It was a late Sunday morning, and the house was wrapped in a peaceful, quiet stillness. Everyone was home, enjoying the calm of the day.
The silence was broken when Sanyukta entered the room, followed closely by Avu and Aarvi, their little faces bursting with excitement.
“If you both want to go cycling, you’ll have to wake him up first,” Sanyukta said, pointing at Ranvijay, who was sound asleep on the bed, his soft breathing the only sign of life.
Without hesitation, the kids sprang into action. They climbed onto the bed, their little hands shaking him, their fingers patting his cheek, and their tiny bodies wriggling over him.
“Daddyyyy… good morninggg… wakke uppp!” Avu chirped, planting a quick kiss on his cheek. Ranvijay chuckled, his eyes flickering open lazily, and as soon as he saw his children’s faces, his heart melted.
“Good morning, my babiesss…” he whispered, his arms instinctively wrapping around them as they giggled in delight. The room filled with their infectious laughter.
“Chachuuu… cycling karni hai!” Aarvi demanded, her voice bright with anticipation, her big eyes twinkling. Ranvijay smiled widely, nodding in response.
“Of course we will,” he said, leaning down to shower them both with kisses, earning more excited giggles from the two of them.
“Now go finish your breakfast,” Sanyukta said with a smile, her voice teasing as she watched them scurry out of the room, their little feet pattering across the floor.
Ranvijay stretched, a satisfied grin crossing his face as he sat up. His eyes met Sanyukta’s, and he saw the soft smile she wore—one of triumph, clearly enjoying the little victory of getting him out of bed.
He pulled her into his arms, pressing a playful kiss to her forehead. “Badi hassi aa rahi hai,” he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement. She couldn't help but giggle, the sound light and warm, filling the room with happiness.
"Ahhhhh..... "Sanyukta hissed as he groped her breast , sending a rush of warmth through her body .
Her heart raced ,the playful tension between them building as his hands lightly traced her curves , sending shivers down her spine.
"Shall I punish you for waking me up "he murmured with a mischievous glint in his eyes, his voice low and teasing .
“Stop it!” she laughed, her arms around him, both of them holding onto the moment of joy their little ones had brought. The morning sun streamed in, casting a soft glow over the room, making the moment feel like something out of a perfect family story.
"Bacho ne jagaya hai… maine kuch nahi kiya," Sanyukta said quickly, trying to defend herself with a playful tone.
"Tune hi bola hai unhe," Ranvijay replied, his fingers slowly slipping inside her kurta, his touch gentle but electric, making her heart skip a beat.
"It's 10 AM… jaldi toh nahi uthaya na?" she teased, wiggling as his fingers grazed her back, sending a ticklish sensation through her.
"Mat kijiye na..." she murmured, her breath catching as she held his hand to stop him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of desire and restraint.
"Abhi toh kuch kiya hi nahi hai, biwi," Ranvijay smirked, his fingers tracing the delicate lace of her bra, sending warmth flooding through her body, making her cheeks blush deeper.
"Bache wait kar rahe honge..." she whispered, shyly looking away, but her words caught in her throat as he gently bit her cheek.
" Cycling se aate time... I'll get everything I need, and then you and I will be locked in this room for the whole afternoon..." he whispered in her ear, his voice thick with anticipation, making her shiver.
"But Sunday hai, and sab ghar pe hain..." she reasoned, her voice a mix of protest and excitement.
"I don't care," he said with finality, his tone brokering no argument. "I want you, and I will have you."
Sanyukta slapped his arm lightly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite her best efforts to stay composed. "Aap bhi na , Ranvijay," she giggled, her heart racing as his words echoed in her mind.
Ranvijay got ready and made his way downstairs, where Avu and Aarvi were already eagerly waiting for him, each wearing their helmets, looking as excited as ever. He couldn't help but chuckle at their enthusiasm.
"Sanyuktaaaa..." he called out, and she appeared from the kitchen with his coffee and breakfast, her smile lighting up the room.
He sat down beside his Dadi on the couch, taking a bite of his breakfast. Avu and Aarvi stood next to him, bouncing on their toes, impatience written all over their faces.
"Daddyyyy, look at my hemlettt!" Avu said, pointing to his helmet with an adorable grin, causing everyone to burst out laughing at his cute pronunciation.
"It's helmet, son," Ranvijay corrected him, taking a bite of his toast and feeding it to Avu.
"Yesss, hemlettttt!" Avu said with an even bigger grin, making Ranvijay smile and kiss the top of his head.
"No, Avu..." Sanyukta said gently, but Ranvijay gave her a subtle signal to stay quiet.
"Let me be... it’s kind of cute. Phir badhā hoke toh usse sab thik bolna hi hai," Ranvijay said, making Sanyukta chuckle at his reasoning.
"Chachuuu... hurryyy up please..." Aarvi muttered with a pout, her impatience growing. Ranvijay nodded, standing up.
"Let's go," he said, and both kids sprinted towards the door with excitement. Ranvijay followed behind them, grabbing the water bottle that Sanyukta handed him for the kids.
"Tum aana chahogi?" he asked, looking back at her.
"Nahi, aap log jaaye... I will help Maa and Bhabhi with lunch," she said, smiling at his caring nature.
"As you wish..." he shrugged, walking toward the exit.
Ranveer had gone to play cricket with his friends as usual, while Anushka was in her room, having stayed up late after her friend's birthday party the night before.
The ladies got busy in the kitchen, preparing lunch, while Indira Devi was engrossed in the repeat telecast of her favorite serial that she had missed during the week.
Pratap, as usual, was in the garden, tending to the plants and enjoying his peaceful time with nature.
*********
“Maa, kichadi kiske liye banai hai?” Sanyukta asked Pushpa ji with a frown as she walked into the kitchen.
“Anu ke liye... kal party mein kuch ulta-sidha khaa liya hoga usne... ab usse acha nahi lag raha,” Pushpa ji replied with a concerned expression.
“Mei de aati hoon,” Sanyukta offered, taking the plate from Pushpa ji’s hands. She moved toward Anushka’s room upstairs, the plate of food in her hands.
After knocking and receiving no answer, she pushed the door open.
“Anuuuu…” Sanyukta called, and Anushka’s voice responded from the bathroom.
“Ye ladki bhi na… pura room bhikra pada hai,” Sanyukta chuckled, shaking her head as she walked in, beginning to tidy up the room.
As she straightened the bed, her eyes landed on a small packet of contraceptive pills tucked under the pillow. She paused for a moment, then continued to make the bed, keeping it in the back of her mind.
Anushka came out of the bathroom, and her face paled as she saw Sanyukta holding the contraceptive pills.
“Vo actually, Bhabhi… I wanted to delay my periods a bit… isliye laayi thi,” Anushka said, her voice faltering slightly.
Sanyukta nodded in understanding, placing the pills in the drawer. “I see,” she said softly.
“How are you feeling now?” Sanyukta inquired, concern in her voice.
Anushka gave a small smile, her usual carefree demeanor returning. “A little ajeeb…” she said in her typical style, making Sanyukta chuckle softly.
“Have your kichadi now,” Sanyukta said, gesturing toward the food tray she had brought for her. Anushka nodded and started eating.
Sanyukta sat beside her, watching her eat as they chatted casually.
“College mein sab kaisa chal raha hai, Anu?” Sanyukta asked casually, trying to keep the mood light.
“Sab acha hai, Bhabhi,” Anushka replied with a smile.
“Vicky ne dobara pareshan toh nahi kiya na?” Sanyukta asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
“Of course not… Bhai has taken care of him well,” Anushka said, making Sanyukta smile with relief.
They chatted for a while, and then Sanyukta left her to rest.
Pushpa ji had gone out to give tea to Pratap in the garden, leaving Sanyukta and Anjali alone in the kitchen.
“Bhabhi… Anu ka koi boyfriend hai kya?” Sanyukta asked, her tone light but curious.
Anjali raised her eyebrows and frowned slightly. “Nahi… kabhi usne bataya toh nahi. Apne crush ka toh bolti rehti hai vo… but I don’t think ki boyfriend hai. Kyu, kya hua?”
“Nahi hua toh kuch nahi,” Sanyukta said with a shrug, though her curiosity remained. “But I saw contraceptive pills in her room, and she told me she wanted to delay her periods for her friend’s birthday... so she got them.”
“Pagal ladki hai…” Anjali commented, rolling her eyes. Sanyukta chuckled softly, appreciating Anjali’s straightforwardness.
By the time they were done with lunch, Ranveer, Ranvijay, and the kids were back home, their laughter filling the house once again.
"Jao pehle sab log naha ke aao... phir hi lunch milega," Pushpa ji told everyone, making Ranvijay sigh dramatically.
"Maa, yaar, nahane ki energy nahi bachi hai... let me have something, phir naha lunga," Ranvijay muttered, leaning back in his chair.
"Main bhi lunch ke baad hi naha lunga, maa," Ranveer added, supporting his brother.
Meanwhile, the kids nodded sincerely, getting up from their seats.
"Sikho kuch apne bacho se... pata nahi mere hi bache itne nalayak kyu hain," Pushpa ji muttered under her breath, shaking her head at them.
"Inko toh inki maa nehla degi... but hume khud nahana padega," Ranvijay said in his defense, making Pushpa ji shake her head once again.
"Bhai, pool mein chalein kya?" Ranvijay suggested, raising his brows.
"Nice idea! Common, kids... let’s have a pool lunch today!" Ranveer said, his excitement matching his brother’s. "Anjali, aaj lunch poolside arrange kar do," he added, and Anjali nodded in agreement.
Sanyukta and Anjali, with the help of Vidya Kaki, quickly arranged the lunch by the poolside and set up seating for everyone.
Avu was sitting on Ranvijay's shoulders, wearing nothing but his bloomers, splashing water everywhere and giggling cutely, enjoying every moment.
Aarvi, on the other hand, was learning to swim with Ranveer, who was patiently guiding her through the motions.
"Mumaaaaaaaa, luk..." Avu called out to Sanyukta, his enthusiasm infectious as he waved his hands.
Sanyukta smiled, watching her son, and then served Dadi and her father-in-law, Pratap. Meanwhile, Anjali made a plate for Anu and handed it to Vidya Kaki.
"Sabko bathrobe de do ab," Pushpa ji said, taking a bite of her food. "Mera khana yahi le aa... and take Avu," she added, gesturing toward Ranvijay.
Sanyukta carefully took Avu and Aarvi, wrapping them in soft bathrobes while Ranveer went to his room, leaving Ranvijay behind in the pool.
"Sabke jaane ke baad tu bhi aa jana pool mein," Ranvijay winked at Sanyukta, a teasing smile on his face.
"Nahi... mujhe nahi aati swimming, mujhe dar lagta hai," she replied with a smile, shaking her head.
"Pool itna deep kaha hai, and I will teach you how to swim," he said, casually munching on his food.
"Thank you for your offer, but mujhe nahi karna," she said, making him sigh in mock frustration.
"Jaa, yaha se phir... aas paas bhi dikhi toh you’ll be in the pool the very next moment," Ranvijay teased, and Sanyukta couldn’t help but giggle at his playful tone.
“Madam, ye order aaya hai,” the watchman said, handing a parcel to Pushpa ji.
“Sanyuktaaaaa...” Ranvijay called from the pool, and she raised her brows at him, knowing exactly what was coming next.
“Idhar aa...” he beckoned again, but she shook her head, recalling his last playful warning.
“Abey pagal, come here fast,” he urged, but Sanyukta ignored him, a small smile playing on her lips.
“Maa, ye mera parcel hai… Sanyukta ko de do,” Ranvijay quickly said before Pushpa ji could open the package.
Pushpa ji nodded and set it on the table, as Sanyukta was busy feeding Avu and Aarvi.
“I will unbox ittt…” Aarvi piped up excitedly, reaching for the parcel.
“Okay, baby, but first finish your lunch,” Sanyukta said, offering a morsel toward Aarvi.
Ranvijay emerged from the pool, wrapping a bathrobe around himself, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Sanyukta. She frowned in response, sensing his irritation.
“Aarvi... my doll… I have some important documents in this... Give this parcel to Chachu,” Ranvijay said, trying to gently take the box from her hands.
“Chachuu, let me eat... I will unbox ittt,” Aarvi said, not letting go of the parcel, her giggles filling the air.
Sanyukta chuckled at the scene. “She’s not giving it, Ranvijay,” she said, enjoying the playful moment.
“Nahi bache, I need it urgently,” Ranvijay tried again, but Aarvi remained determined, still clutching the box tightly, making Sanyukta laugh even more.
"Condoms hain isme..." Ranvijay said with a heavy sigh, his patience clearly thinning.
He rubbed his forehead in frustration, his voice laced with irritation. "Ab fadd le daant..." he added, his tone sharper than usual, clearly exasperated.
The playful mood in the room shifted slightly as he tried to mask his growing annoyance. His brow furrowed, and the usual teasing light in his eyes was replaced by a flicker of real frustration
“Candysss…” Avu said excitedly, making Aarvi hold the box even tighter.
“Chachuu, you were fooling usss,” Aarvi giggled, shaking her head at Ranvijay, who rubbed his face in frustration, not knowing how to take the parcel from them.
“Aap jaaye, mei le lungi ye,” Sanyukta said, deciding to intervene with a smile.
“Toh pehle hi sun leti,” Ranvijay grumbled, his tone slightly irritated.
“Aap gussa kyu ho rahe ho, Ranvijay? Mujhe kya pata tha isme kya hai?” Sanyukta asked, genuinely confused by his sudden change in mood.
“Nahi pata tha toh jo bol raha tha, vo toh sun sakti thi,” he snapped, before storming off, leaving Sanyukta to sigh and mutter under her breath.
“Pata nahi, kya mood swings hain is aadmi ke... mazak karte karte, achanak gussa ho jaate hain,” she grumbled, rolling her eyes.
Sanyukta fed Avu and Aarvi and managed to convince them to give her the parcel. After changing their clothes, she took them to their room for their nap.
Ranvijay was in the bathroom when she placed the box in the closet and began patting the kids, trying to get them to sleep.
He emerged from the bathroom, now dressed in his t-shirt and shorts, and laid down beside the kids.
"I’ve got the box and kept it in the closet," she told him softly.
"Throw it in the dustbin," he muttered, his eyes closed.
"You throw it. Why should I? It’s your parcel," she replied, her voice casual.
"Sure, I’ll throw it. Now, don’t irritate me. Let me rest," he snapped, clearly tired.
"Haan, cycling aur swimming karke thak gaye honge, you need rest," Sanyukta murmured, a little sarcastically.
Ranvijay opened his eyes, annoyance creeping into his tone. "Ab zyada ho raha hai tera. I’m not in the mood to argue," he said, his frustration evident.
"You're getting angry for no reason. How would I know what’s in the box? I thought you were just joking," she defended herself, trying to keep the conversation light.
"Sabke saamne pool mein hi fekna hota tujhe toh, pehle hi kar deta mein," he said, his voice tinged with anger. "Aur tujhe majak aur serious tone mein farq nahi pata? Are you Avu or Aarvi's age?"
Sanyukta’s patience wore thin. "Aap se baat karna bekar hai. Bina baat ka gussa karna hota hai," she retorted.
"Just zip it, okay? I’m telling you seriously," he warned, his tone firm and irritated.
Sanyukta’s eyes filled with frustration. "I’m not liking this tone of yours now," she said, clearly upset.
"The kids are sleeping, and I want to sleep too. It’ll be better if we don’t talk right now," he stated coldly.
Ranvijay, now visibly frustrated, got up from the bed and walked toward the closet. As he slammed the door shut, it caused Avu and Aarvi to stir in their sleep. Sanyukta gently patted them, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.
Ranvijay came out of the room, quickly getting dressed and grabbing his wallet and watch from the side table.
"Ab kaha ja rahe ho?" Sanyukta asked, looking at him with a frown.
"To hell! Chalna hai," he snapped, his irritation clear.
"It suits you better. Mei apne ghar mein hi theek hoon," she replied coolly, still upset.
"Jabaan chalani aati hai bas. Aur toh kuch sunna nahi hota," he muttered, combing his hair.
"What do you mean by all this? You're just making a fuss over nothing!" she said, getting fed up with his taunts.
"I don’t have time to explain everything to you. I’m not here to spoon-feed you," he shot back, grabbing his car keys.
In a moment of frustration, Sanyukta moved quickly to lock the door before he could leave, earning a furious glare from him.
"Mujhse aise baat kar ke you can’t just walk out," she said firmly, not backing down from her stance. "Is it really all about that parcel? I didn’t do anything wrong."
Ranvijay’s gaze grew more intense as he stood in front of her, his tone sharp with suspicion. “What were you talking to Bhabhi about me?” he asked, his voice laced with irritation.
Sanyukta’s frown deepened, feeling the weight of his question. He wasn’t letting it go. “Don’t try to act like nothing happened,” he added, a hint of accusation in his voice.
“I heard it all,” Ranvijay continued, his words quick and biting. “Not so fast... let him wait, all that nonsense. What do you think of me? That I’m going crazy just to get laid?” His voice was a mixture of frustration and confusion.
Sanyukta’s eyes widened at his words, quickly trying to explain herself. “That’s not what I meant... you’re misunderstanding me,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “Bhabhi was just helping me with the parcel from Avu and Aarvi. I told them it had... condoms inside,” she admitted, hoping it would clear things up.
Ranvijay let out a frustrated huff, running his hand through his hair. “Bhabhi was just messing around, it was just a joke,” she added, trying to ease the tension, but his anger was palpable.
“Haan, sab kuch majak hi lagta hai tujhe,” he muttered, his voice tight with frustration. “Karo majak, but move out of my way. I need to go.”
Sanyukta stood her ground, not moving an inch. “Nahi, main nahi jaane dungi,” she said, her tone unwavering. “This is a misunderstanding, let’s clear it up.”
Her refusal to back down only made the tension thicker, both of them now locked in a silent standoff. Ranvijay’s frustration mixed with her determination, and the silence between them was heavy with unspoken words.
Ranvijay’s frustration peaked, his patience thinning with every word. “Mujhe kuch bhi clear nahi karna hai,” he stated sharply, trying to move past her, but Sanyukta didn’t step aside.
Her voice was steady despite the storm inside her. “Mene toh nahi roka tha...aap khud hi ruk gaye, kuki condom nahi thi... I didn’t ask for protection either,” she said, her tone tinged with a mixture of sarcasm and honesty.
His face tightened, anger flashing in his eyes. “Toh kya chahti ho? Get pregnant again? Jo ki mein hone nahi dunga,” he snapped, his words harsh, filled with a mix of confusion and frustration.
Sanyukta didn’t back down. “Kyu? Kya problem hai?” she asked, her voice slightly softer. “Thik hai, abhi nahi karte, but future mein toh we can plan a baby,” she suggested, her words still calm but with a hint of hope.
Ranvijay shook his head, his frustration mounting. “You know very well, and I don’t want to repeat things,” he said, his voice clipped.
Sanyukta’s heart sank, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve apologized for all those things already, and I regret it today as well... but that doesn’t mean ki aap gusse mein li hui kasam ko gale se laga ke hi baith jaayenge,” she said, her words heavy with the weight of their past struggles.
Ranvijay’s sigh was deep, his exhaustion clear. “Yrr Sanyukta, mujhe abhi iss topic pe na koi baat nahi karni hai... to be honest, abhi mere dimag khatam ho raha hai bohot zyada,” he said, his voice tight with frustration. “Things will get bitter if we continue this.”
Sanyukta’s face crumpled as she felt the distance between them grow. “Mei apne office jaa raha hoon... I need to divert my mind for now,” he added, making her heart ache.
Her sobs escaped before she could hold them back. “Nahi jaa sakte... Mera bhi dimag khatam hai,” she said through her tears, pulling him into a tight hug. “Do din pehle itni mushkil se maine sab theek kiya tha... dubara shuru nahi karna mujhe... it’s mentally exhausting,” she muttered into his chest, her tears soaking his shirt.
Ranvijay let out a resigned sigh and wrapped his arms around her, comforting her despite his own inner turmoil. “Stop crying first,” he said gently, wiping her tears away.
She pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a sad frown. “Aap ab badal rahe ho... pehle toh aise nahi the,” she complained, her voice soft, tinged with hurt.
He chuckled softly, brushing her hair from her face. “Teri wajah se ho raha hai sab,” he said, pecking her nose with affection.
She smiled faintly, her tears still wet on her cheeks. “Haan, mei hi karti hoon sab... agar koi baat thi toh clear kar lete na... itni der se jhagda kar rahe the,” she said, her frustration giving way to the exhaustion of it all.
Ranvijay pretended to look innocent, teasing her, “Shaadi karke sab complicated ho gaya hai... pehle hi sab theek tha.”
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. “Haan, padad todne pad rahe hain shaadi karke,” she muttered, playfully getting away from him.
He grinned at her, his tone light despite everything. “Pahad nahi... salty ocean mein dub raha hoon mei... saala kuch bhi ho... apne reservoirs se kuch aansu nikaal ke maaro and get things done,” he joked, making her giggle through her tears.
She shook her head, the tension finally breaking, the warmth of their connection returning as they both shared a laugh.
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