How I could fall asleep in spite of all my tensions; I never understood. I slowly rubbed my eyes and stretched myself to shake off my sleepiness. That is when I heard voices downstairs. Everyone sounded excited. I wanted to know what they were talking about. So I rushed downstairs.

The moment he saw me, he became silent.

{Something is fishy here. What was he telling them? Why were they laughing? Why did he become silent when he saw me? Why is everyone staring at me? What is happening?} I wanted to shout out all my questions. But then suddenly everyone started laughing. I felt uneasy.

Pa: Why didn't you tell us the reason Radha!

Me: What reason?

Ma: Reason for not calling us.

Me: How can I ...

My eyes suddenly met his eyes. He winked at me and I understood that he covered up the situation somehow. I wanted to thank him for saving me from their interrogation. {But why did he wink? Is he asking me to shut my mouth? What did he tell them? Something tells me that it is not a pleasant thing for me to hear.}

Bhai: Yes! She is right. How can she?

Ma came close to me and placed her palm on my cheek.

Ma: If not to them, you should have at least told me! ...

I stared at her blankly. She then whispered in my ear.

Ma: ... Being on a Honeymoon is a great news.

Me: WHAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!!!?????????

He: It's okay mom! I informed you right! She must have been shy.

{Shy!???? What the hell do you think you did? Are you out of your mind? Why did you lie to them?} But none of these words exited my mouth. My mouth went dry. I hoped that it was some kind of dream.

Bhai: Yes, mom don't blame her. It is his mistake.

{You are not helping me Bhai!}

He: You are supporting me Bhai! Did you even realise that?

Bhai: No! I am supporting her. You are the reason for her condition. Look at her face! It looks like she has suddenly become anaemic.

He: But in that attempt; you agreed to my statement.

Bhai: What do you mean? Do I always deny your words?

He: Not always, but most of the times.

He was grinning as if it was a great achievement. My anger was rising like the mercury level in a thermometer, on a very hot day.

Bhai: Whatever! But my final statement is that you are troubling her.

He: In what way?

{Why are these people having an open debate about me? I am already frustrated by the unwanted attention I was getting from them. Their arguments are making it much worse for me.}

Me: Please Shut up! Just shut up. Are you grown up's or kids?

Ma: Well, that was exactly my fear, a few days back. But now I am sure that they have grown up. Sorry that you have to bear with this grown up kid of mine.

She took my palm into hers and started gently stroking it. I was feeling awkward. She gently whispered into my ears.

Ma: Now that you people have spent some time together; I guess you have tried to know each other very well. You have proved yourself as a good family member. But now it is time for you to prove yourself as a good life partner to him. He could be very irritating at times, but there is a beauty in each mischief of his. So please accept him. Please try to understand him. He has chosen you, among all, as his companion for life, and we trust his decision. We all trust you. Don't break our trust.

{Why is she giving me such an emotional speech? What is she trying to tell me? I have already accepted him and started loving him. But why is she still having that fear and hesitation? What is running in her mind? What is happening here?} My head was bursting. I needed an answer to all my questions. But first, I need to assure her that I will never break her trust.

So, I gently said.

Me: Ma! You can have full faith in me. I may not become the best wife. But I love him. And that is the truth. Whatever may come, I will do nothing that will make him unhappy.

I saw satisfaction in her eyes. She kissed my forehead. Pa also did the same. I felt happy that they accepted me, and trusted me with their 'best treasure'. Now it was my treasure and I had to take good care of it. My heart felt heavy all of a sudden. I felt uneasy. I needed some fresh air. So, I excused myself from them and went to the garden.

He: Enjoyed the close moments with your in-laws?

Me: In-laws?

He: Hmm ... they are my parents and I am your husband. Any doubts in that?

Me: But they always treated me like a daughter. Not like a daughter-in-law. And I have seen them like my own parents.

He smiled and sat beside me.

He: That is so sweet of you.

After a long awkward silence; I asked him the question that bothered me a lot.

Me: Why are you people behaving odd today?

He: Odd? But per my knowledge, they were showing their love towards you. If you have a problem with that, sorry.

Me: Sorry? From when did you learn to say that?

He: Why? Don't I ever say sorry? Maybe you should ask Radha then. I said that to her many times.

{Radha didi ... he belongs to her. How could I forget that ...? That's why my conscience was pricking me. That's why I feel like I don't deserve the love they shower on me. I cannot snatch him away from her. I don't care if we cannot be together. All I want is his happiness. And I know that Radha is his HAPPINESS. He misses her a lot and I can see it in his eyes. So it is better if I voluntarily give him up for her. I have started falling for him, but if I let this continue, I might turn selfish and start wishing to have him all for myself. I need to maintain the distance from him before it's too late.}

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How was the chapter? I know, it's not that good. But anyways, I published it.

STAY HAPPY ALWAYS, MY DEAR FRIENDS!!!