Hey everyone..Thanks for all the love you are giving this story.... I am overwhelmed...
I am glad you all are keeping my request, and commenting so much on the last chapters. Thanksssss....I love you all..❤️
Plz like and comment, and share if you like it. This is my first ff on Wattpad, and I really want everyone to read this and enjoy.
Happy Reading.

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"Bhabhiii..."

Veer sighed annoyedly. Ever since they have entered the Forever 21 store, his sister had been continuously calling Bani every 5 seconds to check if a dress was looking good on her. She had sent Shailee to another section of the store very smartly to avoid her intervention in her shopping. And Bani being the ideal bhabhi, she was ready to help Puchki in the smallest of matters. Veer had thought that he would get to spend some time with his wife alone as his mother and sister would be busy in shopping, but here he was not even getting a chance to talk to his wife properly once. He glared at Puchki and concentrated on his mobile.

He typed the reply of a mail frustratedly at his mobile, hoping that Bani would notice. But instead of her, one elderly woman noticed it and scowled at him for making noise. Veer was wearing a mask and thus that woman didn't recognise him. Bani turned and saw her husband getting scolded by an elderly woman. She laughed inwardly and looked back to what Puchki was showing. After the woman went, he became quiet and started working on his mobile attentively. Soon, Puchki's shopping completed and Bani came towards Veer to talk to him. The moment he turned towards her, she got a call from his mother who asked her to come to the male section and help her choose between something. Bani gave an apologetic look and went towards where Shailee was. He groaned inwardly and went to his sister.

Puchki: Bhaiyya dekho na, ye wala tee achha hai ya wo wala?!...

V: *fake smile* Hum ek kaam karte hai, pura Forever 21 hi kharid lete hai.. Tab jaake shayad tujhe shanti mile...

Puchki: *excited* Sachhi?! Aisa ho sakta hai?!...Haa, matlab aap itne bade businessman ho, ye to kar hi loge.... Bhaiyya, do this...

V: *fake smile* Haa... Right... *serious* Shut up...

Puchki: *frown* Main bhabhi ko bol dungi ke apne mujhe daanta...

V: *annoyed* Bhabhi ko kyu, haa, bhabhi ko kyu?! Tujhe bolna hai na, ja jaake Mom ko bol, Dad ko bol, Daksh ko bol, jise bolna hai use bol... But har baat pe bhabhi bhabhi kyun?! Jab se yaha aaya hoon, ek minute baat nahi ho paaya mera usse, sirf tere wajah se.. Irritating...

Puchki: *nudging him with her elbow* Ohhooo, Bhaiyya besabar ho rahe hain bhabhi se baat karne ke liye... Mmm hmmm... Ab main samjhiii...

V: *opening his mask and glaring* Tu zyada dimaag mat laga... Huh...

She giggled at her brother's frowning face and kissed on his cheek. Usually, that melted his anger everytime, but today he just looked at her for few seconds and turned his face away and wore his mask again. She smiled inwardly knowing who could melt his anger, and silently went towards her cart to recheck the items. Bani came back after sometime and saw Veer standing there and looking at his mobile with an annoyed face. She went towards her and poked his shoulders. Veer looked at her, clearly annoyed.

B: *cute* Oye, mister, aise sadu banke kyu khade huye ho?!... Kya hogaya??!..

V: *mock* Are, tum free ho?! Jao jaake attention do Puchki ko, Mom ko... Ya fir wo dekho, waha jo salesgirl hai use koi attention nahi de raha, use jaake attention de aao... Bahar bhi bohot log hai, jaake apna attention baant do unme...

B: *chuckling inwardly* Aur tumhe?!...

V: *fake smile* Arre mera kya, mujhe mat dekho... I am not that important... Mujhe notice karne ki koi zarurat nahi hai... Jao jao, log wait kar rahe hai tumhari attention paane ke liye...

Bani couldn't control herself anymore and laughed out. She just wished to get a full view of his cute annoyed face right now, but alas, half of his face was covered with the mask. He looked at her with clear annoyance and focused back on his mobile.

B: Tumhe kuch shopping karna hai?!..

V: *without looking at her* Nahi...

B: Cool then... Mujhe bhi nahi karni, to chalo kahin chalte hai bahar.. Let both of them complete their billing, then they will join us...Is it ok?!..

Veer instantly kept his mobile in his pocket after hearing her plan.
V: Yeah, done... Let's go...

Bani smiled inwardly at her husband. He was such a cute kiddo...
B: Okayy, main Mumma ko bata deti hoon...

She called Shailee and informed her, and she readily agreed. They then went towards Puchki to inform her.
B: Puchki, sun na, teri to shopping ho gayi... To humdono bahar hai, ok?!... Mumma aa rahi hai abhi yaha, unke saath rehna tu...

Puchki: *intentionally* Bhabhi, aap mujhe Mom ke paas chhodke mat jao... Ek kaam karte hai, billing karlete hai aur phir hum teeno eksaath jayenge...

V: *glare* Nahi nahi, tujhe aur jo lena hai, le... Kuch jaldi nahi hai... Mom will choose them for you..

Puchki: *smiling inwardly* Mujhe aur kuch nahi lena... I am done... Let's go to the billing counter...

Bani looked at Veer and then back at Puchki. She had landed up in an awkward position, all thanks to her akdu idiot husband...

B: *awkward* Ermm, Puchki, billing counter mein abhi time lag jayega... Tu dheere dheere kar, hum bahar hi hai...

Puchki was enjoying this too much.
Puchki: *innocent* Bhabhi, Mom aayegi to ye cart mein jo hai, sab adha kar dengi...But I want to buy all of them, plz aap yaha reh jao mere saath...

V: *to himself* Iss ladki ke nakhre khatam nahi hote... Samajh nahi aata ke Bani pehle meri biwi hai ya iski bhabhi... Urghhh...

B: *awkward smile* Tu ek kaam kar, abhi jaake billing line pe khade ho ja... I am giving you my card...

Both Veer and Bani offered her their cards. Bani looked at him and pushed away his hand. He held her hand and gave her his card. Bani glared at him and tried to give her card. Puchki smiled at the duo and took Veer's card.
Puchki: *smiling* Sorry bhabhi, had to take bhaiyya's card... I can't support you in this...

Veer gave a winning look to her. She frowned and kept her card back in her purse.
B: *murmuring* Ziddi...

They went with Puchki towards the billing counter, and gave her a list of instructions. Bani kept warning her to be safe and call them whenever necessary. Puchki nodded and smiled at her care.

          ************************
After making sure that Puchki was safe and Shailee was nearby, Veer and Bani went out of the Forever 21 store. Bani held Veer's hand and walked towards the escalator.

V: *happily* Mujhe laga nahi tha ke mujhe bhi attention milega aj, par yaha to kamaal hi hogaya...You agreed to come with me leaving them there, wowww....

Bani smilingly rolled her eyes at his overacting and looked at him. She frowned not being able to see his happy expressions due to the mask.

B: *trying to pull down his mask* Arre ye mask utaaro, aise bina muh dekhe baat karne mein problem hoti hai...

V: *holding his mask in place* Haa, pagal hogayi ho??... Main mask utaaru aur fir log humdono ko eksaath aise, *showing their entwined hands* aise dekhle, bas..Kal ke busines newspapers mein humari hi photo hogi, news viral ho jayegi aur ghar ke bahar media hoga... Aisa hi kuch plan hai?!...

B: *frown* Sometimes I wished we were not so famous, specially you...

V: *chuckling* I insist, tum bhi mask pehen hi lo...

B: No please... Thanks... I am okay like this only... People won't recognise me by my face that quickly... Aise chalte firte interviews nahi deti hoon main, tumhari tarah... And my hairs are covering half of my face anyways...

V: Par socho, kisine tumhe by any chance pehchan liya, aur aise ek picture click karke social media pe viral kar diya, to?!...

B: *playfully* To kya?! I don't mind being in the news for a few days for dating someone... Rather, it will be cool...

V: *bothered* Pati hai tumhara, if you remember...

B: *laughing inwardly* That's the most exciting part... People don't know this, so they will try to imagine who the guy with me was, and will try to pair me up with someone of their choice... Ye dekhne mein alag maza hai...

V: *getting uncomfortable at the thought* How can you like the fact that your picture with a random guy will get viral while you are already married to someone?!...

B: *laughing* Do you realise that "the random guy" is you yourself and the "someone" I am married to is also you?!... Wait, are you getting jealous of yourself?!... Haww... *laugh*

Veer realised what he had been doing and smacked his forehead mentally for his stupidity.
V: *embarrassed* Wo, umm... Nahi... Matlab...

B: *controlling her laugh* Wowww, Veeranshu Singhania ki bolti bandh hogayi... Nicee...

V: *pulling her close* Bolti bandh karna mujhe bhi aata hai Madam... Dikhau?!... *smirk* Waise, tum bohot desperate horahi ho mera chehra dekhne ke liye...*moving near her face* Kya iraada kya hai, ha?!

She frowned and walked ahead leaving his hand. He ran and went beside her and held her hand again.
V: Arre arre, haath pakadke chal sakte hai... It's okay...

Bani tried to remove her hand from his grip.
B: Tumhe chidhana hai na, chidhao... Leave my hand...

V: *holding her hand tightly* Kya yaar Sweetheart!!.. Biwi ho meri, itna bhi nahi kar sakta main?!... Sabke samne thodi chida raha hoon? Akele mein kar raha hoon... I remember you had told me once, "haq hai tumhara, maang liya karo, jataya karo, Cutuuuu.."... To main wahi kar raha hoon...

B: *smiling glaringly* Drama...

V: *signature laugh* And you like it... Anyways, chalo Starbucks chalte hai...

B: *unsure* Veer, umm, Mumma aur Puchki ko chhodke Starbucks jana, it's not right...

V: Mom hates Starbucks, and Puchki ko shopping karni hai... Tum itna mat socho, chalo ab...

They went down via the escalator and entered the Starbucks outlet. Veer spotted a table for two at a secluded corner, and took her there. He pulled a chair for her, and she sat and smiled at him. He sat opposite to her and finally opened his mask. She smiled and looked around the place.

B: Itne sare tables khali the, par tumhe ye corner wala pasand aya?!..Weirdo...

V: Sweetheart, coffee to main mask pehnke nahi pee sakta na?! Aur mask utarke sabke beech baith nahi sakta... So this place is the ideal one...*moving his face forward* Aur waise bhi, corner table pe jab ek larka aur larki baithe huye hote hai, people tend to avoid them because they think the duo must be doing something in private... *holding her hand and winking at her*

Bani widened her eyes at his double meaning words and slapped on his hand.
B: *glaring to hide her blush* Shut up, besharam...

V: *tease* Achha, ab main besharam!! Aur tum jo subah kiss ke baare mein itni baatein keh rahi thi, wo besharam nahi hai?!...

B: *confident* Matlab, tum hi samjho tum kitna bada idiot ho ke mujhe tumhe ye sab kehke samjhana para... Hadd hai...

V: *frown* Gentleman banu to problem, besharam banu to problem... Main karu to kya karu?!...

B: *giggling* Maine kab kaha problem hai, but tum situation ke hisaab se bano... Galat situation pe galat cheez karoge to problem to hogi hi...

V: *smirk* So, according to the situation, now that we are here and people are not noticing us, I can be shameless...

Bani quickly changed the topic hiding her blush.
B: Veeranshu, order karna hai... Varna aise hi free mein coffee nahi denge ye log hume...

V: *leaning back on the chair* Nice way of changing the topic Gharwali, but remember that the discussion isn't over..Anyways, batao, kya order karna hai?!...

B: *confused face* I don't know... Honestly speaking, I find Starbucks a little overrated..I just never know what to order here, and end up ordering a crappy drink everytime...

V: *smiling at her cuteness* Okk, then let me order for you... I am sure you will like it... Tum baitho, main abhi aaya...

Veer wore his mask and went to place their order. Bani smiled looking at him. Her eyes didn't leave him for once. She kept looking at his features; how he walked towards the counter, how he talked even with his mask on, how he gestured with his hands to make someone understand something, how he nodded his head, how he tapped his fingers on the counter and tapped his feet while waiting, and everything. She even noticed how he turned to check her every 1-2 minutes. She had her mobile in her hand, everytime Veer turned to see her she would quickly shift her gaze back to her mobile to avoid him from knowing her actions. But unknown to her, he had already noticed how she was staring at him continuously. He could feel her constant gaze on him. He smiled at his cute wife, and let her stare him properly. Bani again turned to look at him. She knew that she had developed feelings for this man, but she was not ready to fully accept it or name it. She wanted her heart to let her know what this feeling was, and she waited impatiently for that moment. She smiled and kept her mobile in her purse when she noticed him coming with their order.

Veer came and sat in his place. He opened his mask, and looked at her with a smug grin.
V: Tadd rahi thi mujhe?!...

B: *awkward* Hein, kya?! Nahin to...

V: *smirk* Ohhh, then shayad maine galat dekha... Waise, tadd sakti ho, afterall eklauta pati hoon tumhara...

B: *casually* Are you sure that you are my "eklauta pati"?!...

V: *scared and coming forth* Whaatt!! What do you mean?!...

Bani looked at his face and laughed out.
B: *laugh* Hahahaha...Hahahaa...Oh my God... Hahaaahaa... Veeranshu, tumhe apna chehra dekhna chahiye tha, hahahaaa hahahahaa... *mimicking him* "Whaatt!!" Hahaha...

V: *frown* Haa bas, thikhai... Itna bhi funny nahi hai...

B: *suppressing her laugh* Awww.. Achha ok, nahi has raha...*putting finger on her lips*... *laughing again*...

Veer looked at her and then couldn't stop himself from smiling.
V: *smile* Pagal ho tum...

B: Tumhare saath rehte rehte hogayi...

V: (And here I thought she would say, "tumhare liye"..Haashh..) Coffee peeo...

Veer handed her a cup. She saw that her cup had "Sweetheart" written on it while on his cup was "Cutu".
B: Really Veer?! Sweetheart and Cutu?!...

V: Haa.... Veer aur Bani likhata to shayad wo log guess karlete ki hum kaun hai... That's why Sweetheart and Cutu...

B: *smiling irritatedly* Such a liar you are...Ye ek bahana deke tum kitna kuch kiye jaa rahe ho, tumhe kya lagta hai mujhe samajh nahi aata?!... Jhoota kahinka...

V: *smirk* Tumhe samajh aati hai, fir bhi tum puchhti ho... Matlab tum ye sab karke mujhse baat karne ka bahana dhoondti ho... Nice, Gharwali...

B: *hiding her blush* Shut up, nonsense...

He laughed and sipped his coffee. She also sipped her coffee and relished the taste.
B: *impressed* Mmm, this coffee is so good....

V: *smug grin* And you are coffee(kaafi) good...

B: *blush* And Mr. Flirt is back... Btw, what's this one called?! I am gonna order this everytime now...

V: *smile* Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino Blended Coffee...

B: I love this..*pout* Let me taste your one too...

V: This is very strong, you won't like it that much... *forwarding his cup* Fir bhi lo, try karo... Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso...

B: *sipping from his cup* Yummm... No, I like it... Strong flavour hai, but with a tad bit of sweetness... Like you...

V: *smirk* Ohhooo, comeback... Bani Sharma is flirting, I am impressed....

Bani smiled and gave him back his cup. He turned the cup and sipped from the same place from where she had sipped, while looking at her with intense gaze. She noticed it and blushed, and looked down. She picked up the cookie from the tray and ate it.

B: I must say Veer, you have a really great choice... This cookie is so yummy and also sweet...

V: *smile* It's my pleasure that you like it.. And yeah, it's sweet but not more than you, Sweetheart...

B: *changing the topic* Why did you order only one cookie?!...

Veer took the half-eaten cookie from her hand and ate it.
V: So that we can share it...*wink*

B: *blushing and giggling* Oh God, how do you manage to flirt like this in every alternate line?!...

V: Inborn talent hai Sweetheart...

B: Matlab tum har kisike saath aise hi flirt karte firte ho?!..

V: Nope.... *sincerely* Sirf tumhare saath... You are special...

Bani smiled at his comment, and looked at his eyes. She could see the genuineness and admiration in his eyes. She blushed and looked away, unable to take the feeling. Veer realised it and decided to talk about something else.
V: Waise, Mom kiske liye itna shopping kar rahi thi?!... Apne liye?...

B: *sipping her coffee* Nahi, Daksh aur Ponky ke liye... She thinks they are out of clothes...

V: *rolling his eyes* Mommm.... She is always like that, jab bhi kahin jayegi, unn dono ke liye kuch na kuch kharid ke layegi hi...

B: *smile* She is the best.... But, mujhe bohot bura lag raha hai... We could have brought Puchki with us here...

V: No wayy... Wo Starbucks pe aake order karne mein 5 ghanta lagati hai, fir use peene mein 2 ghanta aur... Use laate to aj to yahi reh jaani thi... Sar dard hai wo, troublemaker...

B: *giggling* Kuchh bhi... Wo abhi bhi bachhi hai Veer...

V: Koi bachhi nahi hai wo, ek 20 saal ki bigdi huyi shaitan ladki hai... Sab ki laadli hai, isliye sabke sar pe chadke tandav karti hai... Pareshan karke rakh diya hai mujhe... Use main aise hi bandar nahi bulata...

B: *knowing smile* Tum abhi ye keh rahe ho, but 2 minute baad tum hi use jaake pamper karoge...

V: *happy sigh* Haa yaar, ye bhi hai... Actually pata hai kya Sweetheart, hum sab bhaiyon ki eklauti behen hain, to iss wajah se koi chahke bhi kuch nahi keh sakta hai use... Kehne ka mann hi nahi karta... She is an angel for our family, each one of us pampers her to bits... Ab tum hi dekho, tum kaise pamper karti ho use, inn kuch dino mein hi kitni close hogayi hai tumhari.. Aisi hi hai wo, pagal but cute...

Bani felt an unknown happiness when he mentioned her in his family.
B: *smile* Like you...

V: *smirk* Achha?!...

B: *genuinely* Haa, tum mein aur Puchki mein bohot similarities hai... I have noticed... And one of them is this, "pagal but cute"...

V: But people say Puchki is similar to Daksh...

B: Yeah woh toh hai, because she stays mostly around him to uska ek effect hai hi... But, she is also similar to you in many things... Her character is similar to that of you...

V: Well, you are the first one to say this... *smiling eagerly* Aur kya kya similarities hai hum dono mein?!...

Bani kept the empty cup at one side and Veer also kept the cup there.
B: Aj nahi, kisi aur din bataungi... Ab chalo, Mumma aur Puchki wait kar rahe honge...

V: *frown* Moodspoiler... Chalo...

Bani chuckled at his cuteness and pulled him up. Veer quickly wore his mask and went with her.

          **********************
Veer and Bani met Shailee and Puchki at the third floor. They roamed around the mall and did window shopping. Veer sometimes irritated Puchki and Bani, while Puchki also kept teasing Veer. He would also tease Shailee about Balwant, and in return got light slaps and smacks from her. Bani would also irritate and tease Veer whenever no one was noticing, and he replied to those by flirting back. They went to food court and had their lunch and then they went to a jewellery store on Shailee's insistence.

Bani was about to go with them when she spotted a men's jewellery shop at another corner. She excused herself and went there. Veer went inside with his mom and sister. They got busy in choosing a locket for Shailee, while Veer started looking around. He noticed a couple buying rings for themselves, probably for their engagement. He smiled at them, and then thought something and went to that counter. He also started checking the rings when a specific rong caught his attention. He quickly bought it without anyone's notice, and kept the box and the bill in his pocket and discarded the packet. Bani came back there after sometime. She was smiling ear to ear for some reasons. He saw that but thought to let her be like that.

After that, they went to the gamezone. Bani wore the mask as there was a crowd and chances of people identifying her were high. They spent about 3 hours playing different games and mostly Veer was winning against Puchki, Bani and Shailee. Bani tried to trick her a few times, but he caught it and tricked her back. Puchki got angry and stopped playing. Bani then used her brain to understand his gameplan and then she beat him in the game. Puchki amd Shailee cheered her up and they teased Veer about that. He laughed at their childishness, and they collected their gifts from the huge amount of tickets they had got. They decided to have an early dinner there itself and then go back home.

After their dinner, Bani and Shailee had gone to the washroom while Puchki waited with Veer at a corner. Puchki kept telling Veer to buy her a icecream, but he totally denied her.
Puchki: Bhaiyyaaa plzz, ek icecream, plz plz plz....

V: Maine kaha nahi, matlab nahi...

Puchki: Arre bhaiyya, aap aisa kyun kar rahe ho?! Khila bhi do...

V: *taking his mobile out* Ruk, let me call Daksh...

Puchki: Acha acha, nahi khana.... Chhod do...

V: *putting his mobile back in his pocket* Better...

After few seconds, she again started nagging him. He first ignored her, but she just kept forcing him to buy her an icecream. Finally Veer couldn't control himself anymore and burst out on her. Bani and Shailee was coming towards them just then. They saw Veer shouting on Puchki.
V: *shouting in anger* Kya hai haa?? Baat ek bar mein samajh nahi aati?!... Maine mana kiya na ekbar, fir kyun zid kar rahi hai?!... Tujhe thand lag jaati hai raat ko icecream khane se, bukhar aa jaati hai, pata haina tujhe?!... Har baat pe zid karni hai... Sab cheeze ki ek limit hoti hai, par nahi, tujhe to apni mannmaani karni hai... Just because tujhe sab itna pyaar karte hai doesn't mean ki tu uska fayda uthaaye... Veeni, you better start to understand what's right and what's wrong... Daksh ekbar bolne se to maan jaati hai, par main kehta hoon to tu nahi maanti, kyun?!... Stop being a stubborn spoilt brat Veeni...

Shailee and Bani came hurriedly towards them. They saw Puchki looking down and tears falling from her eyes. Shailee went to handle Puchki, while Bani tried to calm Veer down. Puchki held Shailee's hand and tried to pull her towards the lift.
SS: Kya hua Veeru?! Tu daant kyun rahi hai ise?!...

V: *annoyed* Aapki laadli beti se puchho kya hua... Pata hai ke raat ko icecream khane se thand lag jaati hai, fir bhi zid kar rahi thi icecream khane ke liye... Ab daant par gaya to ro rahi hai... Humesha aisa hi to karti hai ye...

Shailee was going to say something, but Bani blinked at her, telling her that she would handle Veer. Shailee nodded and went with Puchki to the ground floor. Bani rubbed his shoulder to calm him down.

B: Veer, please shant ho jao...

V: Yaaar Bani, ye ladki itni ziddi kyun hai?!... Har baat pe zid... Gussa aagaya mujhe, kya karta main?!..

B: *calmly* Achha ok... I understand... But tum use samjhake bhi keh sakte the...

V: *angry* You think I didn't try?!...

B: Okkk, okk... Shant... Thikhai, daant diya hai na, bas... Ab shant hojao...

When Veer was not calming down even then, Bani hugged him. He took deep breaths and hugged her tightly inhaling her scent. She kept rubbing his back to soothe him. He calmed down after few seconds, and broke the hug.

B: Thik ho ab?!..

V: *nod* Hmmm...

B: Chalo then...

They both went towards the escalator. Soon, Veer held her hands and looked at her sadly.
V: You are actually right Sweetheart, mujhe gussa nahi karna chahiye tha... I should have been a little more patient...

B: It's okay Cutu... Jab hume gussa aata hai, tab hume aaspaas ka khayal nahi rehta... Tumhe gussa aa gaya tha, it's okay.. Tum jaake use samjhake keh dena aur daantne ke liye maafi maang lena, wo zaroor samajh jayegi.. Aise sad mat ho...

V: *smiling slightly* Tum na hote to mera kya hota?!... No one have ever understood me like you did...

Bani squeezed his hand assuringly. Before going down, Veer stopped at a candy shop and bought 3 marshmallow candy sticks for Puchki. Bani smiled at his care, and they went down. They walked out and saw Puchki standing there hugging Shailee tightly. Shailee was caressing Puchki's hair, it was evident that she was crying. Veer sighed and went near her and tried to pull her out from the hug.

V: *cutely* Oye..Oyeeee.. Meri bandar, dekh idhar ekbar... Achha thikhai, naraaz hai tu mujhse, main samajh gaya... But ekbar to dekhle meri taraf...

She pushed away his hand.
V: *holding the candy sticks* Ye dekh main tere liye kya laaya hoon...

Puchki buried her face in the crook of her mother's neck.
SS: Bachha, dekhle ekbar... Bhaiyya kya keh rahe hai, sun to le...

V: *sadly* Puchki, baby, ekbar dekhle mujhe... Achha galti hogaya na, sorry... Baat mat kar, just dekhle idhar...

She didn't budge. Shailee nodded negatively. Veer sighed sadly and moved away. Bani held his hand and told him to let her try. He agreed and she went towards Puchki. She held her hand and tried taking her to a secluded corner. Puchki obeyed and went with her. Both Shailee and Veer looked at each other and then at the nanad-bhabhi duo. Bani cupped her face and wiped her tears.
B: Tu ro kyun rahi hai?! Itni chhoti baat pe aise nahi rote... Babu, Veer tujhe daantna nahi chahta tha... Wo bas tere liye worried tha, isliye tension mein aake gussa kar baitha... He loves you a lot, tu jaanti hai na ye baat?!.. *she nods* Haa, to fir, aise naraaz mat reh Veer se... Wo sad hogaya hai, dekh... Ekbar baat sunle uska, please...

Puchki nodded affirmatively. Bani smiled and gestured Veer to come. He came and Bani went back to Shailee. Veer made her look at him and made a sorry face.
V: Mujhe waise chillana nahi chahiye tha tujhpar... Par mujhe fikar hoti hai na teri, isliye gussa control nahi kar paaya... I never deny you something unless it's really important to deny... Icecream khane par tu jab last time bimaar hogayi thi, jaan nikal gaya tha mera... I couldn't let that happen again, so I denied... Par phir bhi, daantna nahi chahiye tha... Galti hogayi... Baat nahi karegi tu mujhse?!... *holding his ears* Ye dekh, kaan pakad raha hoon main...

Puchki hugged him tightly and burst out crying. Veer closed his eyes and sighed rubbing her back. Bani and Shailee smiled at their bonding. Shailee gave Bani a side hug.
SS: Isse pehle kabhi bhi itni jaldi dono ke beech settlement nahi hua... Tune aj ye kar dikhaya... Tu sachme sab kuch kar sakti hai..

B: *humbly* Mumma... Don't say like this... Aisa kuch nahi hai, maine bas Puchki ko samjhaya, aur usne sunli... That's it...

They went near them and Bani caressed Puchki's head.
V: *trying to cheer her up* Oyee, kitna royegi?!... T-shirt gila ho jayega... Arre, Pikachu roti nahi hai...Pagal... Dekh, tu ab chup nahi huyi to main bhi rona start kar dunga, fir mujhe mat kehna ki I look weird...

Puchki chuckled and broke the hug. She wiped the tears cutely and looked at Veer.
Puchki: Aap sach mein weird dikhte ho rone ke baad... *forwarding her hand* Meri candy sticks?!...

Veer chuckled and gave her the candy sticks. He smiled gratefully at Bani and went to bring his car. Bani hugged Puchki and pulled her cheeks. Soon, he came with his car and they all settled in their respective seats, and he drove off towards their home.

              *********************
Bani and Puchki had fallen asleep in the car while going back home. Bani was sleeping in the passenger seat while Puchki slept at the back seat keeping her head on Shailee's shoulder. Shailee and Veer smiled seeing them.
SS: Humare ghar mein tin bachhe hai, Puchki, Ponky, aur ab Bani...

V: *chuckling* Sach mein...

Veer parked the car and due to the brake, Bani's sleep got disturbed. She woke up and looked around and then realised that they were home.
V: Sorry sorry, tumhari neend kharab hogayi...

B: *rubbing her eyes* No no, it's okay... Waise bhi ghar aa hi gaye hai.. Chalo...

She got down of the car and walked sleepily towards the door. Shailee laughed seeing that and tried to wake up Puchki.
V: Mom, let her be... Main le jaake sula deti hoon room mein, don't worry...

Shailee smiled and nodded at him, and went. Veer locked the car and picked up Puchki in his arms and went inside.
Puchki: *murmuring in sleep* I am sorry bhaiyya...

He directly went to the room and made her lie on the bed. He was already upset for scolding her, and now her apology made him feel guilty.
V: *wiping his tears and caressing her head* I am sorry too, Gudiya.. *kissing her forehead* Bhaiyya loves you a lot bachha, a lot... I won't scold you again like this, pakka...

Bani had come to check Puchki before going to their room. She witnessed the whole scene and went aww over Veer's care. He was the best brother in this world... She didn't disturb him and went to their room.

Bani came out of the washroom and saw Veer sitting there on the bed in a semi-lying position and fiddling with her Rubik's Cube. He had already changed into his night clothes. She understood that he was bothered about something. She kept the towel on the closet handle and sat beside him. He looked at her and smiled slightly.

B: Kya hua?!..

V: *nodding sideways* Nothing...

He again concentrated on the Rubik's cube. Bani took the Cube from his hand and started solving it.
B: When you can't solve Rubik's Cube, you need someone who can help you solve it...

V: *mock chuckle* Says the one who herself doesn't let anyone help her...

B: *smile* I have learnt to solve the Rubik's Cube alone, no matter how much time it takes... *after a pause* Tum khud kisise kuch share nahi karte the even when someone was there to ask you or hear you out, because it was your wish... But my case was different... I was someone who always wanted to tell everything to someone, but koi sunne wala hi nahi tha... Nana Nani ke baad kabhi kisine puchha hi nahi if I was okay or not... To tabse dheere dheere adaat ban gayi har baat apne andar dabake rakhne ki... I became my own friend... Dheeraj and Shraddha came in my life, but I didn't want to bother them with my own problems... Ab itne saal baad tum mile jisne har waqt mera haal puchha, mera khayaal rakha... Adaat badalne mein time lagta hain, main koshish kar rahi hoon firse open hone ki, shayad jald hi ho jau...

Veer smiled in contentment. The fact that she was trying to open herself to him and accept him as her soulmate whole-heartedly made his flutter. Bani smiled and handed the solved Rubik's Cube to Veer. He looked amazed at her.

B: Ab batao, what's bothering you??..

V: *sigh looking at his hands* Tumhe pata hai main Puchki ko Gudiya kyun bulati hoon?!... Jab wo paida huyi thi, she looked exactly like a delicate doll... Mujhe yakeen hi nahi hua tha ke wo ek real baby hai.. I used to think that she's a robotic doll who does everything like a real baby... *Bani chuckled* Yeah, I know it's stupid, but ek 8 saal ke bachhe ke dimaag mein isse zyada aur kya hi aa sakta hai... Tum dekhti to tumhe bhi lagta, matlab, she was totally like a doll... Mom made me understand that she's a real baby, but main to ziddi tha... Maine ulta ye kaha, ke main tabhi maanungi wo ek real baby hai jab mujhe use godi mein uthane diya jayega... Finally Mom agreed... I would carry her around the room and call her Gudiya...Tabse lekar ab tak, I call her Gudiya... Aur aj maine meri Gudiya ko sabke beech waise daant diya... *sad* Gussa hona theek hai, but waise chillana bilkul galat tha... I should have tried to made her understand like Daksh does... *almost crying* I am such a bad brother...

Bani held his hands and made him look at her.
B: Cutu, aisa mat kaho, please... See, you care for her, right?!.. Hum jiske liye care karte hai, uske upar hi sabse zyada gussa karte hai... That's human nature... Tumne use mana kiya, fir bhi wo continuously zid kar rahi thi, isliye tumko gussa aa gaya... You were not thinking logically then, all you cared was how to stop her from having the icecream... Tab tumhe laga hoga ke maybe shouting on her is the best way to stop her, aur tumne uspar chilla diya... There's nothing wrong in it... I know you feel bad because you have behaved like that with your Gudiya, but tumne jo bhi kiya uske achhe ke liye kiya, to isme galat kya hai?!.. Agar kisike bhalai ke liye use daanta jaaye, to use daant nahi kehte... And regarding the things you have said, tum gusse mein aake kuch bhi keh dete ho main jaanti hoon... And I am sure Puchki bhi ye baat jaanti hai... To, tum aise sad mat ho... Tumhare daant ke peeche kitna pyaar chhupa hua hai, ye sabko pata hai... You love her the most, and I know she loves you equally... Aur Puchki bohot hi samajhdar hai, use samajh aa gaya hoga ki galti uski hi thi... She knows you can't scold him for no reason, afterall Pikachu knows Ash the best... *Veer smiles* Tumhe aisa kyu laga ke tum achhe bhai nahi ho?! Kisne kaha tumse?!... You are the best brother in the world... I mean it... You are the best... Mera koi bada bhai hota na, to I wish wo tumhare jaisa hota...

V: *acting of scared* Whaaat?!... Tum mujhe apna bhai banana chahte ho?! Oh God...

B: *laughing and hitting his arm* Shut up... Kuch bhiii... Mera matlab wo nahi tha... Anyway, leave it... Idiot...

V: *smiling* Thanks Sweetheart... For making me understand like this... For being there with me... For handling me so patiently... For helping me control my anger do quickly... For not giving up on me when I acted like total jerk... And for everything... Thanks a lot... I don't know what I would have done without you...

Tears rolled down his cheeks as he said that. Bani quickly wiped the tears and held his hands again.

B: Achha ok, main hoon na, bas... Ab suno... Kal tum Puchki ko subah icecream kharidke laake nahi doge...

V: *shocked* How

B: *smile* I know tum yahi karne wale the, isliye pehle se mana kar rahi hoon... No need of buying her icecream tomorrow...

V: *confused* But why?!...

B: Use uski galti ka ehsaas hona chahiye... Agar tum use kal hi wo cheez laa do jo wo maang rahi thi, to use lagega wo sahi thi aur tum galat the, jo ke theek nahi hai... She will think that you are trying to rectify your mistake, jab ki you have done no mistake on your part... Tumne use daanta, uske baad tumne use candy sticks diya aur samjhaya bhi, that's it... Don't overdo it by giving her the thing for which she got the scolding today... That's extra pampering and it spoils a kid.. Dekhna, wo kal khud aake tumse sorry kahegi aur apni galti accept karegi, but icecream dene se aisa nahi hoga... So, no...

V: *convinced* Mmm Ok...

Bani wanted to talk to him about Sharanya too, but seeing his upset face she dropped the plan. She decided to talk to him about that the next day. She instead thought of doing something else to lighten his mood.

B: Bohot hogaya upset rehna, ab ek achhe se smile do..

Veer smiled at her, but still see could see the lingering sadness in his eyes.
B: Do you need a hug right now, Cutu?!..

Veer didn't say anything but just hugged her tightly. She smiled and hugged him back. He sighed in relief, it was as if her hug was replacing all his sadness with a sense of calm and peace. He smiled. He was truly lucky to get someone as understanding as Bani in his life... She broke the hug after few minutes and placed a kiss on her cheek. He smiled thankfully at her and she caressed his cheek.

B: Aise hi smile kiya karo, suit karta hai tumhe... That sad face is totally out of character for you...

Veer chuckled and squeezed her palm. Bani yawned and lied down on the bed. He lied beside her and they slept after wishing each other Goodnight.

              ***********************
The next morning, Veer left for office early and thus didn't get time to meet Puchki as she was sleeping when he left. He came back home by 6 pm, and Puchki came running and hugged him at the door itself.

Puchki: Bhaiyya I am so so so sorry for yesterday... I realised that I was really being a stubborn girl while you were just trying to stop me from falling ill again... Sorry bhaiyya... Gudiya wala sorry...

V: *smiling* Awww...Tune Gudiya wala sorry bol diya, ab main gussa kaise rahu?!..

Puchki: *breaking the hug* Aapko abhi bhi gussa rehna hai??..

V: Haa, thora sa...

Puchki: *pout* Nahii...

V: *showing with his fingers* Ittu sa?!..

Puchki: *pout* Nahiiii..

V: *chuckling* Achha okay... Pagal...

Puchki hugged him happily again, and he kissed on her head. She came out of the hug and looked behind him and searched for someone.

Puchki: Bhabhi kaha hai?!...

V: Teri bhabhi mere saath nahi aati... Uski apni car hai, wo akele aati hai...

Puchki: *making a face* How unromantic, bhaiyya...

V: *fake anger* Chap...

Puchki: *giggle*...

V: Jaa apne room mein ja, main fresh hoke aata hoon...

Puchki: Okk, jaldi aana, Dad is going to video call us...

Veer nodded and Puchki ran upstairs. He smiled thinking how Bani's words became correct. Puchki indeed came to apologise after realising her mistake and Bani had exactly said that this would happen... His wife was the best..
He sighed happily and went to his oops their room.

After freshening up, he locked the door and went to take his guitar. But, his eyes landed on her ukulele and he picked it up. He settled in the balcony and took out the ukulele from the cover. But what he saw next made him awestruck. An 'SV' sign was encraved on her ukulele, similar to the 'VS' sign on his guitar.

He smiled and ran his fingers over the sign. This small gesture of Bani showed her feelings at a greater extent. He was overjoyed. He started playing the ukulele and sang a song of one of his favourite artists, Darshan Raval.
[Tip: Read the lyrics and the under-written texts to understand his feelings]

Duawan mangda
Main tere layi duawan mangda,
Main jithe jithe jawan heeriye
Sang tera parchhawan mangda..
(He remembered how he wished her to be with him every moment)
Main lad da rawan
Zamane naal lad da rawan,
Sitaare eh mohabbtan de
Teri chunni utte jadd da rawan..
(He knew that now he could fight the whole world for her, and he wanted to adorn her with his love)
Ho tere layi ae jitti baazi
Haar jawan tu je raazi,
Tere bajon mera mol naaa..
(He could lose a won battle once she wanted it, and now he believed that without her his life was worthless)
Ho rabba mehar kari
Tu mehar kari
Mera ho jaaye wo na der kari..
Iss janam mil jaaye wo
Use agle janam mera pher kari...
(He wanted her to realise her love for him real soon so that he could confess his love, and keep her with him for the next seven births)
Mehar kari tu mehar kari
Mera ho jaaye wo na der kari..
Iss janam mil jaaye wo
Use agle janam mera pher kari...
(Not only for seven births, he prayed to have her in his life for eternity)
Tu hi sahara mera, kinara mera,
Tu hi hai chann mera, sitara mera,
Tu hi hai yaara mera, guzara mera
Tu hi hai mera safar...
(His life now revolved around her, it was as if she was the reason for which he was alive... He smiled thinking all this and sang passionately)
Hawaon ki awaaz jaisa tu
Ruhaani kisi saaz jaisa tu
Jo sunke khush ho jaaye khuda
Usi alfaaz jaisa tu..
(Her every movement and every action had a magic. He felt that her name also had a magic in it)
Ishq mujhe raas aaya hai
Jabse tu paas aaya hai
Teri khushboo se har taraf
Naya ehsaas aaya hai..
(He remembered how he hated the word love once, and now his idea of love totally changed after she came in his life.. He recalled yesterday's incident and smiled thinking how her hug and her fragrance soothed him and calmed him down)
Shayar to hoon main waise
Taarif karun main kaise
Alfaaz mere kol naaa..
(He smiled remembering how she called him Mr. Shayar very often, but he couldn't form any words to describe her beauty and integrity)
Ho rabba mehar kari
Tu mehar kari
Mera ho jaaye wo na der kari..
Iss janam mil jaaye wo
Use agle janam mera pher kari...
Mehar kari tu mehar kari
Mera ho jaaye wo na der kari..
Iss janam mil jaaye wo
Use agle janam mera pher kari...
(He just wanted her in his arms now... Day by day it was becoming difficult for him to control himself from saying those three words to her)

He smiled and kept the ukulele at a side. This song depicted his feelings and emotions so clearly. It felt like the song was written for them only... He opened a picture of her in his mobile and hummed looking at that...

Tu hi sahara mera, kinara mera,
Tu hi hai chann mera, sitara mera,
Tu hi hai yaara mera, guzara mera,
Tu hi hai mera safar...

-----------------------------------------------------------

Heyyy my lovely readers, here's a long and feelingful chapter for you all... Next chapter will also be like this because it's necessary to show their progress through their talks... Hope you all loved it...

Life is giving me hurdles at every moment, and I am trying to handle them properly, so not getting time to write chapters like early days... Too many things going on, and I am just finding ways to settle myself within all these... I am trying to write fast, but it's just not happening... Sorry for that... Hope you all will understand...

I just realised, my sis has not told me that it's her Birthday today... So, what should be done to her?! Should I stay angry or should I forgive her?!... ammuhere batao main kya karu?!🥺... Pagal... Happy Birthday my darling sis, you know how much I love you.... Lots lots lots and lots of love to you❤️❤️❤️... You are one of those special persons whom I got in Wattpad... Thanks for being a Sweetheart... Remember, I am always there for you... Bohot saara pyaar😘😘😘❤️
(Others, plz wish her a very happy birthday and also comment your birthdate... I want to wish all of you on your special day💯)

Chapter Trivia...
Q. Why did Bani not tell anything to that lady who scolded Veer?!
Q. What does SV mean?!
Q. Guess what's going to happen in the next chapter.

Precap:-
Do dil mil rahe hai,
Magar chupke chupke..
Sabko ho rahi hai,
Khabar chupke chupke...