Namaste
Chapter 9

After Dhruv left with Chachi, Nitara hurried to prepare herself. She shaved carefully, her heart racing out of excitement and nervousness. After a refreshing shower, she slipped into the beautiful pink lace lingerie she had bought earlier that day, her cheeks turning crimson as she admired herself in the mirror. The soft fabric hugged her perfectly, accentuating her delicate frame. 

"I wonder what Anubhav ji will think…" she whispered to herself, her lips curling into a shy smile. 

She busied herself setting the mood, placing scented candles strategically around the room and lighting them. Opening the bedside table drawer, she placed the small packet of protection Siya had forced her to buy that morning, her blush deepening. 

Just as she was admiring her efforts, her phone buzzed. It was Siya. 

“Babe! All set?” Siya’s teasing voice filled the line. 

“Yes…” Nitara whispered, her voice barely audible. 

“Speak up, Tara! I need to hear the confidence. You look hot, right?” 

Nitara giggled nervously. “I guess… it’s still a little embarrassing, Siya!” 

“Nonsense!” Siya scolded playfully. “That man of yours is going to lose his mind. Just remember, confidence is key. You’re his wife; own it! And don’t forget to text me tomorrow with all the juicy details. Now go get him, tigress! All the best!” 

Nitara blushed furiously, barely managing to mumble a “thank you” before Siya hung up. 

As soon as the call ended, the doorbell rang. Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly slipped into her silk bathrobe, tying it securely around her waist. Giving herself one last glance in the mirror, she took a deep breath, her nervous smile reflecting back at her. 

"You’ve got this," she told herself softly before heading to the door, her heart pounding. 

Nitara’s eyes widened in shock, her hand flying to cover her mouth as she saw her husband standing there. His knuckles were bleeding, his cheeks slightly battered, and his usual calm demeanour was replaced with visible exhaustion. Tears welled up in her eyes as she followed him into the house. He locked the main door behind him, silently removing his shoes before walking into their bedroom without a word. 

“Anubhav ji, what happened to you?” she cried, her voice trembling. He shook his head, dismissing her concern, and made his way to the bed. 

Nitara followed him, her heart pounding. From the pocket of his jeans, he pulled out two bundles of currency notes and handed them to her. She stared at the money, confused, her tears still streaming. As she scrambled to look for the first aid box, he gently held her hand, urging her to sit beside him. 

Pulling out his phone, he began typing. Nitara watched anxiously, her gaze darting between his bloodied knuckles and his tired face. After a moment, he turned the screen toward her. 

“This is one lakh rupees. I participate in street fighting that happens once every three months. I won tonight—I almost always do. I need this money for Dhruv and for you. One is my little brother who is ill, and the other is my wife. You come from an affluent family, and I know living here is tough for you. I’m trying my best to give you both a decent life. I’m sorry for coming home like this and worrying you.”

Reading his message, Nitara burst into tears, her emotions overwhelming her. No one in her life had ever cared for her as much as Anubhav did. The sacrifices he made, the pain he endured—he did it all for her and Dhruv. 

Her heart ached as she looked at him, love and gratitude swelling in her chest. She felt unworthy yet deeply blessed to have a husband like him. 

Through her tears, she managed to find the first aid supplies. Returning to his side, she gently took his hand, her fingers trembling as she dabbed at the wounds with antiseptic. Her tears continued to fall, silently expressing what words could not. 

“Why do you do this to yourself?” she whispered brokenly, her voice choked with emotion. She applied cream to his bruised knuckles with utmost care, as though trying to erase the pain he had endured. 

Anubhav watched her silently, his silver eyes softening as he noticed her shaking hands and tear-streaked face. He reached up to wipe away a tear that slipped down her cheek, a silent reassurance that he was okay. 

Nitara leaned her forehead against his, her sobs quieting. “You are my blessing,” she whispered, her voice trembling with love. “I don’t need a mansion or luxury. I just need you. You and Dhruv are my world, Anubhav ji. Please don’t ever do this to yourself again.” 

Her words filled with a tenderness that made him close his eyes for a moment, it was the first time after his parents death he felt that someone cared for him apart from his brother.

Nitara hugged him tightly, her sobs shaking both of them as she pressed desperate kisses to his battered cheeks. "Please don't ever do this to yourself," she cried. "Think about Dhruv, at least. What would he do without you?" Her voice broke as she pulled back slightly, her hands still clutching his shoulders. 

She lowered her gaze, her tears streaming. "I can’t bear to imagine a day when you don’t come home to us. Don’t you understand? You’re everything to us, to me," she whispered, her voice trembling with pain and love. 

As she stood to leave and compose herself, Anubhav's eyes fell on her. The silk robe she wore had loosened at the knot, offering a glimpse of the delicate lace lingerie underneath. His gaze lingered on her for a moment before it darted around the room—the soft glow of scented candles illuminating the space, the faint fragrance in the air. He quickly looked down, his cheeks tinged with warmth. 

He had noticed her small gestures lately—the way she dressed up before bed, the shy smiles she sent his way, and her lingering glances. Anubhav felt the same way, deeply drawn to her, yet he held back, afraid of rushing things. He wanted their moments to be special, free of any regret. 

Nitara was about to turn and walk away when he gently grasped her wrist. She paused, looking back at him in surprise. Before she could say anything, Anubhav pulled her into his lap with a sudden but tender motion. 

Her breath hitched as her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck. He rested his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling. Nitara closed her eyes, her heart pounding as she felt the tension melt away between them. 

Though nervous, Anubhav slowly leaned closer, his hand cupping the side of her face. His lips brushed against hers hesitantly, testing the waters, but her response came instantly. Nitara kissed him back, her fingers running through his hair as she poured all her emotions into that tender, heartfelt moment. 

It was a kiss filled with unspoken promises, love, and the hope of a shared future. When they finally broke apart, their foreheads still resting together, Nitara opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his. 

“I’ve been waiting for this,” she whispered softly, her voice trembling with emotion. 

Anubhav gave her a small, shy smile, his thumb gently wiping away the tear lingering on her cheek. His silver eyes held hers, silently expressing what he couldn’t say in words. She was his world, and he would do everything in his power to make her happy.

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