Good morning, pati dev... Ab uth bhi jaaiye," Sanyukta said softly, caressing his hair as he slept cozily on the cot, the faint rays of dawn filtering through the wooden windows.
They had reached Arnav's ancestral house around midnight, exhausted from the long journey, and had collapsed into their allocated room upstairs without another word.
"Function raat ko hai... let me sleep," he mumbled groggily, pulling the quilt over his face and burrowing deeper into the cot.
"Raat ko hai, but ye gaav ki shaadi hai... idhar wedding planners nahi hote," she countered, rolling her eyes and tugging the quilt away with playful determination. "Sab family members ki kuch na kuch responsibility hai, aur sab jaldi uth gaye hain—except you." Her tone was equal parts teasing and stern as she poked his arm for emphasis.
Ranvijay peeked through one eye, his expression half-annoyed, half-amused. "Responsibility? Mera kaam toh duniya ke saare pillows ko test karna hai. Abhi tak yeh wala best lag raha hai," he quipped, fluffing his pillow dramatically before attempting to snuggle back under the quilt.
"Ghar waale aa gaye?" Ranvijay asked, his voice heavy with sleep as he rubbed his eyes lazily.
Sanyukta nodded excitedly, her face lighting up. "Haan, sab aa gaye hain! Tabhi toh Avu yahan nahi hai," she informed him, crossing her arms as he hummed in acknowledgment.
"Haan toh problem solved," he muttered, adjusting his pillow with a smirk. "Bhai dekh lenge kaam... Mujhe disturb mat karo. Aur ek toh yahan thand bohot zyada hai..." He trailed off, closing his eyes again, pulling the quilt snugly over his shoulder.
Sanyukta groaned, glaring at him. "Papa ne specifically bola hai ki mujhe aapko uthana hai. Sab ki help kijiye, Ranvijay! Shaadi ke ghar mein itna kaun sota hai?" she scolded, leaning over to pat his cheek in an attempt to wake him.
He groaned dramatically, opening one eye to glare at her. "Uth gaya! Ab jaa yahan se," he grumbled, rubbing his face as he sat up sluggishly.
Sanyukta grinned knowingly. "Of course... so you can sleep again, right?" she teased with a chuckle, raising an eyebrow at his frustrated expression.
He squinted at her, annoyed but too groggy to argue. "Kuch zyada hi hasi aa rahi hai," he mumbled, narrowing his eyes.
Her laughter only grew louder as she took in his disheveled state. His messy hair and sleepy face made her unable to hold back.
Ranvijay sighed in mock exasperation, then suddenly reached out and grabbed her braid, tugging her closer. "Hassi toh abhi band karta hoon," he said, his voice low and teasing, making her gasp as he gently pulled her near.
"Ranvijay!" she hissed, but the glint in his eyes silenced her. His gaze softened as he took in her appearance—she looked breathtaking in her saree, her arms jingling with bangles that caught the morning light.
"Abhi bhi cramps hain kya?" he asked softly, his hands wrapping around her waist as he pulled her onto his lap, his concern evident in his tone.
Sanyukta smiled warmly, touched by his care. "I’m better now," she whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. The affectionate gesture made his lips twitch into a small, satisfied smirk.
"Better hona bhi chahiye... kyunki massage kisne ki thi kal ," he quipped, teasing her making her cheeks flushed remembering the last night moments.
"Bohot achi lag rahi ho," Ranvijay murmured, his voice low and filled with admiration, his fingers gently caressing her waist. Sanyukta blushed deeply, her cheeks turning a rosy hue as she shyly nestled her face into the crook of his neck. His touch was tender, as his fingers lightly traced patterns over her back, sending a shiver down her spine.
"This is my first time in a village," she whispered softly, her fingers absentmindedly drawing patterns over his bare chest, her tone filled with curiosity and wonder.
"Aur kaisa lag raha hai aapko yahan, Sanyukta ji?" Ranvijay teased, tilting her chin upward to meet her gaze, his eyes sparkling with playful warmth.
"Bohot acha... par abhi maine ache se explore nahi kiya hai village," she replied, her voice tinged with excitement. "But I’m already in love with the lifestyle here," she added, her smile widening as she looked around the room in thought.
Ranvijay chuckled, amused by her enthusiasm. "Kaho toh yahin ek ghar bana lein?" he quipped, raising an eyebrow, his lips curling into a playful smile.
Sanyukta giggled at his suggestion, her laughter soft and sweet. "Aapke Dadi ji ka koi village nahi hai kya?" she asked, curious to know more about his family roots.
Ranvijay nodded slightly, his expression turning thoughtful. "Haan, hai... par wahan hum log ka itna aana-jaana nahi hota ab," he said, his voice carrying a faint hint of nostalgia. "Kuch land dispute ho gaya tha, toh Dada ji ne zameen bech di thi," he added, shrugging lightly, though his tone betrayed a trace of regret.
Sanyukta nodded, understanding the situation. The peacefulness of the village, paired with the simplicity of life here, had already captivated her.
"Kya lenge aap... chai, coffee ya doodh?" Sanyukta asked sweetly, her eyes twinkling as she tried to keep the mood light.
Ranvijay smirked, leaning closer, his thumb brushing over her lower lip with deliberate slowness, sending a wave of shivers down her spine. "Kuch aur nahi hai kya menu mein?" he teased, his voice husky and laced with mischief.
Sanyukta’s breath hitched, her composure faltering as his touch lingered. "Der ho jaayegi..." she managed to whisper, her voice barely audible as her heart raced.
"Jaldi kise hai?" he murmured, raising an eyebrow with a teasing glint in his eyes, pulling her even closer by the back of her neck.
Her cheeks flushed crimson as she bit down on her lower lip nervously, unable to look away from his intense gaze. The tension in the air was palpable, the playful banter between them giving way to a charged moment that neither seemed in a hurry to break.
"Chachuuuuuu!" Aarvi’s cheerful voice rang out as she barged into the room, dragging Avu along with her.
Sanyukta immediately got up, her cheeks still pink, while Ranvijay leaned back casually, a lazy smile spreading across his face. "Here come my two chambers of heart!" he announced dramatically, opening his arms wide. The kids wasted no time, rushing over to hug him tightly.
"Heart ke toh chaar chambers hote hain... agar do ye hain, toh baaki do kaun hai?" Sanyukta asked with a smirk, busy arranging his scattered belongings on the other cot.
Ranvijay shot her a playful glance. "Baaki do mein aaltu-faltu ke log hain... tere jaise," he quipped, earning a laugh from her.
"Chaliye, jagah toh mili kisi chamber mein," she replied with a grin, shaking her head at his wit.
"Haan, unn do chambers mein kaafi jagah hai," he said with mock seriousness. "Sab aajate hain wahan... tum bhi." He planted a quick kiss on Avu and Aarvi’s cheeks, making them giggle, while Sanyukta shook her head, amused at his antics.
"Get ready fast. Main tumhare in do chambers ka dhyaan rakhti hoon tab tak," she said, gesturing to the kids.
Ranvijay nodded, stretching as he got up. Aarvi turned to Sanyukta suddenly, tugging on her saree. "Chachiii, where’s my dress?" she asked, her big eyes filled with curiosity.
Sanyukta crouched down, kissing Aarvi’s tiny palm. "I’ve kept it safe, baby. Shaam ko pehna doongi, theek hai?" she assured, cupping her chubby cheeks lovingly.
"But I want to see it now!" Aarvi pouted, her lower lip jutting out adorably.
Sanyukta chuckled, unable to resist her cuteness. She walked over to the cupboard and pulled out the dress they’d picked while shopping, showing it to Aarvi. The little girl squealed in delight, clapping her hands in excitement.
"Diduuu, com... lesss gooo!" Avu said, holding Aarvi’s hand as they ran off, giggling, their bond evident in every step.
Sanyukta followed closely behind, her protective instincts kicking in as she ensured they didn’t trip on the stairs.
"Sanyuktaaaa... acha hua tum aa gayi. Kitchen mein tumhari zarurat hai, beta," Pushpa called out from downstairs, relief evident in her voice.
"Ji, Maa," Sanyukta replied, heading toward the bustling kitchen where the ladies were busy with preparations.
"Bhabhi, aap baith jao. Main yeh kar leti hoon," she said to Anjali, gesturing toward the salad station. Anjali nodded with a grateful smile, taking a seat nearby.
Sanyukta joined the others, expertly rolling rotis as the chatter in the kitchen filled the air.
"Bhabhiii, Ranvijay Bhai ke liye coffee bana do," Kirti called out, entering the kitchen.
Sanyukta handed the rolling pin to Sonam, smiling. "Main abhi banati hoon." She moved to prepare coffee, her hands swift and practiced.
"Bahu, halwai aa gaye hain. Unko garam paani chaiye. Chule pe ek bada patra rakh do," one of the elderly women instructed her.
"Ji," Sanyukta said politely, carefully placing a large pot over the clay stove. She lit the fire under it, her movements steady and confident, as the kitchen hummed with the sounds of clinking utensils, bubbling pots, and cheerful conversations.
"Anjali, Sanyukta... jo saaman hum laaye hain—sabke gifts aur jewelry—woh courtyard mein laga do. Sab log dekhne ke liye aa gaye hain," Pushpa announced, her voice carrying over the hustle of the house.
"Thik hai, Maa," Anjali replied, turning to Sanyukta. "Sanyukta, tum coffee deke aa jana. Main tab tak dekh leti hoon." With that, Anjali and Pushpa left the kitchen to handle the arrangements.
Sanyukta quickly prepared the coffee and took it to Ranvijay, who gave her a warm smile as she handed it to him. "Aapki coffee, huzoor," she teased, trying to mask her exhaustion with humor.
Ranvijay sipped the coffee with a contented hum. "Perfect, jaise tum ho," he said, making her blush before she hurried back to help Anjali.
Once in the courtyard, Sanyukta got busy alongside Anjali, arranging the gifts and explaining their significance to the gathering ladies. Ranveer soon called Anjali away for some urgent work, leaving Sanyukta to manage the crowd on her own.
"Yeh chhoti bahu hai na tumhari, Pushpa?" an elderly lady asked, her gaze fixed on Sanyukta as she carefully set out the jewelry.
Pushpa nodded with a proud smile. "Haan, chhoti bahu hai meri."
"Chhori toh sundar hai... aur kaam bhi sab kar rahi hai," the lady commented, nodding in approval. But her next words cut through the air like a knife, leaving Sanyukta momentarily frozen. "Lekin maine suna hai, yeh doosri shaadi hai iski, aur pehle wale se ek bacha bhi hai?"
Pushpa’s expression remained calm, but her voice was firm as she replied, "Ji, thik suna hai aapne. Kabhi-kabhi kuch bure log mil jaate hain zindagi mein. Aise logon ko chhod ke aage badhna hi thik hota hai." Her tone left no room for argument, though the lady gave a reluctant nod.
Sensing Sanyukta’s discomfort, Pushpa turned to her with a gentle smile. "Beta, jao, Dadi ko khana de do," she said, effectively sending her away to spare her from further prying stares.
Sanyukta nodded silently, picking up the food tray and walking away. Her steps were steady, but her mind churned with the weight of the judgmental glances and hushed whispers around her.
Even as she busied herself helping the other women and ensuring everything was perfect, the sting of being the subject of gossip lingered. Nobody had directly confronted her, but the subtle looks and side conversations were enough to make her mood plummet.
These comments were not new to her; she had faced them ever since she made the decision to leave Naman. The stares, the whispers, the unspoken questions—they were all a part of the baggage she carried.
But Sanyukta knew better than to let it consume her. She had learned long ago that it was futile to answer or prove herself to people who had already formed their opinions. With a deep breath, she steeled herself and decided to focus on what truly mattered: her family, her happiness, and most importantly, her son, Avu. Their love and support were the only things that truly counted.
“Oh, hello! Kaha dhyan hai tera? Kab se bol raha hu tujhe!” Ranvijay flicked her forehead, snapping Sanyukta out of her thoughts.
“Jiii… kya keh rahe the aap?” she asked, brushing off her lingering thoughts.
“Jiii, main yeh keh raha tha ki khana de dijiye, Sanyukta jii…” he said with mock drama, making her chuckle.
Sanyukta brought him the food and sat beside him, her gaze lingering on his handsome face.
“Mera pet dukhna toh thik nahi rahega,” he blurted suddenly, making her frown in confusion.
“Bhook lagi hai toh khaa le, mere khane ko kyun ghoor rahi hai?” he teased, making her laugh.
“Le, khaa!” he said, offering her a morsel. “I can’t take the risk now.”
She took the bite immediately, smiling at his antics.
“Kaha kho gayi thi?” he asked, his tone softening as he observed her.
“Kahi nahi… bas aise hi,” she replied with a dismissive smile.
“Main bahar jaa raha hu kisi kaam se. Shaam tak aaunga,” he informed her, and her face fell slightly.
“Main bhi chalungi,” she said, surprising him.
“Main Phupha ji ke saath jaa raha hu,” he replied, tugging her nose playfully. “Aur itni der toh door rehna padega, although I know tu mere bina nahi reh sakti.”
“Haan toh isme bura kya hai?” she asked, catching him off guard with her honesty.
“Mere pyaar mein pagal ho gayi hai tu,” he teased, winking.
“Bilkul bhi nahi… aisa kuch nahi hai. It’s just that you keep me entertained,” she said, suppressing a smile.
“Hmm… sahi hai tera. Ab shaam tak koi aur joker dhoondh le entertainment ke liye,” he said, biting into his food.
“Nahi, mujhe toh mera personal joker hi chahiye,” she replied, stifling a laugh.
“Ab kya karein. Acha bhala aadmi joker hi ban jaata hai shaadi ke baad,” he said with mock sadness, making her laugh uncontrollably.
“Uff, Ranvijay! Mera pet dukh raha hai haske ab,” she said, wiping her eyes.
“Kya hai aap?” she asked, resting her chin on her palm, a constant smile on her face.
“Kya hai aap nahi! Bol, bohot acha hu, bohot handsome hu, aur tu bohot lucky hai jo tujhe main mila,” he said smugly, making her chuckle.
“Okayyy… Thank you for the food, ma’am. Agar aapki ijaazat ho toh aapka personal joker ab kaam par jaaye,” he said, bowing theatrically as he got up.
“Joker nahi hai aap… don’t say that,” she said, cupping his face and kissing his forehead.
“Abey, kya ho raha hai tujhe, haan?” he asked, wiping a lone tear from her cheek. “Is it because you’re on your periods?”
She shook her head, sniffing lightly.
“Toh mood swings kyun ho rahe hain? Abhi itna has rahi thi, aur ab ro rahi hai. Dimag ki wiring mein gadbad hai kya?” he teased, making her pout.
“Aap mera mazaak uda rahe ho!” she said, feeling offended.
“Nahi, mazaak kahan? Aur waise, mazaak toh tu udaa rahi thi mera… joker bol ke,” he replied, grinning.
“Jaaiye, mujhe nahi baat karni aapse. Aap mujhe bilkul nahi samajhte,” she huffed, turning away, making him laugh.
“Yaar, tu pagal kar degi mujhe, Sanyukta,” he said, pulling her into a hug. She sighed and wrapped her arms around him.
“Aaj ladies’ sangeet hai. Gaon mein males include nahi hote, mujhe Bhabhi ne bataya,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder.
“I know. Tu enjoy karna phir,” he said, patting her cheek. “Tujhe hi excitement ho rahi thi gaon ki shaadi attend karne ki.”
She smiled at his words and planted a kiss on his cheek before he left, playfully slapping the back of her head and calling her a cartoon.
At Night – Ladies' Sangeet
Sanyukta got ready for the sangeet along with Anjali, her mood cheerful and light. She adorned a beautiful lehenga, her happiness evident in her radiant smile. She was eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the ladies' sangeet.
Meanwhile, Ranvijay and the other men were in the front yard, laughing and joking as they enjoyed themselves. Avu and Aarvi were with him, happily playing under his watchful eye.
The sangeet began with full enthusiasm, the courtyard buzzing with the melodious sounds of traditional marriage folk songs sung by the village ladies. Everything felt fresh and exhilarating for Sanyukta, who soaked in the lively atmosphere.
Soon, Anu and Kirti began dancing, their infectious energy drawing the cousins into the fun. With mischievous smiles, they pulled Sanyukta into the circle.
“Arre, mujhe kyu kheench rahi ho?” Sanyukta giggled, but she gave in and joined them.
As the music picked up, Sanyukta began dancing with grace and fluidity. Her movements were so captivating that the women stopped to watch her in awe. She moved effortlessly, her natural talent for dancing shining brightly.
At the same time, Ranvijay approached the sangeet area with Aarvi and Avu, planning to leave the kids with Sanyukta so he could join the men for drinks. But as soon as his eyes landed on her, he froze.
Standing at the edge of the crowd, he watched, mesmerized. The way she danced, her laughter echoing amidst the beats, left him speechless. She looked utterly enchanting, her happiness radiating from every step she took.
Sensing his intense gaze, Sanyukta glanced up, her eyes meeting his. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson when she saw him standing there, unable to tear his eyes away.
Ranvijay gestured for Aarvi and Avu to go inside, and they obediently ran toward Sanyukta. Once they were settled, he signaled her to step outside.
Sanyukta excused herself, her heart racing as she followed him to the backyard, where the moonlight bathed everything in a soft glow.
“Mujhe pata hi nahi tha meri biwi itna acha dance kar leti hai,” Ranvijay said, his voice low and teasing as he pulled her closer by her waist.
“Vese, aapko dekhna allowed nahi tha,” she replied, her voice shy but playful. “Ladies’ sangeet hai ye.”
Ranvijay smirked, leaning in until their faces were just inches apart. “Main allowed hoon jab baat tumhari ho,” he murmured near her ear, his breath tickling her skin and sending a shiver down her spine.
Her hands instinctively clutched his shirt as her blush deepened. “Aap bhi na…” she whispered, unable to hide her smile.
“Aur tum… tum toh hamesha surprise kar deti ho,” he said, his fingers tracing light patterns on her waist, making her tremble under his touch.
The faint sound of music and laughter from the sangeet faded in the background as they stood there, lost in their own little world.
Sanyukta's breath caught in her throat as his lips traced a slow path down her neck , each kiss sending a shiver through her body .
Her fingers instinctively gripped the fabric of his kurta , sensation of his kisses on her skin making her pulse quicken .
"Ranvijay....." She whispered, her voice a soft tremor, as he pressed his lips harder against her skin , the kisses now deeper and more urgent.
His hand moved to her round breast gropping it in his palm...his touch ignited a fire that spread through her with every Caress.
She inhaled sharply, feeling a wave of pleasure course through her every inch ...her heart raced , his every move igniting something new in her .
He leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a soft but urgent kiss, pressing her gently back against the wall. The world around them seemed to fade as Sanyukta’s hands instinctively found his nape, her fingers threading through his hair, as she let herself be enveloped by the warmth and closeness of the moment.
He knelt down and sucked on her bare waist driving Sanyukta absolutely crazy while his hands never left her breast.
She held his shoulder to keep herself steady. "Ahhhhh......" she hissed grabbing his hair as he bit on her navel .
He got up and turned her around , kissing on her exposed back . His touch was demanding and filled with an undeniable desire.
"Ranvijayyyyyy......koi aa raha hai......" Sanyukta managed to whisper as she heard footsteps approaching,while he sucked on her nape lost completely in her .
As Kirti’s voice echoed from afar, Ranvijay’s breath faltered. He cursed under his breath, reluctantly pulling back from her.
He gently tugged Sanyukta into a quiet corner, his eyes never leaving hers. There was a soft tension in the air as he moved closer, his hand brushing her cheek.
“Please, let me go for now,” she whispered, the softness in her voice tinged with a quiet plea. She felt the weight of his gaze, but she could sense the deep affection in it.
He exhaled sharply, his forehead resting against hers. “No,” he murmured, the warmth of his words making her heart flutter. "Just a little longer."
Sanyukta shifted slightly, her fingers brushing against his chest, as if trying to steady her thoughts. "I can’t," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. "I’m on my periods..." She looked up at him, her face flushed with both embarrassment and affection.
Ranvijay paused, the intensity in his eyes softening. He let out a deep sigh, his hand cupping her face gently. "I understand," he said, his voice low and comforting. "We’ll take it slow, whenever you’re ready."
Her heart raced at the tenderness in his words. She smiled softly, touched by his patience, and understanding.
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