Vennela was folding each of their clothes neatly as the perfectionist she was. She loved doing these. It was these moments that made her happy as his wife. Making food for him, washing his clothes, ironing it and so on. Even though Jai insists not to exhaust herself doing these, she doesn't listen. Sometimes he even gets fed up and grumpy seeing her giving all the time doing household chores rather than being with him.

"Ah ! My Mrs has started early morning😆"

Jai came into their room carrying their munchkins who were six months now. They have been really active nowadays. Ammu and Rishu were two curious souls which made Jai and Vennela to have all the eye on them to see whether they get access to any rubber band, coins, plastics etc.

"Yeah. Have to prepare from early no. I've to check whether your socks, belt everything is inside. You don't have to know anything  since you throw all these in room after returning from office"

Vennela kept ranting about while Jai gave a silly grin and stole kisses from her cheeks.

"Always silence me like this bava...🤭🥰" she giggled while organising the bag.

"How else to cool my princess ?😉"  He winked while swaying babies gently.

"Aahan...someone is in mood from morning"

"I can have mood anytime, morning evening or night doesn't matter😌"

"If not me, then who knows you well?😂"
Vennela pulled his moustache gently and kissed babies' heads.

"You said it"  He winked and kept babies on the carpet.

Their hands were soon occupied with rattles as they rolled on their stomach giggling.

Jai watched them with a smile while helping Vennela.

"I'm so happy for her. Manasa deserves someone like Ram. He is such a gentleman☺️"

"I agree. She used to have feelings for me and I was scared of that too because she didn't know I already love you right. I had to be close with her too because that was my only way to get into her home, later when i realized that she was from Iragavaram"

"Hmm... I know bava. You had told me all these during our phone calls too. And I had to hide from mavaiyya those days inorder to call you🤭" She giggled.

"Haha ! Nana was Hitler for sometime back then😂"

"Dont say like that about my mavaiyya" She swatted his arm playfully.

"Yeah... you were too much pampered by him no"

"Of course. He used to buy my favorite chocolates, ice creams, colours, take me to the temple fair and buy lots of bangles, hair clips .....😍"

"Yeah yeah... keep flexing...😒" Jai feigned irritated.

"I'm sorry bavu...😗"  she pouted.

"Why are you sorry ? I'm happy atleast you were having the best time. Things out here wasn't so easy for us. I saw amma struggling each day to keep our ends meet. She is one strong talented woman I admire always. Back those days, she used to search for a job and worked as an accountant, teacher and finally I suggested her the idea of starting this event management because I used to watch her doing things beautifully for her friends' kids wedding. To be honest, I used to get a little hurt when my friends flaunted their new crayons or colour books etc. I couldn't ask amma always even though she never denied what I wished"

Vennela heard him opening up, she sat beside him on the bed and took his palm in hers and slowly caressed it.

"She always encouraged me to try everything. Be it any competition at school, colleges or adventures etc. I was really sad that I had to go to hostel during college. Amma was alone here and I was so anxious. But due to her compulsion I went"

"I love food cooked by amma...especially her curd rice. It's super tasty. Cooking in hostel was kind of easy for me as I have been with her in kitchen sometimes🥰"

Vennela smiled hearing him.

"I know bava. You cook so good. Even I think, how you eat food cooked by me☺️"

Jai chuckled.

"What made you think like that ? I love everything you cook. Even if it is a simple pappu annam or biriyani"

She smiled hearing him.

"Alright 🫂"  Vennela gave a warm hug to him.

"Now I'm here with you, bava. I love you so much for the nicest person you are. I'm so lucky to get you in my life ..and I'm so thankful to you for giving such chubby babies to me🤭" She giggled with Jai.

"I know. I love you so much too❤️"
He hugged her tighter.

"I talked a lot"

"You can talk anything to me alright ? I won't judge you. All your happiness and worries are mine too☺️"

Vennela entwined her fingers with Jai which he reciprocated in the comfort.

"I've made something special for you. Wait here" She went to the kitchen while Jai was clueless. He entertained babies meanwhile.

"Nana's bujji and bangaram... are you both so happy to go to Manasa aunty's wedding ? 😘😘"
Jai tickled their tummy making them giggle shaking their paunch. They were so adorable little munchkins.

"Surprise, bava !😀" Vennela came with a bowl of delicious mango pudding.

"Wow... mango pudding !!!😍" Jai let out a small squeal like babies.

She ruffled his hair giggling while passing the bowl and occupied beside him.

"When did you make this ?"

"Today morning when you were occupied with your girlfriend😏"

Jai let out a laugh.

"My baby is so jealous of a petty laptop😂"

"Huh ? Why would I be ? And I can still have a bunch of men following behind me😏"

He bit her shoulder gently.

"Ouch, bava"

"The sheer audacity to talk...!🤨"

"Now you're the jealous one"

"Don't blame me. Who asked you to be this hot and beautiful? 😚"

"You're crazy🙂‍↔️😂"  She shook her head smiling.

"Crazily in love with you... 😍"

He lowered his lips and captured hers in a soft yet tingling kiss. Vennela felt butterflies in her tummy as if the first time. She entangled her slender fingers in his soft voluminous hair and deepened the kiss.
Babies who were too small to understand all this, laid down playing with their soft toys and rattles.

The first bite of mango pudding took Jai to heaven.

"Yum...so so yummy...🤩" His eyes twinkled in happiness.

Vennela chuckled and wiped a bit of cream stuck on his moustache.

"I'm glad you liked it bava🥰"

"Liked it ? I LOVED IT... here taste.. "
He gave a spoonful to her.

"Mmm...yes it's nice.. though I love to have the mangoes by itself"

"I know" He caressed her jaw in affection.
__________________________________________

"Yes amma..we are going today. Otherwise Manasa won't spare us.🤭"
She giggled while balancing a pin between her teeth while her hands were occupied with making crisp pleats of her cotton saree.

"Okay. We will come day after tomorrow. We can't leave works at home no"

"Yes amma. I understand. It's no problem. Manasa and her family will understand.
Even though I've gone their home after our wedding, I still feel a little nervous to meet everyone again"

"I know vennu. You're still not over the past?"

"No..nothing like that, amma. I know they are all like our family now. And bava is the reason for tying both of our villages together. I'm so happy for that. It's that I take sometime to talk with all of them freely. We don't talk often no☺️"

"They did come for your wedding and babies' naming ceremony"

"I remember. And they are all nice people"

"Good. Don't feel nervous. Jai is also with you. So what's the issue ?"

"Uhumm..☺️" she smiled and adjusted her waistchain properly.

"Alright. Babies are sleeping right ?"

"Yes. After bath, I fed them. Now sleeping soundly🤭"

"Good. Are you eating the sesame balls I brought you last time ? It increases milk production"

"Yes amma😩" She whined into the phone.

"Ask babies. They are getting a lot. And it will be too difficult for me if I keep eating more such snacks. I get sore often due to oversupply. Do you know ?😮‍💨"

"Ohh.. in that case, don't have it a lot"

"See. That's what I said"

"Hmm. Have the vitamin tablets and all properly"

"Okay...and amma ....can you make one more bottle of hair oil for me ?"

She gasped softly feeling the warm large calloused palms snaking around her belly. Looking in the mirror, she saw Jai in a warm sky blue tinted shirt and white pants matching her saree.

"Yes vennu. I'll bring it when we are there"

"Okay amma. I'll...cut the...mmm..cut..."

She closed her eyes Inhaling a sharp breath feeling his light stubble and lips on her neck.

"Are you okay vennu ?"

Her eyes jolted open as she gave a slight jab on his waist.

"Uh..yes yes...Amma...I just..checked babies seeing a movement in the crib"  She lied without any choice.

"Okay. See you there. Take care. Tell Jai also. Call me when you reach there"

"Yes. Ok. Bye amma"

She disconnected the call.

"Offo !! Bava ...how many times I've asked you not to distract me during the phone call. What might have amma thought?😑"

"So what ? We are married and she knows it's common among couples🙂‍↔️"

"But still... "

"Still you're looking gorgeous and enchanting😍"

Vennela rolled her eyes giggling.

"Alright. Thanks hubby. And you're not any less too"

"I know😎" He twirled the ends of his moustache making Vennela's heart skip a beat. He looked undeniably handsome.

She smiled and adjusted the dainty golden jhumkas on her ears.

A small necklace along with the thaali was on her neck, followed by minimal amount of golden bangles on both her hands and three more rings around her long slender fingers made her look ethereal.

Jai made her sit infront of the dressing table and slowly did her hair beautifully taking time. Vennela as usual kept admiring her husband through the mirror.

"Bangaruu...we took the gift for her right ?"

"Yes bava. Done😄"

"Hmm☺️" He smiled and patted her shoulder.

"Perfect!  now keep your thaali on full display and if any single person is approaching you with any intention, show it as a crucifix😉"

"Hahaha...bava...what am I going to do without you my big boy ? Thanks daddy😉😘" 

She winked and gave a kiss on his cheeks erasing the invisible wrinkles along the collar of his shirt.

Jai chuckled and pulled her even more closer, the warm floral cologne mixed with hers comforting him.
_________________________________________

They reached the airport and boarded the flight as the car journey consumed a good 10 hours and more. Babies had woken up and showed a little tantrum in the flight, but soon it was subsided and they became chirpy again.
After an hour, they landed the Rajamundry airport.

They saw Poorna coming to fetch them from the airport.

"Hey...buddy... 😃" Poorna exchanged a friendly hug with Jai.

"Hey...how are you, big man ?😀"

"I'm good, Jai. Hi Vennela...how are you ?☺️"

"Well, these munchkins keeps me busy, anna☺️" She smiled while watching her babies adorably.

"Awww...hi babies...😍😍" Poorna ruffled their heads affectionately and took ammu from her arms who went easily.

Rishu nestled in his father's warmth, snuggling like a cocoon. Jai affectionately rubbed circles on his son's back.

Finally the journey to their home took an hour and a half. Vennela meanwhile fed them some bottle milk she carried.

"The places haven't changed much" Jai commented.

"Yeah. It's been so long you since two have visited here"

"Work....." Jai started to say but was cut short by Poorna.

"Yeah works at office, busy with babies, visiting home etc etc."

Vennela chuckled.

"But those are all valid reasons no ? Plus your place is not so near to visit just like that🙂‍↔️" Jai tried to be reasonable.

"Hmm. I understand"

"How's Manasa ? Is she excited ?" Jai diverted the topic.

"You know her well no ? Excited beyond words. After all marrying our love, will be truly special right😅"

"Yes. That's right"

Vennela passed a warm smile at her husband who reciprocated  the same.
__________________________________________

"Vennnuuuuu....🤩" Manasa jumped down the stairs eagerly ignoring the "be careful"  warnings of her aunts.

She literally threw herself around Vennela giving her a tight squeeze. The men watched it with awe and rolling eyes holding babies while Vennela giggled and hugged her back patting and caressing her head.

"My babies.... aunty's rasgullas... 😍😍" she took both of them and balanced on her hips while babies happily giggled being in her arms.

"Seems like they recognized their aunty😂"  Jai commented.

"For sure. How can they not ? I video call them mostly😘😘"  She kissed both of their chubby cheeks.

Jai held Vennela's hands and walked inside followed by everyone.

They took blessings from Manasa's parents, followed by her uncles and aunts.

"Ayyo...come to ammamma...😃😍" Manasa's elder aunt took the baby boy from her arms.

"Such cuties😘😘"  She kissed both of their heads while babies just grinned jumping in their arms slightly feeling excited.

They were served drinks and many snacks. Finally Vennela felt at ease after talking with all of them. She cracked jokes and mingled easily.

Manasa's uncle, who once were completely enemies with Jai's village was now sitting and chatting care free, joking making them feel at home.

"Come on Vennu. I'll show your room" Manasa interrupted them.

"Just give them some rest, babai. They will be here for few days no"

"Yes..I know. It's been so long I met them😇"  He said with a tenderness in his voice which surprised Jai even more.

They got dispersed. Jai went with Poorna and Manasa took Vennela to show their room. 
__________________________________________

"Vennu... I am so much happy you're here. You know how badly I missed you🤗"

"I missed you too Manu🥰" She gave her a side hug and patted her back.

"Now that you're here, we will have to finalise some of the ornaments I've here. Then apply mehendi on my hands and feet😃"

"Calm down, girl. You are so nervous and excited"

"Look who is talking. You were also more nervous than me😂"

Vennela chuckled.

"Ok fine. I'll help you with everything, if babies allow me"

"That's what Jai is for. We will give babies to him to look after😉"

"Haha... bava is himself a baby. I've to look after all three of them😂"

Manasa laughed.

"I know. That man has melted like a chocolate infront of you, vennu. Can't believe he was the one who used to tell punch dialogues and crushed car tyres🤣"

"Bava has changed for good only🤭" Vennela giggled.

"Of course. Not saying otherwise. Anyways we don't have crib here for babies"

"It's okay. We can keep them in between on the bed"

"Alright. Just tell me if any more arrangements are needed☺️"

Vennela nodded.

"This is more than enough. We are not guests here. This is our home too no☺️"

"Yes for sure🤭"  She giggled.

"Now my baby doesn't want to come to amma, huh ? Got Manasa aunty after long right ?😘"

She cooed the baby girl who was in Manasa's arms.

"She knows Manasa aunty is the sweetest. Right ammu kutty?😍"

"Haha. Both will come to me when needs milk only. Otherwise all the time with their nana who spoils them🙂‍↔️"

"That's so cute no, Vennu ?"

"Yes. All three team up against me and melt me with their puppy smiles. They have got all the acting skills from bava. Oscar worthy performances😂"

Manasa ruffled ammu's tiny head and laughed out loud with Vennela.

"Vennu...i wanted to ask...because I'm genuinely concerned..."Vennela listened.

"Is he troubling you again ?"

Vennela's face hardened, her expressions shifting to disgust.

"No Manu...After that incident, I haven't seen him. Bava has warned him"

"Hmm. Alright. Just be vigilant and careful"

Vennela nodded.

"Okay remove those thoughts now. You saw my wedding saree only through video call right ? I'll show you😀"   She chirped with the excitement of a new bride to be.

"Relax Manu. I'm all here only. You can show me later☺️ Rishu must be with Poorna anna right ?"

Vennela gave a brief glance towards the door.

"Yeah. Must with with anna and his nana"

"He might be feeling hungry. Rishu usually gets hungry every hour"

"Awww...he is such a chub. Chubbier than ammu😍"

"That he is☺️" Vennela fondly thought about her son.

"How is life going after kids ?"

"It's more hectic and beautiful you know. Our lives feel complete now with our babies. They are the most wonderful gifts that we have ever received. There are sleepless nights, sore breasts, post partum mood swings etc. But watching their smiles, giggles and peaceful sleep etc. makes it all worth it. And now my life totally revolves around bava and babies❤️"

"I understand, Vennu. Who wouldn't love to spend time with ammu rishu ? They are my lovelies🥰" Manasa warded off all the evil eyes from the baby girl.

"Are you planning for any work in the future?"

"Actually one day bava had discussed me with this.....he told me to chase my dreams. That I've got all the freedom to study or do whatever I want. He insisted me about taking over atteya's event management company"

"That's a good idea. You will have a time pass too"

"Yes. I love atteya's work. But I can never match with her. She does every work with perfection. And what if I mess up everything? I don't want that. Atteya might scold me from heaven😗"

"Haha.. silly girl. Of course everyone will be nervous for a new venture. But once you start it, you will feel happy doing your work. And I'm sure you can shine in this field so much☺️"

"Thank you for the kind words, Manu. But right now my babies need me more. So I'll think about it later. I gave the same answer to bava also.....after that he told me about baking home made cakes and selling it. Actually that's a really good idea and I love baking cakes also. So maybe during some free time, I'll start that"

"Great girl. That's a good idea. I've tasted your cakes and it's like...chef's kiss. I still remember the taste of your chocolate truffle cake. It's yum😋" 

"I'm glad you liked it. You could have told me earlier. I would have brought you"

"I forgot that😗" Manasa pouted.

"It's okay. Next time when you visit our home with Ram, I'll prepare it for you☺️"

"Good idea😋"

Just then Jai entered the room carrying their son.

"Bangaram, I think rishu is hungry. He was getting disturbed"

"Yes I know, bava. It's his feeding time. Give me"

Jai passed the baby boy.

"Aww my bujji...are you hungry, kanna?😘"

Baby, I'll just walk around with Poorna. If there is anything, just call me.

Okay bava. No worries.

Jai, leave her alone for few minutes. We have some girl to girl talks.

I know right? That's why I'm going out with Poorna 😂 He chuckled shaking his head and went out closing the door.

Vennela opened the buttons of her blouse adjusting the baby boy on her lap and started feeding him.  She massaged his tiny feet and arms in between.

"He is really making a go for it😆" Manasa chuckled.

"Yeah. Like his Dadda.." Vennela's cheeks reddened instantly as she bit her tongue embarrassed by her sudden blurt.

"What !!!" Manasa picked up on that.

"Umm..I mean..😳  he eats food like his nana.... So eager.. . He is such a foodie...." she stammered. 

"Aahan ... come on Vennu... you really think I'm a small kid ?😉"

"Ssshh...please..Manu...🙈" she was really embarrassed.

"I'm actually happy for you guys. You're the best couple I've ever seen. And I know the marital life has brought joys which can be reflected on your faces. And you already see me as your own sister. So I won't judge you ever, ok ?🤭"

"I know Manu....it's just ..." Vennela shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ears.

"Haha...you look so cute while blushing. No wonder Jai is always around you like a love sick puppy😆"

Vennela shook her head smiling.
__________________________________________

Vennela and Manasa's aunts were chatting in the kitchen talking about their life, the past events after they were married and everything.

"While Jai babu was here, it was so fun. He took us out discreetly one day to watch a movie and some shopping"

"Yes..I agree that. Remember when we saw movie lastly before that ? It was decades ago" Another aunt chimed in.

"And now all of our families are closer because of him only. We even thought at first for getting him married to Manasa. But didn't know he had a love already waiting for him"

Vennela just smiled politely while helping in sauteing a curry.

Just then Manasa's phone shrilled and she escaped from the kitchen with a faint blush on her cheeks.

"This girl...she is living in a dream world now. Always smiling and lost even mid conversation of something else😂" Her elder aunt chuckled fondly.

"We can't blame her, atte (aunt). Even I was nervous and excited. Let her have her time😄" 

They nodded.

"Have you started giving solid food for babies ?"

"No yet chinnatha, their annaprashna is planned to be conducted next month. After that, I'll start giving a little solid food"

"That's good. It must be very tough to manage both of them at the same time right, vennu ?"

"It is slightly difficult definitely. But I'm enjoying every phase of this motherhood, atha. At the end of the day, watching them sleep peacefully makes my heart swell with content. Also it's the combined effort, during day time Radha is there to help me. And in the evening, bava helps a lot without even asking❤️"

"Yes. We got it" They gave her a warm smile.

"Why don't you all come to Hyderabad for staying few days ?" Vennela asked.

"Oh we wish, vennu. But leaving home and come there, it's so much process vennu. You know these men, they have to look after this whole village. There will be one or other thing always. And cooking, serving for them, we have to be here"

Vennela gave a pout.

"You always tell that😗 No problem. I'll ask bava to talk with elders"

Just then, Jai walked in.

"Hey ladies... what's the conspiracy ?"

"Bava, I was asking them to come and stay at our home for few days. They saying they have works here. Can you please ask the elders no..?"

"Ohh so that's the matter .. no worries. I'll ask. Next month is babies' anna prashna, so come there a week before. We can go for a Hyderabad tour😉"

"Really, babu?😍" Their maid asked.

"Of course ! Why not ?" He wrapped his arms around Vennela's shoulder.

"Is that avakkaya pickle ?" Jai perched on the counter top and took a spoonful of the pickle.

"Yes babu. You like these right"

"Mmmm...🤤"he moaned in the delight tasting it.

"God...I missed this.. it's so tasty. Here taste it bangaram😍"

He took another piece and brought near her mouth.
"Mmmm...so yummy...I would have craved these during my pregnancy had I knew the taste before🫠" Vennela licked her lips.

"You can still crave these next time" The elder aunt said gleefully making her blush deeply.

Jai chuckled and pulled her closer caging her between his legs.

"Where is the bride to be btw ?"

"Calling her groom to be ... look at that..."

Her mother pointed towards the backyard.

"Seems like she will eat all the straw kept for the cows🙂‍↔️" she added.

"Let her eat some🤣"  Jai guffawed earning a slight jab from Vennela.

Manasa finished the call and returned.

"Hello namaskaaram.  Look who decided to grace us with her presence !🙏😂"

"Come on Jai. Let me remind you how you were during your wedding"

A faint blush crept up his neck suddenly remembering.

"Ok guys..both of you, the Sangeet and mehendi is tomorrow. Have you practiced the steps ?"

"Is it necessary Manu ? We will just.... "

"Of course why not ? We still remember the steps from our haldi😀"

"Bava ? Seriously ?😳"
He winked at her.

"Okay no problem. Let's practice few. Come on .." she grabbed both of their arms and took dragged them upstairs while the elders just chuckled watching their bonding.
_________________________________________

The room was filled with sounds coming from the speaker. A peppy bollywood song playing in the background.

"Excuse me ???? Who is the bride and who is the groom here ?😮‍💨"

Jai and Vennela who was in a deep eyelock mid dance suddenly parted away hearing Manasa's voice.

"Uh...sorry...ok what's the next step ? Do I have to lift her ? I can do that easily😍"

"No Jai. Thanks. You don't have to lift her. You're always finding reasons. For God's sake she is your wife only. Stop simping around her🤦‍♀️"

Vennela giggled and hid her face in her palms.

"So what ? She has that magnetic eyes which betray my self constructed facade😚"

"Stop it, bava😳🙈" Vennela mumbled and pinched his back.

Manasa face palmed.

"Ok. See this is the way to do this step"  She taught them how to do it.

After 10 minutes,

"Phew I'm all sweaty now. Do I get paid for this, Manasa ?😮‍💨" Jai huffed.

"As if you paid me when I danced during your Sangeet, Jai🙄"

"But see how professionally and patiently I'm doing it. You scolded me when I asked you to change that tumka step. It was so clichéd and..."

"Chup🤫 Jai, don't teach me. You know how everyone praised my dancing. Ask your wife. She loved it"

"She had no choice. Had to bear you for a little more🙂‍↔️"

"Bava, dare you bring me between this"  She twisted his ears playfully.

"Ouch ouch! Fine... is this tumka step necessary ? Feels like I'm plucking mangoes and putting ..Huff.... in a sack... 😩"

Manasa giggled facepalming.

"If you talk one more word, Vennela will be sleeping with me until my wedding😏"

"What!!! Impossible !😳" Jai's eyes widened while Vennela clearly enjoyed it.
She knew her husband couldn't be away from her.

"Oh yes. It's possible. I'll make it possible😈"

"Don't you dare🤨"

"Then do the step properly"

"Fine. What makes you think she will be with you ?"

"Oh who wouldn't mind a girls night over, bava ? We have a lot of things to talk😉"  She winked playfully at him.

"Problem solved😂" Manasa declared proudly.

"Fine. Go. I'll sleep with my babies"

"And what would you do when they cry ?😂" Manasa asked.

"Uh..I'll pacify them. Pat them to sleep😒"

"Oh ! Wish it was so easy like that:

"Come on bangaruuu, I'm making the situation light. You guys are taking me seriously. See if this tumka step is right?"

He danced finally matching with the rhythm.

"Perfect !👌👍😂" Manasa and Vennela showed thumbs up giving a knowing laughter.

They knew that he smoothly changed the topic because he couldn't stay away from his wife no matter what. Also these light hearted moments and playful banter were what kept them bonded together.

To be continued...
_________________________________________

Yours,
Aiswarya2018.