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मरहमी सा चाँद है तू
दिलजला सा मैं अँधेरा
एक-दूजे के लिए है
नींद मेरी, ख़्वाब तेरा

तू घटा है फुहार की, मैं घड़ी इंतज़ार की
अपना मिलना लिखा इसी बरस है ना?

The moment I stepped inside the house, the familiar warmth of the place welcomed me. It's a little different coming back to this house-still adjusting, still feeling like I was in between two worlds.

But it was home now. And that thought gave me a strange sense of peace.

As I was about to make my way into the living room, I heard a voice ring out.

"Bhabhi aagayi!"

It was Adarsh, always full of energy. He was sitting in the living room, but at the sound of my arrival, he immediately got up, his face breaking into one of his typical grins. The room suddenly felt lighter, more alive.

I smiled awkwardly, not really knowing what to expect. He was the younger brother of Sidharth Ji, and I wasn't exactly sure how to interact with him just yet.

He took a few quick steps toward me.

"Arre Bhabhi, kal toh hum nahi mil paaye, aaj aa aa gayi hai aap!"

His words were playful, as though he were excited to see me.

"Aaiye baithiye, baat karte hain!"

("Oh Bhabhi, we couldn't meet yesterday, and now you're here! Come on, sit down. Let's talk!")

I hesitated for a moment but then nodded, following him to the couch. He made me feel at ease in a way I wasn't used to, with his carefree nature.

I sat down, smoothing out the fabric of my saree nervously, trying not to show how uncertain I was about everything. Adarsh sat beside me, still radiating that same casual energy. He glanced over at me, grinning.

"So, Bhabhi, how's everything going? Settling in, okay?" he asked, his voice light, like he wasn't worried about anything.

I smiled shyly. "It's... it's going well. Slowly adjusting," I said, feeling a little awkward. But his cheerful demeanor made it easier.

Adarsh chuckled. "Arre, Aap toh bilkul sharma gayi ho!" he teased, playfully nudging me.

"Kya Bhabhi, zyada shy mat ho! Bhai ko dekho, vo toh kabhi nahi sharmaata!"

("Oh, you've gone shy!")

("Look at my brother. He never gets shy!")

I couldn't help but laugh, though a little embarrassed.

"Nai-Wo...," I replied softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

Adarsh leaned in a little, lowering his voice like he was about to share a secret.

"Acha bhabhi, how's bhai with you?" He raised an eyebrow mischievously, clearly teasing me. I bite my lips, not knowing how to tell him that his brother loves to ignore me.

"With us Sidharth bhai toh... gussa bhi ho jaate hain, par andar se, woh... woh thode soft bhi hain."

(Sidharth bhai, he gets angry sometimes, but deep down, he's... he's a bit soft, too.")

I blinked, surprised at his words. I had seen Sidharth ji in his serious, distant moments, but the thought of him being "soft" was something new.

"Sidharth ji?" I said, trying not to sound too curious & surprised

"Woh....aise?"

("Sidharth ji?")

("He's like that?")

Adarsh smiled knowingly, as if he had been waiting for me to ask.

"Haan Bhabhi, kabhi kabhi toh usse apne feelings ke baare mein baat karna bhi mushkil hota hai. Jaise woh apne aapko control karta hai, toh aise hi sabko lagta hai ki vo bohot strict hai."

("Yes, Bhabhi, sometimes it's hard for him to talk about his feelings. He controls himself so much that everyone thinks he's really strict.")

I tilted my head slightly, trying to absorb what he was saying. The idea of Sidharth being hesitant about showing his feelings made me want to understand him more.

I want to know more about him. To understand his better. I cleared my throat & looked at Adarsh. He was already looking at me like a child does expecting things.

"Aur... aapko pata hai ki unhe kya pasand hai?" I asked, trying to keep it casual, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity in my voice.

("And... do you know what he likes?")

Adarsh glanced at me with a mischievous look in his eyes, as if he knew exactly what I was getting at.

"Haan haan, yeh toh main Apko bataunga hi. Bhai ko chai bohot pasand hai, par... wo hamesha ekdum perfect chai chahiye hoti hai. Agar thodi si bhi galat ho gayi, toh vo apna mood... samajh jao, kuch kehna toh mushkil hai."

("Yes, yes, I'll tell you. My brother loves tea, but... he always wants it to be perfect. If it's even a little bit wrong, his mood... well, you can guess, it's hard to explain.")

I laughed softly, my cheeks warming.

"Ha?" I asked, a little taken aback. Now, I was getting much more interested in his talks. He even talks like ladies from my village.

("Really?")

Adarsh nodded with a wink.

"Haan, bilkul. Par vo kabhi zyada dikhata nahi. Bas chupke se, apne aap mein..." He made a quiet sound with his lips to mimic someone quietly, grumbling.

("Yes, exactly. But he never shows it. Just quietly... to himself...")

I was fascinated now. Sidharth Ji's small quirks were so different from what I had imagined. He was such a serious man, but hearing these little details made him feel more real to me.

As I continued to listen to Adarsh, I was subconsciously starting to piece together bits and pieces of Sidharth ji's personality. His likes, dislikes, and even the smallest habits that Adarsh was now revealing to me. It made me feel a little more connected to him.

Adarsh, catching on to my curiosity, raised an eyebrow and gave me a teasing smile.

"Bhabhi, lagta hai aapko apne pati me bahut interest aarha hai," he said in a playful tone.

"Mai to kehta hu, aap Kavi bas khare ho ke bhai ko itna dekhna, vo toh kaafi interesting hota hai."

(And I'll suggest you just stand quietly & watch bhai, that could be quite interesting.")

I blushed, looking down at my hands, a small laugh leaving my lips at his remarks. I was loving his company now.

Adarsh chuckled and nudged me gently.

"Bhabhi, koi baat nahi. Thora time lagega bhai ko jaane me but Thoda patience rakho," he said, this time seriously.

("Bhabhi, no problem. It will take time to understand bhai, Just be patient," he said, winking.)

Before I could respond, my mother-in-law entered the room. Her eyes immediately softened when she saw me smiling, and the warmth in her gaze made my heart swell.

"Kya baatein ho rahi hain bhabhi - devar ke beech?" she asked with a smile, raising an eyebrow playfully.

("What's going on between sister in law-brother in law")

I smiled at her warmly, grateful for her kind words. "Kuch nahi maa, wo bas..." I said quietly, feeling the weight of her love.

("Nothing, maa, just..." I said quietly, feeling the weight of her love.)

Just as Maa settled down on the sofa, Adarsh's phone rang. He looked at the cell & then looked at us.

Adarsh stood up with a grin. "Chalo, Bhabhi. Aapko thoda rest karna chahiye," he said with a sweet smile like comforting me.

"Agar kuch aur jaana ho toh, main hamesha yahan hoon!" And here's comes the wink.

("Come on, Bhabhi. You should rest a little," he said with a wink. "If you want to know anything else, I'm always here!")

I nodded, feeling a sense of calm. I had learned so much more than I expected, and though Sidharth remained a mystery in many ways, this little chat with Adarsh had opened a do or I hadn't known was there.

As I settled back on the sofa, feeling more relaxed after the lighthearted chat with Adarsh, Maa looked at me with a warm smile. Her presence was comforting in a way I hadn't expected, reminding me of my own mother's gentle care.

"Noor beta, tumhare papa kaise hain ab? Aur baki sab?" she asked, her voice soft and genuinely concerned.

("Noor, dear, how's your father now? And other?")

I looked up at her, and a fond smile appeared on my face. My father had gone through so much lately, and though his health had started to stabilize a bit.

"Ji, Maa... ab woh kaafi theek hain," I replied, nodding gently. "Unki tabiyat ab pehle se bohot better hai. Aur ghar par bhi sab log theek hain."

("Yes, Maa... he's doing much better now,")

("His health is a lot better than before. And everyone at home is well too.")

Maa's face softened, relief evident in her eyes as she gave me a reassuring smile. "Achha hai, beta. Tumhe kisi cheez ki chinta karne ki zaroorat nahi. Ab yeh tumhara ghar hai, aur yahan sab tumhare apne hain," she said, gently placing a hand on my shoulder.

("That's good, dear. You don't need to worry about anything. This is your home now, and everyone here is family.")

I nodded, grateful for her kindness and understanding. I could still feel the fatigue from the wedding festivities lingering in my bones, but Maa seemed to notice it even before I could say anything.

"Thodi der rest kar lo beta, lunch mein abhi waqt hai," she suggested with a gentle smile.

"Shadi ke dino mein tumhe thakawat toh hui hi hogi."

("Get some rest, dear; there's still some time before lunch,")

("The wedding days must have tired you out.")

I gave her a grateful smile, thankful for the chance to rest. "Ji, Maa," I said softly, standing up and heading towards the room that was now ours-mine and Sidharth ji's. Just thinking about sharing that space with him made me feel both nervous and... oddly excited. There was a newness to everything that I couldn't quite put into words.

Once inside, I closed the door gently and let out a quiet sigh. The room was filled with subtle reminders of Sidharth ji-his clothes neatly arranged, his books on the shelf, his faint scent lingering in the air. I walked to the closet, choosing a comfortable cotton suit, and slowly changed out of my formal attire. I felt a bit more like myself, no longer wrapped up in all the wedding finery.

Turning around, my gaze fell on the bed. My thoughts suddenly slowed, and I felt my cheeks warm. Should I...? The bed looked soft, inviting, but the idea of lying there, where Sidharth ji would also rest...that too after how brutally he ignored me that night? It felt like crossing a line I wasn't ready for. But then again, I was exhausted, and my mind was starting to feel foggy with sleep.

Hum bas thodi der ke liye hi soiyge.

I thought to myself, convincing myself it wasn't a big deal.

Lunch se pehle uth jaungyge... unhe pata bhi nahi chalega.

I talked with my cherry shaped pillow, who I was clutching in my hand.

("I'll just sleep for a little while, I'll wake up before lunch... he won't even know.")

I approached the bed, hesitating for just a moment longer, then finally lay down, sinking into its softness. The exhaustion that had built up over the past few days began to catch up with me. My eyelids grew heavy as I stared up at the ceiling, my thoughts drifting back to Sidharth ji.

Who was this man I had married? I'd only caught glimpses of him, his serious expressions, the way he always seemed deep in thought, the calm but firm way he held himself. I wondered what he was like beneath that quiet surface, what kind of dreams and fears he carried.

I wanted to know, to understand him, and a part of me felt that maybe he'd want to understand me too... eventually.

The thought of his presence beside me brought a strange sense of nervousness yet comfort, like I was safe in a way I hadn't felt before. As my eyes began to close, I found myself smiling softly, without even realizing it.

Before I knew it, my thoughts had drifted away, and I slipped into a gentle sleep while cuddling my baby pillow, unaware of the world around me, wrapped in a comforting calm.

For the first time in days after my marriage, I felt at peace, as if I was exactly where I needed to be.
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I was still deep in sleep, my body heavy and relaxed, tucked under the soft blanket, lost in the comfort of slumber. My mind drifted in a haze of dreams, and for a while, I forgot where I was.

Then, I felt it.

A shift, a slight tug, as if something or someone was near. I stirred in my sleep, the sensation pulling me from the depths of my dreams. My pillow, which I had gripped tightly, felt lighter. My fingers instinctively tightened their hold, but then-nothing.

I slowly opened my eyes, blinking to adjust to the dim light of the room. And then, I saw him.

Siddharth ji

His face was inches from mine, his features sharp, intense, and so... close. My breath caught in my throat, my heart skipping a beat. His eyes met mine instantly, and the air between us grew thick with something unspoken. My pulse raced, and I felt the heat spread across my face.

His hand was right there, inches away from me, resting on the pillow I was holding onto. His fingers lightly brushed the fabric, like he was trying to take it from me, but he hesitated, his hand just hovering with a frustrated look on his face.

"Sidharth ji..." I whispered, my voice soft, almost unsure. It was the first thing that came out of my mouth despite the tension in the air.

He didn't respond immediately. He just stared, and in that moment, everything felt still. His eyes were intense, not soft, not kind, but commanding, as if he was measuring something in me. His posture alone demanded attention. The way he stood, the firmness in his gaze, the way he held himself... there was an undeniable dominance in his every move.

My breath hitched. He was so close-his presence was overwhelming. I could feel the heat of his body, the way his muscles moved under his shirt as he shifted, leaning forward just slightly. The simple act of him reaching for the pillow, my pillow, made me confused.

He broke the eye contact first, dropping his hand away from the pillow, almost immediately, but there was no relief. His gaze still lingered on me, still frustrated, his eyes intense as they slowly moved to the side, his jaw tightening slightly as he ruffled his hair, trying to look composed.

I couldn't understand what was happening-this sudden shift in the room, the way he made me feel. The distance between us was small, but it felt like an entire world.

I slowly sat up, my legs a little unsteady, still dazed from sleep. I waited for him to say something, at least explain what he was doing this close to me, but there were none. Deciding he wasn't going to say anything, I decided to explain myself.

"I... I don't know how I ended up here," I stammered, my words fumbling out. My voice shook slightly, and I immediately felt the awkwardness settle between us.

"It's fine," Siddhart Ji said in his usual deep tone, but there was no warmth in it. It was distant, controlled, like he was used to being the one in charge. His voice alone had a power to it, a quiet strength that made me feel small in comparison.

I quickly glanced around, my suit was ridden up, hairs were messy, I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment, but I couldn't pull myself away from the strange pull I felt toward him.

I rose to my feet, my hands automatically going to fix my hair, smoothing it down nervously. As I glanced up, I caught a glimpse of him watching me. His gaze was sharp, studying me with quiet intensity. He didn't look away, and I felt an unfamiliar pressure build in my chest.

I couldn't look at him for long, so I quickly shifted my focus, trying to regain my composure. But then, my eyes inadvertently drifted to the side, landing on his neck. The tattoo that peeked out from under his shirt caught my attention, and my face went crimson.

I quickly looked away, but I could feel my heart racing. What was happening? My body felt tense, like I was walking on the edge of something unknown. I knew I should say something, but the words caught in my throat. The tension in the air between us was thick, like a storm waiting to break.

And then, I heard it. The softest sound-the sound of a breath, maybe even a chuckle from Siddhart ji. It was barely audible, but I knew it was directed at me. The slight twitch of his lips told me everything. He could sense my discomfort, my nervousness.

I swallowed hard, not sure what to do next. Was this what it was like with him?

Siddhart ji, in all his controlled power, seemed to notice my discomfort, and for a moment, I thought he would say something more. Instead, he just turned away, adjusting his shirt like nothing had happened. His movements were deliberate and confident, but there was still that lingering energy between us, thick and undeniable.

I couldn't help but blush even deeper, trying to ignore the fact that he was so close, so real, and so... overpowering. I didn't know how I ended up in this situation or what exactly was happening between us, but one thing was clear: Siddhart Ji had a way of making everything feel uncertain yet strangely compelling.

I stood there in the room, the silence almost deafening as Siddhart ji moved to the door, his back turned to me, preparing to leave. My heart was still racing, and every moment of what had just happened felt like a whirlwind I couldn't quite catch. His presence lingered in the air, thick and heavy, like a fog that wouldn't lift.

I was just about to move, but then something from the conversation I had with Adarsh earlier in the day came back to me. His words are so simple but so genuine. Siddharth ji loves tea. My mind caught on that detail, and before I knew it, my lips moved almost instinctively.

"Siddharth ji..." I said, so softly it barely reached the door, but it was enough to stop him in his tracks.

He paused, his back still turned, but I could feel the weight of his gaze on me even before he turned slightly to look at me. When he did, his eyes met mine, sharp and piercing. There was something in his expression-something deep and unreadable-that made my stomach flip. I couldn't put it into words, but his gaze felt like it could see right through me. It was commanding, intense, and... confusing in a way I couldn't explain.

"May I bring tea for you?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly, betraying the nervousness I felt.

He just looked at me for a moment longer, and I could hear the slow, deliberate intake of his breath. Then, finally, he spoke.

"Yes," he said, his voice deep, as though the word was a command.

I nodded, feeling the awkwardness still hanging in the air. Siddhart ji turned toward the door, his steps measured, leaving me standing there. I stayed frozen for a second, my mind still racing from everything that had just happened.

Taking a deep breath, I shook myself out of my thoughts, I was still blushing mess but nevertheless made my way toward the door, determined to pull myself together. But just as I was about to step out, I heard it.

"Noor."

My heart skipped a beat at the sound of my name, a tone I couldn't quite place. It wasn't commanding, but it had a weight to it-something that made me feel like he was waiting for me to answer.

I turned around quickly, my pulse quickening. "Ji?" I managed to say, my voice betraying a slight tremor.

He was still standing by the door, his posture casual, but there was something almost too casual about him. His gaze was fixed on me again, and this time, there was an almost... softening in his eyes, though it quickly disappeared as he spoke again.

"Please, cheeni kam."

I nodded, my cheeks suddenly burning. I didn't know why, but his request felt personal, intimate even, like he was allowing me to take care of him in some way.
A part of me, a small part, wanted to take care of him. I quickly nodded again, not trusting my voice.

"Ji," I whispered, as if it was the most natural thing to do.

I turned and headed to the kitchen, my mind still spinning. As I made my way down the hallway, I could hear the bustle of the house around me-the voices of staff, the faint sound of dishes being moved. When I entered the kitchen, I saw my mother-in-law, who was overseeing the preparations for dinner, and the other staff members working quickly.

I paused for a moment, noticing the time. Dinner time, I thought to myself. My stomach fluttered, realizing how much I had lost track of the time while I was sleeping.

I approached my mother-in-law, who was working quietly but smiled warmly when she saw me. I immediately felt a sense of warmth from her. I quickly apologized to her for being late.

"Beta, koi baat nahi," she said, as though she sensed my unease. "Ab ghar tumhara bhi hai, it doesn't matter who works, aaj nahi toh kal kar lo. Abhi rest karo, baad mein dekh lenge."

("Now your home is also here. It doesn't matter who works. Whether it's today or tomorrow, you'll do it eventually." Rest for now. We'll deal with it later.")

Her words were soothing, like a balm on my tired, confused mind.

"Noor,Ghar tumhara hai," she repeated softly, the words making me feel like I was a part of something bigger. Like I truly belonged here.

I smiled softly at her, touched by her words, and nodded. "Thank you, Maa"

She smiled back, her eyes kind and filled with understanding.

"Aaj ka din tumhare liye thoda zyada ho gaya hoga. Aaj bas apna waqt le lo. Baad mein baaki sab ho jayega."

("Today must have been a bit too much for you. Just take your time today. Everything else will be taken care of later.")

Her assurance made my heart feel lighter. I didn't expect to be so warmly accepted so quickly.

I turned to prepare the tea, my mind still swirling with the thoughts of Siddharth and that strange moment between us.

Was he just being his usual self? Or was there something more? And the way he spoke to me... I couldn't quite shake off the feeling that there was something hidden beneath his words.

Hey bhagwan!! I think a lot.

But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on making the tea for him. Something in me wanted to get it just right. maybe, just maybe, it was because I wanted to do something for him, in whatever small way I could. As I stepped inside, one of the maids came up to me with a smile.

"Ma'am, please leave it, we will make the tea," she offered politely.

I paused for a moment, considering her words. But then, something stirred within me. I remembered how my mother always took care of everything herself. She made tea for my father, did all the work around the house, and never once expected anyone to do it for her. That thought made me resolve that I should do the same.

"No, it's alright," I said with a gentle smile. "I will make it myself."

She looked at me for a moment, then nodded with respect, stepping aside as I moved toward the stove. I quickly made the tea, pouring it into two cups-one for myself and one for Sidharth ji.

As I walked out of the kitchen, I noticed Adarsh wandering in the hallway. His eyes met mine, and before I could say anything, he spoke.

"Bhabi, Bhai ko khoj rahi hai? Bhai won't be in his room now," he said, his tone light, but there was something reassuring about it.

"He'll be in his study. Come, I'll take you."

A small weight lifted from my chest. At least now I knew where he was. I don't have to wander around. I nodded, following Adarsh at the end of the hallway. He knocked on Sidharth Ji's study door before opening it, allowing me to step in.

Sidharth was sitting in a chair, looking every bit the doctor he was, yet there was something more about him. He was so undeniably attractive. His sharp features were made even more striking by his glasses, and his posture exuded confidence.

His light blue eyes seemed to hold a certain electric fire, sending an odd shiver down my spine. When he looked up at me, the air felt thicker, charged with something unspoken.

I placed the tea on the table in front of him, standing there for a moment, unsure of what to do.

Should I stay or leave? Should I go now or wait? His gaze lingered on me for a moment, his emotions unreadable. I couldn't quite place what I saw in his eyes-something intense, maybe even a little... challenging.

His voice broke the silence. "Thank you," he said, low but steady, his tone neither warm nor cold. He took the cup, lifting it to his lips, his eyes still on me for just a beat longer than was necessary.

A shudder ran through me. I didn't know why, but my heart seemed to skip a beat. I quickly murmured,

"I'll leave," my voice was barely above a whisper.

I turned and hurried out of the study, the confusion of that moment weighing heavily on me. Did he like the tea? Was it even good? I couldn't shake the question from my mind as I made my way back to the kitchen, unsure of how he had truly felt.

When I reached the kitchen, I picked up my own cup of tea with a small smile. My thoughts were still caught in that brief exchange. Maybe he liked it? Maybe not? It was hard to tell with him.

Taking a sip of my tea, I felt my face flush as I realized something. Instead of sugar, I had put salt in my tea.

I froze, the cup halfway to my lips. I couldn't believe it. With a deep sigh, I closed my eyes for a moment, shaking my head. Just my luck.
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