Chapter 6

Arjun's friends, Chaman and Lola, stood there with mouths agape as Banishree peeked from behind Arjun. "Who is this girl?" they asked in unison, exchanging bewildered glances.

After a pause, Arjun finally replied, "She is... my wife," his tone carrying a mix of assertion and vulnerability.

Chaman and Lola exchanged curious glances before Chaman spoke up, "When did this happen, Arjun?"

Arjun took a deep breath and replied, "I will tell you in the morning." Both friends nodded, acknowledging his request.

Turning their attention to Banishree, they smiled warmly. "Namaste, Bhabi," Chaman greeted. Banishree, still standing behind Arjun, looked up and offered a friendly smile. She joined her hands and said, "Namaste," displaying a gracious demeanour.

Entering Arjun's room, Banishree observed the space meticulously. Situated at the corner of the floor, the room boasted a generous balcony, offering a glimpse of the surroundings. The room itself was cozy, with a single bed adorned with a simple bedspread. Two inviting bean bags occupied a corner, suggesting a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

A modest bookshelf stood proudly against one wall, displaying a collection of various books. The study table, adorned with a desk lamp and scattered papers, hinted at Arjun's academic pursuits. A compact TV completed the ensemble, positioned strategically for comfortable viewing.

Banishree took in the details, her eyes scanning the room with a sense of curiosity. The simplicity of the space seemed to reflect a balance between functionality and comfort.

Her eyes fell on a small wooden temple tucked in the corner of the room, and a warm smile graced her face. Smiling, she took out the idol of Lord Krishna from her bag and delicately placed it in the temple.

"Doctor Babu, aapka kamra toh kitna sundar hai," she exclaimed, inspecting his bookshelf. (Doctor Babu, your room is so beautiful.)

He hummed in response. "Aap itna sab kuch padhe hai? Kaise padh liye aap itna kuch? Ee kitabe toh kitni moti hai," she marvelled. (Have you read all of this? How did you manage to read so much? These books are so bulky!)

Arjun smiled and walked over to her, standing behind. "Logon ka ilaj karne ke liye ye sab padhna zaroori hai, Shree. Aur hume bachpan se kitabe padhna pasand hai," he said. (To treat people, it's necessary to read all this, Shree. And I've enjoyed reading books since childhood.)

Banishree walked over to the nightstand and picked up the photo frame. It revealed a picture of a middle-aged couple with Arjun standing between them, all smiling warmly.

"Ye aapke Mummy Papa hai?" she asked, a small smile gracing her face. ("Are these your Mom and Dad?")

"Han," he answered, observing her intently. ( yes)

"Aapki mummy ji kitni sundar hai," she exclaimed. "Thank you," he said. They both stood still, staring intently, and her face suddenly flushed. Arjun, feeling the awkwardness, looked around and coughed. ("Your mom looks so beautiful.")

"Shree, washroom wahan hai, tum haath muh dho lo," he suggested. She nodded and started fishing out her clothes and towel. ("Shree, the washroom is there, go freshen up.")

Arjun flopped on the bed, laying flat against the mattress with his legs dangling off. "Hey Bhagwan, yeh Kahan phasa diya aapne," he exclaimed, rubbing his face in frustration. He heard the tap running from the bathroom. (Oh God, where have you stuck me this time?)

Releasing a heavy sigh and wandering to the small wooden wardrobe, he took out a towel and a change of clothes, contemplating the unexpected turns of the past few days.

Arjun went and freshened up in the common washroom of the hostel. Taking a nice warm shower, he towel-dried his hair as he entered the room. He stopped in his tracks as he found Banishree sitting on the bed.

"Itni raat ko nahaya tumne?" he asked, surprised. ("You took a shower at this time?") She nodded, and he continued, "Aapne bhi toh nahaya," she looked at him and said. ("You also took a shower.") He smiled, "Haan, par mere baal toh chote hai, abhi sukh jayenge," he said. ("Yes, but my hair is short; they'll dry quickly.") She nodded.

He carefully observed her; her face was again looking pale. He had noticed it many times, that she would all of a sudden look pale, as if stifling pain.

Arjun finally asked, "Shree, tum thik ho?" She looked up and nodded. ( Shree, Are you okay?)

"Shree, jhoot mat bolo. Kya hua hai? Bolo?" he asked. ("Shree, don't lie. What's wrong? Tell me.")

Hesitating, she answered in a low voice, "Hum Ko sar me aur idhar bahut dard ho raha hai," she said, pointing at her breast. ("I have a lot of pain in my head and here)

"Aisa lag raha hai abhi sar phoot jayega," she added.("Feels like my head will explode any moment.")

He thought for a moment and went to his nightstand, taking out a painkiller. "Ye lo, abhi ye dawai le lo, kal pehle tumhara sab test karwayenge," he said. ("Take this medicine for  now, tomorrow we'll get all your tests done first thing in the morning.")

Arjun made his makeshift bed on the floor. "Doctor Babu, aap khaat pe so jaiye, hum niche so jayenge. Aap Ko aadat nhi hogi niche sone ki," she said.

("Doctor Babu, you sleep on the bed; I'll sleep on the floor. You're not used to sleeping on the floor.")

"Nahi, Shree, tum bed pe so jao. Mai idhar thik hu," he said, arranging the bed sheet.

("No, Shree, you sleep on the bed. I'm fine here.")

Arjun lay on the floor, gazing up at the ceiling, while Banishree occupied the bed, lost in her own thoughts. The room was quiet, filled only with the subtle sounds of the night.

"Aap so gaye?"("Have you fallen asleep?") she inquired, moving to the edge of the bed and peering down at him. Arjun, still wide awake, responded with a simple "Nhi." Their eyes locked for a moment, creating a silent connection.

"Toh so jaiye," she suggested, a playful laugh escaping her lips. Arjun continued to stare at her, amused by her carefree spirit. Shaking his head with a smile, he closed his eyes, and gradually, the room settled into a hushed tranquillity as they both drifted into the realm of dreams. ("Then go to sleep.")

As the night unfolded, Banishree, in her slumber, felt the urge to pee. With her eyes still half closed, she groggily stepped out of bed, completely forgetting about Arjun sleeping on the floor. In the dim light, she inadvertently stepped on his stomach. Reacting with a startled, "Good God!" Arjun's exclamation, however, didn't prevent her from losing her balance. In a humorous twist of events, she tumbled and ended up falling right into Arjun's arms, over his chest.

Their eyes connected, and Arjun couldn't contain his laughter, seeing the embarrassed flush on Banishree's face. He thought she looked the most adorable.

"Woh, hum bhul Gaye the ki aap niche hai," she said, getting up, fixing her clothes, and rushing into the washroom. (" I forgot you were on the floor.")

Arjun once again broke out in laughter. He sat up with a smile on his face, shaking his head, and said, "What a way to start the day!”

***********************************
Vote and comment

Target 70+ votes

Hare Krishna