behind her at a good distance. "Boo!"

Priya was startled so greatly that she almost stumbled back. I grabbed her elbow and snatched her towards me. When she realised it was I playing a prank on her, her fear transformed into anger.

"What the heck, Aditya!" She slapped me with the towel. "I almost had a heart attack!" She grunted, clutching my shirt tightly. I chuckled. "Oh, so it's funny to you?" She glared up at me.

I smiled shamelessly.

She stepped away from me to drape the wet towel on the banister. "I thought you wanted to sleep some more so I left the bedroom."

"Yeah, you should have thought of that before turning on that loud thing." I scoffed before my eyes narrowed on her outfit. She was wearing a cotton green saree. "You going somewhere?"

"No," she answered, brushing her nimble fingers through the wet locks.

"Then why are you wearing a saree." I frowned.

She stiffened. "Just... I couldn't find anything else." She shrugged.

"Chal jhooti! (What a liar!)" I chortled.

She looked at me with a poker face. "Why would I lie?"

"Your saree collection is way in the back." I reminded her.

"This was on the front. I- I don't know how it happened. I forgot to bring clothes with me to shower. And then I had to rush out to grab clothes in case you suddenly woke up. So I picked whatever came to my hand."

"Yeah," I pretended to play along. "And grabbing a pair of pants and t-shirt was way more difficult than grabbing a matching blouse, matching underskirt, and a saree, right?" I mocked.

She looked at me with narrowed eyes. "Fine, I'm going to change." She turned to storm out of the balcony.

Just as she took a step ahead, I grabbed her elbow from behind and yanked her close to me, against my chest. She struggled to let loose for a while but then gave up against my strength. I brushed aside the wet locks and leaned into her right. She shrunk into me slightly as a reaction. "Did you wear it for me?"

She shook her head.

I placed my hands on her bare waist and spun her around to face me. She gasped, her hands flying to clutch my shoulders. "You didn't?"

She swallowed visibly, not meeting my eyes anymore. I hooked my knuckle against her chin to meet her eyes and she did, a coy smile blooming on her face. "Open hair suits you," I said, threading my fingers into her dense locks before bringing them over her shoulders. A few locks fell over her face so I tucked them behind her ear. "Let's go out today," I suggested.

Her smile brightened. "Where should we go?"

I locked my arms around her waist, pulling her closer. "I don't know. You tell me. Do you have a place in mind?"

She thought for a while before shaking her head. "How about-"

"Arpita, chai lana! (Arpita, bring me my chai!)" Dad's voice interrupted the moment.

Priya hastily pulled away from me and fixed her saree before picking up the towel to leave. I clutched the end of her pallu, stopping her from putting any more distance between us. She looked over her shoulder incredulously. "Let me go!"

I shook my head, tugging at the pallu harder. She had to take a few steps back.

"Aditya, please. I need to help your mom with the breakfast." She tried to free her saree from my hold. I sighed and released it, watching as she rushed out hurriedly.

Raking a hand through my hair, I turned around to lean against the banister. The roads were mostly empty, left for a few morning-loving people and the street vendors setting up their stalls for the day. I spotted Bhai coming from his usual jog, frowning at the brown paper bag in his hands. He doesn't eat junk food and also advises everyone to not eat it. So it's a surprise watching him bring some oily food home, that too in the morning. I shrugged and went back inside the house.

Dad was watching the news while enjoying the morning tea. I sat down just Priya brought me mine. Thanking her, I took the cup and focused on the television. She was heading back to the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Gesturing me to stay seated, she went to attend the door.

Bhai walked in first, and she followed from behind. I looked back at the television.

"Priya,"

My attention went back to him.

"Yes?" Priya turned around in question.

He forwarded the paper bag towards her. "It's Jalebi,"

Priya beamed with a beautiful smile. "Oh my God, really?" She grabbed the packet from his hands. "I love Jalebis!" She gushed.

"I know," he mumbled.

She looked up at him with a frown.

"I-I mean I remember you once said you love them."

She nodded. "We'll eat it during breakfast,"

"Bacche, abhi ek de mujhe. (Darling, give me one now.)" Dad ushered her close.

She smiled and walked up to him, offering him the open packet. He shoved his hand inside and grabbed a handful.

"I thought you wanted one?" I asked sarcastically.

He shushed me aggressively and began to munch on the sweet delicacy.

"Aap lenge? (Will you have some?)" She extended her hand towards me.

I shook my head.

My eyes located Bhai who was watching the exchange, or more like watching my wife before his gaze met mine and he quickly headed to his room.

Is he even trying at this point?

Or were those promises just empty words?

Moving out doesn't sound like a bad idea now. It's way better than having my elder brother staring at my wife and trying to impress her. Gosh, this is so fucking complicated. If only I had loads of money, I wouldn't have thought twice before taking my wife from here. It's not like anyone's greatly involved in anyone's life in this house. Dad's always at the office and when he is not, he is either watching the news or sports. Mom's always busy coddling Bhai and Meghna is rarely home nowadays. If only money wasn't so much of an issue.

Maybe I should talk to Vikram about this. He knows a few real estate agents in his friend circle. He'll be able to help me out with this. And if not, I'll at least get an insight into this matter. A loan is always an open option.

I got up to put my empty cup in the kitchen. Dad told me to take along his as well.

Priya was alone in the kitchen, switching between making puris and frying them.

"Where's Mom?" I asked as I entered to place the cups beside the sink.

"She went to give Avinash his coffee."

I nodded, leaning against the island beside her.

"Don't stand here," she tsked audibly. "What if the oil accidentally spills on you?" She pushed me away from her.

I sighed but obliged.

"What do you think about moving out?" I asked, halting her abruptly.

She scooped out the remaining puris and turned the gas off before giving me her full attention. "Are you serious?"

I nodded.

"Did I do something?" She stepped closer to me. "I'm trying to adjust. It's a new environment so it'll take me some time. You don't need to move out because of me."

"It's not because of you," I tucked the lone strands of her hair behind her ear. "I was thinking about it for a while."

"After you decided to marry me?"

I sighed.

"What is it? Did your mom say something?"

"And what do you think I said to him!?" A new voice interrupted harshly.

Priya flinched, stepping away from me. I turned around to face mom.

"No-No, I did not mean anything from it. I just thought -"

"Thought what? That I instigate my son against his wife because I'm not really fond of her?"

Priya grew even more nervous.

"Ma, she was just curious."

"No, she was blaming me." Mom retorted.

"Nahi, mein aapko blame nahi kar rahi thi. I'm sorry. Mera woh matlab nahi tha. (No, I'm not blaming you. I'm sorry. I meant nothing wrong.)" She fiddled with her wrist.

"Toh kya matlab tha? (Then what did you mean by it?)" Mom crossed her hands across her chest. "Niklo mere kitchen se. Aur ab se apni private baatein apne room tak simit rakhna. (Get out of my kitchen. And from now on, keep your private matters limited to your room.)" She snapped. "I know you're all ready to move out but have some manners until you're still here." She looked at me pointedly.

I clenched my jaw before storming out of the kitchen.

"You shouldn't have brought up that topic in the kitchen!" Priya said to me the moment we entered our room.

I turned around sharply, regarding her with a glare. "So now you're blaming me!?"

"Baat blame ki nahi hai, Aditya! Aapki ma ko mein pehle se hi pasand nahi hu! You took me aback in the kitchen. You should have waited until we were away from any third person's eyes. Kyun ki ab woh mujhe aur bhi hate kar rahi hogi! (It's not about blame, Aditya. Your mom already dislikes me. You should have waited until we were in our room. Because now she must be hating me even more!)" She blabbered off in a panic.

"Listen, it was you who said that, okay?" I gritted out. "Don't blame me." I grabbed my wallet and turned to leave the room.

"Where are you going?"

"Out!" I snapped. "Tum khao apni Jalebi! (You eat your Jalebis!)" I slammed the door closed and strode in the direction of the front door.

I left the building premises while searching for Vikram's contact number in the logs. The ring repeated for a few seconds before he answered the call.

"Boliye, Mahashay. (Speak, Mr.)" He greeted.

"What are the prices of apartments in your locality?" I jumped to the point.

"What?" He sounded shocked. "Why? Are your parents throwing you out of their house?"

Yeah, well something like that.

"No, just tell me."

"Abhi kaha hai tu? (Where are you right now?)" He asked.

"I'm outside my apartment building."

"Alright then, I'm at this tea stall. Come here. I'll text you the location. Take a rickshaw." He instructed before hanging up.

I hired an auto after he shared his location with me. The stop was located twenty minutes from my place. I paid the man, all along searching for Vikram. He was with a bunch of guys that I was not familiar with and I almost hired the same auto to return home. Realising my hesitance, Vikram excused himself from the guys and placed his cup on the table before coming to drag me inside. I followed half-heartedly.

"Guys, meet Aditya. My friend from college." He introduced.

Several heys rang around. I smiled at each guy during the short introduction section.

"Vikram here always talks about you but never allowed us to meet you. Where did the sun rise from today, Vikram?" A man named Saksham joked. The others laughed while Vikram rolled his eyes.

"Mujhe toh laga tha, yeh kamina Aditya ke naam pe kisi Aditi ko chhupa raha hai. (I assumed, this rascal is hiding some Aditi in the name of Aditya.)" Jai, I suppose his name is chuckled, causing everyone else to fall into fits of laughter. I squirmed uncomfortably.

"Accha, guys, stop. My friend is here to discuss something important." Vikram shushed them up. "Bol tu, (Speak)" he looked at me.

I stopped myself from snapping at the man. He can't seriously expect me to talk about my financial problems in front of a bunch of strangers. I gave him a look that expressed my displeasure.

"Arey Raja, yeh dekh, yeh Sumeet hai. Real estate agent. Aur yeh Jai, Bank mein kaam karta hai. (Dude, look, this is Sumeet. Real estate agent. And that's Jai, he works in a bank.)" He extended their introduction past their names and jolly attitude. I nodded in realisation. "Speak up now,"

I wrung my hands nervously. "I'm planning to move out. So, I need to find a good apartment in a secure neighborhood."

Sumeet hummed. "Budget hai? (You have a budget?)"

"Not yet, I mean, I have a few savings-"

"How much?"

"Around ten lacs," I answered.

"You're thinking about taking a loan?" Jai asked me. "Because look, buying an apartment in Mumbai is not an easy feat. If you want a good locality as well as a spacious place, you need to be ready to spend in crores."

I swallowed.

"My monthly income is around seventy-five thousand, of course excluding the pf and tax and all."

Jai nodded. "Alright, as a rule of thumb, salaried individuals are eligible to get home loans approximately up to 60 times their net monthly income. You're saying you earn around seventy-five thousand per month, then if I roughly estimate the loan amount you'll be eligible for, it'll be around forty-five to fifty lacs."

"That's it?"

"Well, I'm guessing you're the only earning individual between you and your wife." He shrugged.

Vikram snorted a laugh. "You all know Jalsa?"

"The event management company?" Saksham guessed.

"The owner, this man's wife." Vikram pointed at me.

Almost everyone at the table froze in shock.

"Dude, are you nuts?" Sumeet leaned in, first to break from the disbelief. "I was quiet because I needed to know what type of place you can afford. But considering who your wife is, you can easily own a sea-facing apartment in Juhu!"

My eyes widened in disbelief.

I know she is rich, but I didn't know she is this rich.

"Wh-What?"

"Tune shaadi ki aur tujhe pata bhi nahi tune kisse shaadi ki? (You got married and you don't even know who you got married to?)" Sumeet rolled his eyes. "Aditya, your wife handles almost all major celebratory events in this damn country. And not just that, she has some rich international clients too. She is celebrated as an idol in the event management industry."

I blinked in shock.

My wife? The one who's always shy and meek around me, has her business expanded even overseas?

"Look," Jai called out, catching my attention. "If your wife's such a huge deal in the money-making market, then I suggest you forget about the loan and all that jazz. It's a trap. You'll be exhausted by the time you pay all the installments."

"Did you have this conversation with your wife?" Saksham asked.

"Not really," I answered.

"Toh pehle usse baat kar na! (Then talk to her first.)" Vikram suggested. "Look, Aditya, I know you must want to do this on your own, but that's your wife, alright? Nisha and I bought the house together and we pay installments together. There's nothing wrong with it. Talk to her and I'm sure she'll willingly contribute more than needed."

I sighed. "You guys don't understand!" I said with a frustrated laced tone. "You should see Priya's house," I looked at Vikram. "And the area she lives in. I can't even afford to rent a square foot there. Forget buying. If I tell her we are buying a house, she'll naturally gravitate towards the expensive ones. And I don't have the heart to say no to her. But once it rounds to money, she'll be paying in millions while I'll be busy collecting my lacs." I grunted.

"And what's the problem? She's earning well!" Vikram deadpanned. "See, darling, it's not about who pays how much. It's about who's able to pay how much. Tere paas jitna hai tu de raha hai na, ab kya kidney bechega apni? (You're giving whatever you have. Are you planning to sell your kidney now?)" He jabbed.

I raked a hand through my hair, messing with them more.

"He is right." Saksham nodded. "And you can still contribute. Maintenance is not as cheap as you'd have imagined. You can also pay for the monthly groceries, and handle the bills, medical expenses, and travel expenses. There's a lot more you can do for your wife as a man than just buying her a lavish house and breaking your back while paying installments."

"Listen to them," Jai agreed. "Don't involve yourself in the labyrinth of Loan and shit. It's exhausting and toxic."

"And when you're ready, give me a call." Sumeet slid his visiting card towards me. I picked it up, reading his full name, office address, and contact details.

"Thanks," I nodded.

"Accha, guys, I need to go. I've promised Radhika I'll take her out today." Saksham emptied his cup and got up to leave.

"Same yar, biwiyan kitni demanding hoti hai. (Same bro. Why are wives are so demanding?)" Sumeet got up too.

"Mein toh ghar par hu. Mast Ghar ka khaunga phir din bhar sounga. (I'm at home today. Will enjoy homemade food and sleep for the rest of the day.)" Jai chuckled, preparing to leave as well.

The three men wished us bye and left in a group, chatting among themselves.

"Nisha is calling me," Vikram shoved his phone into the pocket. "Did you have breakfast?"

I shook my head.

"Then come along. We'll buy samosas on our way back home." He stood up as well.

"Nah, I need to go back home." I followed him out of the stall.

He smirked. "Already missing your wife?"

I shoved my hands in my pockets, shrugging softly.

"Chal, see you later. Bye." He clapped my shoulder.

I hummed. "Bye."

Once he left, I hired an auto to go back home.

I was paying the man his fare when I saw Meghna getting out of a slick black SUV and waving at the man inside with a smile before she turned to leave. Her eyes fell on me and she stiffened. I watched the car drive by.

"Who was he?" I approached her calmly.

"Tujhe se kya? (What is it to you?)" She shot back and walked away.

I sighed.

We entered the elevator together and I found it a safe opportunity to ask her again since she had nowhere to escape. "Boyfriend?"

She nervously fiddled with her sleeve.

"Meghna, since New Year's Eve, you came home only once. Spare me if I'm worried about how my sister is doing and if she is safe or not!" I snapped.

"We've been together for three months now." She answered meekly.

"And it's serious?"

She nodded. "He wants to try live-in."

My jaw dropped.

"And you want to!?"

"I- I don't know. I'm still thinking."

"You know it's just a way for men to enjoy the benefits of a relationship without any actual commitment?" I tried to explain her.

"He is not like that. He is a gentleman!" She defended.

"He wouldn't have suggested live-in if he was a gentleman!"

"Shut up! You don't know anything. It's normal for people in the west, so what's the problem if we do it? I don't understand what stick Asian people have up their asses!" She stepped out just as the doors opened.

"Does his family know about you?" I grabbed her elbow.

She clenched her jaw. "He does not have a very good relationship with his family. They're toxic."

"Did you meet them or not?"

"No. He doesn't want me to. I told you they are toxic!"

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at my sister's naivety. "And you don't consider it as a huge red flag?"

"What red flag?" She scoffed. "Look Adi, focus on your wife and life. Don't poke your nose into the matters that don't concern you! I'm your elder sister, not the other way around. More than you, I understand my good and bad. And you better not tell anything to dad or mom. I swear I'll never talk to you again in life." She warned me before storming off in the direction of the main door.

I clenched my jaw in aggravation. I can't believe she is defending a man who had no problem with her lying to her family that she is out with her friends when she was out spending a week with him. Which grown man, who's emotionally involved and ready to commit, will not feel uncomfortable about being a secret boyfriend? It's not that Mom and Dad are strict parents. Meghna is a Goddamn adult. They'll allow her to date a nice man as long as he is trustworthy and has good intentions at heart.

I wish I wasn't the one to see her come out of his car. I wouldn't have to deal with this extra stress. I know selfish, but I already have a lot on my plate. The last thing I needed to see was my sibling making wrong decisions in life.

I walked towards the front door. It was just the beginning of the day, but I was already tired of it. Priya opened the door for me, looking crestfallen and sombre.

God, I absolutely hate seeing her like this.

I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her in a loose hug. With her arms on my waist, she leaned more into me.

"Let's go inside," I urged softly. She pulled away to let me step out of the shoes. The moment I was done, she grabbed my hand and we headed towards our bedroom.

"Kaha gaye the aap? (Where did you go?)" Was her first question to me once the door to our bedroom closed.

I sat on my side of the bed and removed the glasses, rubbing the corner of my eyes. "I was with Vikram and a bunch of his friends."

She nodded, climbing the bed from her side. Grabbing her wrist, I pulled her closer. She shifted towards me and laid her cheek on my chest with her arm falling around my stomach.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have blamed you." She murmured apologetically.

"I was at fault too."

We fell into a comfortable lapse of silence.

"I don't want to move out."

I frowned and made her sit straight. She looked at me nervously. "Why?"

"I don't want to be the kind of daughter-in-law who breaks families." She mumbled.

I closed my eyes.

"Aditya," she called out incessantly.

"There's nothing wrong about living separately after you get married, meri jaan. It's normal." I murmured.

She nibbled on the inside of her cheek. "Your mom treated me so coldly during the breakfast. And it was my fault. What must be she thinking, Aditya? That it isn't even a month and I'm already stealing her son from her?"

I clenched my jaw. "Priya, I'm not a fucking child. You're not 'stealing' me away from anyone!"

She grabbed my arm as I attempted to get up.

"Aap humesha baat ko beech mein chod ke kyu jaate hai? (Why do you always leave a conversation in the middle?)" She frowned.

I forced myself to sit down.

"Will you try thinking from my perspective for once?" She requested.

"Priya," I began calmly. "We need to move out. Mom's not accepting you anytime soon. And I hate it when-" I halted abruptly, remembering she still doesn't know about Bhai's feelings towards her. "We can't stay here anymore."

"Why? I come into your life and suddenly you start having problems with your family? I'm not dumb, Aditya. I know it's all because of me." She whispered wistfully, tears brimming her eyes.

I licked my gums . "Shh, don't cry." I cooed, resting against the headboard and pulling her in an embrace. She gravitated towards me naturally. "Let's wait until our honeymoon," I mumbled in defeat.

She pulled away hopefully. "So we're putting this plan on a backseat for a while?"

I nodded.

She quickly brushed away her tears and smiled. "Thanks!"

I hummed, cupping her nape and pulling her closer to press a kiss on her forehead.

"I'm planning to work from home for a while. It'll give me more time to spend with your family. Maybe your mom will finally accept me?" She said sounding wishful.

"You don't have to suffer for someone's validation, Jaan. But okay, if that's what you want." I stroked her cheek.

"I know," she agreed. "I just don't want your mom to be disappointed in your choice. I may not be the woman she might have imagined for you, but I'm really happy to be a part of your family."

I smiled at her innocence. "Come here," I brought her back into my arms. "But even if things change, we're still moving out after our honeymoon."

She stiffened but didn't say anything. Either she was putting this off for a while or giving up in front of my decision. I hope the latter.

Look at my babies, finally acting like a couple and already having couple issues.

I swear I've never felt like babying my own characters so much. I mean, Jahanvi gave more of mommy vibes. Reyansh would kill me. Avyan would have got a restraining order and Naina would have regarded me as a creep. But Aditya and Priya, nah, they're my babies!

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