Hare Krishna
Chapter 4

As Nitara explored the flat, her attention was drawn to a room with a cute teddy bear hanging on the door. Intrigued, she opened the door and found herself in a room painted in a soothing shade of soft blue. A young boy lay asleep on the bed, and her heart skipped a beat as she realised that it was Dhruv, Anubhav's younger brother.

Anubhav stood at the door, observing her as she approached the sleeping boy. With a hint of sadness in his eyes, he typed on his phone's screen, "He sleeps most of the time of the day." Nitara nodded in understanding, realising that Dhruv's health condition required him to rest more than usual.

She gently sat on the edge of the bed and lightly touched Dhruv's cheeks, trying to wake him up softly. "Hello," she whispered in a soft, melodic voice, tapping his shoulders with care. Dhruv stirred slightly, his eyelids fluttering as he gradually opened his eyes.

In that tender moment, she felt a connection forming with the boy who held such significance in Anubhav's life. Dhruv's eyes blinked sleepily, and as he focused on Nitara's face, a small smile crept onto his lips although he was confused at first. His eyes, though weakened by his condition, held a glimmer of warmth as he met Nitara's gaze.

Anubhav observed the interaction with a mixture of apprehension and hope. He had always been protective of his younger brother, and seeing Nitara approach Dhruv with such kindness touched his heart deeply.

As Nitara introduced herself to Dhruv, she could sense the bond between the brothers. The love and care that Anubhav held for Dhruv were evident in the way he looked at his brother. Nitara realised that taking care of Dhruv wasn't just a responsibility but a labour of love for Anubhav.

"Hello Dhruv! My name is Nitara." She introduced herself.

" Hi," he smiled at her, his gaze momentarily shifting on Anubhav.

"What are you doing in our home, Nitara... didi?" He asked

"Hmm...good question. Well, I have come to stay with you. From now on I will stay with you. You will let me live here right?" she spoke with a big smile on her face.

He eagerly nodded. " But why will you live with us? Did your parents also die like ours?" He asked, looking at her.

She nodded, "Yeah. That's why from now on I will live with my husband and cute devar ji," With that she squeezed his cheeks.

"You ... .you married bhaiya?" He asked as realisation dawned upon him.

Nitara nodded, "Yes."

"Do you love my bhaiya?" He asked, hope evident in his eyes.

Nitara stilled but quickly recovered, " I do, I care for him and as well as you."

A big grin appeared on his face as he quickly hugged Anubhav, " Bhaiya, I like her already."

Nitara smiled at Anubhav before saying, " Won't I get a hug?" She chipped in. Dhruv initially hesitated but as Anubhav gave him a nod of encouragement , he opened his arms wide and hugged her tightly.

After spending some time getting to know her new surroundings and Dhruv, Nitara decided to settle herself in Anubhav's room. She wanted to make it feel more like her own space. She began to arrange her clothes and books, carefully placing them in the room. The process allowed her to feel a sense of ownership and comfort in what was now her shared living space.

As the evening approached, Nitara realized that she needed some groceries to prepare dinner. She took out her phone and began typing a list of items she needed - flour, butter, paneer, baking powder, cocoa powder, and a few other essentials.

With the list in hand, Nitara approached Anubhav, who was in the kitchen, doing the afternoon dishes. She gently showed him the list on her phone. " Can I get your phone number, I will be able to forward you this list then." Anubhav nodded and punched his contact number.

"Alright," Anubhav typed on his phone in response, acknowledging her request.

She nodded, grateful for his willingness to help with the task. She handed him a small bag to carry the groceries and watched as he readied himself to head to the store. The unspoken understanding between them continued to deepen, and through simple gestures and shared responsibilities, they were gradually building a life together that went beyond words.

Nitara sat beside Dhruv, a warm smile on her face, eager to learn more about him. She knew that understanding his likes and dislikes would help her connect with him on a deeper level.

"So, Dhruv," she began, her voice gentle, "what are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?"

Dhruv's face lit up with enthusiasm as he began to share. "I love watching cartoons," he said, his words filled with excitement. "And I enjoy drawing and reading too."

Nitara nodded, impressed by his diverse interests. "That's wonderful! Cartoons, drawing, and reading sound like fantastic hobbies. It's great to have so many things you enjoy doing."

With a curious smile, she continued, "And what about food? What's your favourite dish, Dhruv?"

Dhruv's eyes sparkled as he replied, "I love anything that has paneer in it. Paneer dishes are the best!"

She chuckled softly, appreciating his enthusiasm for paneer. "Paneer is delicious, I agree. Now, here's a fun question: what do you think is your brother's favourite dish?"

Dhruv thought for a moment, his brows furrowing slightly as he contemplated Anubhav's preferences. "Hmm," he began, "Bhaiya likes Malai Kofta paneer a lot. Whenever we go to a restaurant, he orders it."

She smiled, feeling a sense of connection with Dhruv as they chatted about their favourite foods and Anubhav's culinary choices. This simple conversation allowed her to learn more about Dhruv's personality and interests, and it deepened the bond between them.

Anubhav returned with the items Nitara had requested for cooking and baking.

She was already busy in the kitchen, her sleeves rolled up as she prepared to cook and bake a cake. It was her way of marking and celebrating her wedding day, turning it into a memorable occasion for her new family.

Anubhav entered the kitchen, his phone in hand, and a hint of concern in his eyes. He gently showed Nitara a message on his phone: "You don't have to cook, Nitara ji. I will cook.Please rest."

She smiled warmly at him, appreciating his willingness to take charge of the kitchen. She then responded with determination, "I want to celebrate my wedding day with lots of food, Anubhav ji. It's a special day, and I want to make it memorable for all of us. I want to cook for my new family."

Anubhav gazed at her for a moment, his eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. It was clear that he wanted to take care of her and ensure her comfort, but above all he didn't want Nitara to think that she was obliged to cook just because they were married.

After a brief pause, Anubhav nodded in understanding. He realised that this was Nitara's way of embracing their new life together, of creating happy memories even in the face of unexpected circumstances. With a gentle smile, he turned and quietly left the kitchen, leaving Nitara to her culinary endeavours.

The aroma of a delightful feast filled the small apartment as Nitara worked tirelessly in the kitchen. Her new husband had offered to help but she had politely refused him.

The menu included Malai Kofta Paneer, freshly made parathas, paneer tikka, fragrant pulao, a tangy green chutney, and a luscious chocolate cake. The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity as pots simmered, and dishes were plated with precision.

As the dishes were ready, Nitara set them out on the floor, arranging them beautifully.

Anubhav, Dhruv, and Nitara sat together on the floor in a circle, creating an intimate and cosy setting for their meal. Dhruv's eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked at the spread. "Wow! You have cooked so many dishes? For me?" he asked, his enthusiasm evident in his voice.

Nitara smiled warmly at Dhruv and replied, "Yes! Only for my Devar ji."

Anubhav watched the exchange between Nitara and Dhruv with a small, contented smile. He appreciated Nitara's efforts to make this day special.

Before they began eating, they joined hands and prayed together, offering their gratitude for the food and the bond they were forming as a family.
Once they started eating, Dhruv couldn't contain his delight. "Mhmmm! This is so tasty," he exclaimed between bites.

"I am glad you liked it!" Nitara responded, her heart filled with joy at seeing Dhruv's enjoyment. It was a moment of togetherness, laughter, and shared happiness, a beautiful way to celebrate their union as a family and the love that was growing between them.

After their hearty dinner and shared moments of laughter, the apartment settled into a peaceful evening. Anubhav began to prepare Dhruv for bedtime. He tucked him into bed, installed the mosquito net and carefully administered his medication, all the while ensuring that Dhruv was comfortable and content.

As he was about to turn away, ready to bid his younger brother a good night, Dhruv's soft voice broke the silence of the room. "Bhaiya," he said, his eyes filled with innocence, "I really like Nitara bhabhi. She is so kind to me. Will she stay with us forever?"

Anubhav stilled at Dhruv's words, his heart swelling with a mixture of emotions. He knew the bond that was forming between Nitara and Dhruv was special, and he cherished the warmth and care she brought into their lives. Yet, he also understood the uncertainty of their situation.

Dhruv's question hung in the air, and Anubhav struggled to find the right words to answer. He couldn't predict the future or the twists and turns their lives might take. All he wanted was for Dhruv to be happy and feel loved.

In the end, Anubhav simply nodded at his brother, his silent affirmation meant to reassure Dhruv. He didn't want to hurt the child by revealing the uncertainty that lay ahead. Instead, he wanted to protect Dhruv's innocent optimism, allowing him to believe in the possibility of a lasting and loving family, even in the face of life's uncertainties.

With a final tender smile, Anubhav turned off the bedside lamp, leaving the room bathed in a soft, comforting glow. As he walked away, he carried with him the weight of Dhruv's question, a reminder of the complexities of their sudden marriage and the hope that was emerging in their hearts, one step at a time.

Anubhav entered the room, a hint of nervousness in his step. He couldn't help but steal a glance at Nitara, who looked refreshed after her shower. She was seated on the bed, applying lotion to her feet, her attire simple and comfortable-a pair of cotton shorts and a cami top that accentuated her natural beauty.

With a quiet determination, Anubhav decided to carry on with his usual routine. He headed towards the bathroom to take his shower, hoping to relieve some of the tension he felt in this new and unexpected situation.

As the water splashed gently over him, Anubhav couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. His life had taken an unexpected turn, and he was navigating uncharted waters. Yet, the presence of Nitara brought both apprehension and comfort. He was grateful for her understanding and her willingness to embrace this journey with them.

After his shower, Anubhav returned to the room, feeling somewhat refreshed. He knew the importance of protecting Nitara and Dhruv from the tropical mosquitoes that often made their way indoors at night. With care, he installed the mosquito net over the bed and opened the windows to let in the cool evening breeze.

Finally, he took out a few quilts and a bedsheet, intending to sleep in the living room.

Just as he was about to leave the room, Nitara's voice stopped him. She had been quietly observing his efforts, appreciating his thoughtfulness and attention to detail. " Where are you going? Are you planning to sleep in the living room?"

Anubhav turned to face her and nodded. She could sense his hesitation, the weight of the situation they found themselves in, and the newness of sharing a living space with someone so unexpectedly. Determined to put him at ease, she decided to break the ice.

With a warm smile, Nitara patted the empty space beside her on the bed. "No need for that," she said gently, "the bed is big enough for both of us."

Anubhav still hesitated, the lines of worry etched on his face.

In response to his unspoken concerns, Nitara raised her hand in mock surrender and assured him, "I promise I won't take advantage of you."

Her words were light-hearted, intended to ease the tension in the room. Nitara knew that trust needed to be built slowly, and she wanted Anubhav to feel comfortable around her.

She continued, "And if you're thinking about me, please don't worry. I'm comfortable with this arrangement."

Anubhav took a deep breath, his gaze locked with Nitara's. In that moment, he recognized her sincerity and her genuine intention to make the best of their situation. With a sense of trust gradually forming between them, he decided to take a leap of faith.

With a nod, he quietly slipped under the mosquito net and onto the bed beside Nitara. As they settled in, side by side, under the gentle glow of the moon, a feeling of companionship and understanding began to blossom between them. It was a small step towards building a life together, one filled with challenges and unexpected turns, but also with the promise of support, care, and the warmth of shared moments.

In the soft, ethereal glow of the moonlight, Nitara's voice carried a tender confession. "Anubhav ji," she began, her words laced with affection, "I'm captivated by your eyes. They are shining like jewels under the moonlight."

Anubhav, taken aback by the sincerity of her words, remained uncertain, his gaze locked onto hers. His unique silver eyes seemed to come alive under the moon's enchanting light, casting a spell of their own.

As if drawn by an invisible force, Nitara moved closer to him, their breaths mingling, creating an intimate connection between them. She couldn't help but ask, "Anubhav ji, do you have a girlfriend?" He responded with a silent shake of his head.

A warm smile graced Nitara's lips as she shared, "Well, I don't have a boyfriend either." Her smile held a promise of a budding connection, a shared journey that was yet to fully unfold.

With a voice filled with unwavering determination, Nitara spoke from the depths of her heart. "Our path to marriage may have been unconventional," she confessed, "but I'm fully committed to making it work. I want to give our union every opportunity to flourish."

Anubhav, his gaze locked with Nitara's, nodded in silent agreement. In that wordless exchange, they found a shared understanding, a mutual willingness to explore the uncharted waters of their relationship.

Drawing even nearer, Nitara gently cupped Anubhav's face with her hand, her touch soft and affectionate. Leaning in, she whispered, "May I kiss you, Anubhav ji? It's our wedding night, and I'd love to share at least one kiss with my husband. I always wished my first kiss would happen on my wedding night."

Anubhav stilled for a moment, his heart racing, but ultimately, he nodded in agreement. As their eyes closed in unison, they leaned in until their lips connected. Their kiss was hesitant at first, as their lips moulded against each other. Their tongues met and a jolt of spark flowed through them. Anubhav pulled back, breathing heavily.

Nitara's heart raced with a desire she could no longer contain. Anubhav, his silver eyes glistening with unspoken yearning, drew her nearer. Their breaths mingled, creating an electric charge in the air, and this time their lips met in a searing, passionate kiss.

Their mouths melded together with an intensity that spoke of all the longing they had kept hidden. It was a kiss that ignited a blazing fire within, a fire fueled by the depth of their emotions and the magnetic pull between their souls.

Tongues danced in a fervent and sultry rhythm, exploring the uncharted territory of each other's desires. Nitara's fingers tangled in Anubhav's hair, pulling him closer. She felt hot all over. She pushed herself more into him as she moaned through the kiss.

Feeling the need of air, they seperated, " That was amazing," She confessed, still breathing heavily.
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