BJL Epilogue Part - 2

Part 2

Arjun had indeed shut her up with his most passionate love making but he didn’t realize that it was just for the night. Her unrest mind wasn’t going to go silent so easily. She was stubbornly inclined to knowing the reason behind Arjun’s denial for a baby of their own. Perhaps somewhere deep inside, she felt that she was the reason for his denial and she was all set to find it out.

Annie’s phone rang for the 3^rd time after she ignored the last 2 calls from her best friend Sakshi. Annie looked at Raj and then at the phone.

“Pick the phone Annie……You know that she won’t rest until she finds it out”

Raj’s spoke up in response to Sakshi’s constant calls to find out something which they had kept hidden from her. Annie shook her head protesting the same, “No Raj….you know I can’t lie to her…..neither can I tell her the truth….we had decided that we won’t….”

Raj wrapped his arm around his wife who stood concerned for their dearest friend. He replied, “I know Annie but don’t you think its time we tell her all about it”

“We had hidden it for a reason and even today, Arjun doesn’t want her to know….then how can we tell it to her?”

Annie’s concern and reasoning was right in its place but Raj being a doctor and more than that, being Sakshi’s close friend knew that it was better to let her know what Arjun was hiding.

He decided to pick the call as he knew that Annie would never be able to tell it nor would she tell some false excuse.

He took the phone from Annie’s hands much to her surprise.

“Hello darling”

Annie rolled her eyes hearing that because it wasn’t Raj’s usual style of addressing Sakshi but then her thoughts were nowhere near jealousy as she knew every nuance of the unique bonding between Sakshi and Raj. She was just surprised by his changed tone but soon she realized that it was just his way of cooling down Sakshi.

Raj’s flirty tone didn’t impact Sakshi. She even refused to have noticed it as something else topped her thoughts. She instantly spoke in annoyance, “Raj, Where is Annie?? Why is madam hiding from me?”

Raj chuckled at Sakshi’s reply and naughtily remarked, “What yaar? You disturb us even on our honeymoon, huh? Don’t you know that a husband keeps his wife busy on a honeymoon?? So is Annie…..samjhe ya samjhaavum?”

Sakshi hissed and stamped her foot but also couldn’t help a smile. Raj knew instantly that his friend was hiding her smiles, “Oye Mrs Rawte, Mr khadoos ACP ke saath rehte rehte smile pe bhi ration karne lagi, haan??? Agar smile aa gaya toh kar dena chaahiye”

Sakshi giggled and then replied in mock anger, “Khabardaar Mr Doctor…..don’t you dare call him khadoos…..”

In a more mellowed down tone, she added, “He is very sweet”

Raj chuckled naughtily, “hmmm…..I can see that…..usska sweetness ka asar dikh raha hai”

Sakshi blushed at that but she remained focussed on her thoughts. She urged again, “Raj…..please let me talk to Annie…..matter bohat important hai warna main aap dono ko kabhi disturb nahi karthi……I need to know what she is hiding from me Raj”

Raj took a deep breath as he looked at Annie who stood in anticipation. He took the hands off her waist and patted her shoulders assuring that he will handle this sensitive issue. Annie nodded understanding what her husband wanted to tell her. She stood there while Raj stepped into the sit out area.

He was silent but Sakshi wasn’t. She kept impatiently switching her phone from her right to left and back. She nudged him when he took his time to open up.

Finally he sighed and then started off, “Sakshi, there was a reason that this matter is being hidden from you and the same reason holds even now but then your anxiety to know it…..”

Sakshi snapped him short without being able to handle the suspense further, “Raj…..just tell me….I know its all about me and so I have to know it…”

Raj smiled knowing very well that Sakshi was stubborn and hell bent on this. He said without further delay

“Sakshi, do you remember the last check up you had with your doctor, a month after your recovery?”

Sakshi nodded, “hmmmm”

He continued, “Soon after that, your doctor called me to discuss about your medical condition……Arjun bhi aaya tha because he wanted to be sure of everything concerning you,”

Sakshi listened with utmost patience while Raj went on, “your doctor was sceptical regarding your married life Sakshi….Based on your medical tests, she felt that your body is quiet weak due to the paralysed state and the heavy medication that was given for so many years…..She wasn’t sure if you would be able to…..I hope you understand”

She didn’t nod but could perceive it all.

“She told us that your immune system would take years to recuperate and we should take full care of you…..Arjun had told the doctor that you both had already….I mean….”

Raj’s words trailed off but Sakshi understood that he was taking about their consummation and that Arjun was making sure if their physical relation would ever cause harm to her.

Raj just completed his words saying that doctor had given Arjun some counselling and precautions to be taken. He also made it clear that it was as per the doctor’s advice that Arjun was avoiding even the topic of having their own baby. Her body wasn’t strong enough to hold a baby and nurture it inside her. She and the baby would be at constant risk if a pregnancy happened.

Sakshi’s eyes welled up remembering the innumerable times when Arjun had made sure that she was perfectly fine before he made love to her. Never once had he hurt her or let his wild side out when they made love. He was always gentle, quite unlike his real self, making sure that her body was handled with care, just like a glass doll.  In fact, she had at times teased him for his slow and predictable approach for which he merely winked at her with a naughty comment that she was still a small kid and he can’t be hard on his baby.  Now when all those moments ran past her mind, she could stop her tears roll down her cheeks.

His love making was always pleasurable and a love therapy for her body which soothed and comforted her inside out.

She now realized why he always made sure that she took good healthy food and multi vitamins regularly. He was never careless about her health. Even if she sneezed, he would treat her like a baby and make sure that she is hale and healthy.

Her brief trip down her memory lane was broken by Raj’s call, “Sakshi…..you there?

She just hummed back, “hmmm”

Raj knew that she was sad hearing all of it and so he enquired, “Are you alright Sakshi? See, this is why we decided not to tell you…..Arjun was stubbornly against letting you know all this”

She wiped her tears as she knew that this wasn’t a time for crying, “No Raj…..I should have known this long before……Arjun ne mere liye yeh sab…..”

Raj intervened knowing where she headed, “Sakshi don’t overthink…..just stay cool ok? You guys are happy together and there is absolutely no problem”

Sakshi was silent. In her mind, their life together replayed and also the thoughts that Arjun loved kids. It was just for her sake, he was depriving himself the happiness of becoming a father.

Her silence worried Raj and also Annie. Annie took the phone from Raj and gave him an ‘I told you’ look.

Even Annie’s continuous call didn’t make Sakshi talk.

“Sakshi….you are worrying us now…..kuch toh bolo na?”

And then Sakshi responded much to her relief, “Don’t worry….main teek hoom..I will talk to you later Annie”

Saying that she cut the call.

Meanwhile, Arjun was restless at ETF. Something about last night’s talks disturbed him. He could understand that it was not like all times. Sakshi was adamantly inclined to have a baby. It was a wish that he could never grant her knowing well that it could cause harm to her. Yes, he loved kids and he also wanted to have their own baby but never at the cost of Sakshi’s health. He needed nothing which could harm her. His love for Sakshi was way beyond all that.

He wanted to meet her then and there, talk to her and make sure everything was normal and like always.

He told Sameer that he was taking a day off because he wasn’t feeling well. Sameer was surprised as this was the first time Arjun put forth such a reason but he didn’t probe much. He wasn’t blind not to notice the off late tension in Arjun’s mind and he also knew that it concerned Sakshi. He was getting hints about it but kept silent giving them their time and space to solve it between them.  Aisha had also told him that Sakshi was keen on having a baby now and in their personal conversations, Sakshi had asked for tips to conceive.

Though Sameer and Aisha had no idea about Sakshi’s medical condition, they knew that there was something that Arjun hid from all of them and it was the same reason why he was pushing the baby plan.

Sameer just prayed and hoped that whatever it was, everything gets sorted soon.

Arjun got Annie’s call when he was driving back home. He flared up at Annie the moment he heard what Raj had done.

“How can you ppl do that? Mujhse pooch toh liya hota…..this is so not done Annie…..”

Annie tried to explain their situation which forced Raj to spill it out but Arjun cut the call angrily and his foot stamped the accelerator pretty hard as he raced through the traffic to reach his Sakshi as soon as possible. His mind was agonized just like his heart thinking about how Sakshi would have taken this revelation.

[To be continued]

BJL Epilogue Part 1

[pls excuse errors if any]

She was about to turn away but he pulled her back into his arms and spoke into her ears, “ACP Arjun Suryakanth Rawte ke saat zindagi barr rehna aur usse sehna hi sabse badi saza hai…..That’s your punishment for life sweetheart!”

His warm breath fanned her earlobes teasing her endlessly.

She blushed profusely and she buried her face into his chest, “And I am already in love with this punishment Mr ACP!”

He grinned at her reply and he said as he led her to the bed, “You must be tired Sakshi…..sleep!”

She had just recovered from her bed ridden state and also such exhaustive work. So he didn’t want to tire her more. He wanted to give her rest and a good sleep though his inner desires and wanting body spoke differently. But he controlled himself and made her lie down. He pecked her forehead gently and was about to get up when she tugged him back replying, “Never tired for you Arjun…..Haven’t you realized that your love is like my health drink? So keep loving me and I will be fit and fine!”

In a quick seductive pull, she brought him into her embrace, never to part, never to free away.

Suno na kahe kya suno na

Dil mera suno na suno zara

Teri baahon mein

Mujhe rehna hai raat bhar

Teri baahon mein hogi subah

Be intehaan, be intehaan

Yun pyaar kar, be intehaan

Dekha karun sari umar

Tere nishan, be intehaan

Koi kasar na rahe, meri khabar na rahe

Choole mujhe is kadar, be intehaan

Their beyond love relationship touched new horizons only to grow into something more beautiful and blissful!

**************************************

Epilogue: Part 1

A year passes by….

Raj and Annie had a quick engagement and a simple wedding as per their own decisions. Raj’s parents were reluctant initially to accept Annie but then Raj had his ways with everyone. He tackled his loving mother and through her, made sure that his father too accepted the relationship.  Arjun and Sakshi left no stones unturned for ensuring that their friends were happily settled in their lives. For the past six months, Raj and Annie were in Delhi fighting the legal battles relating to the property and the money that her husband left in her name. 

Without any questions or annoyance, Raj supported Annie all through while Annie on the other hand promised him that once all this was over, all her time would be for him…just him. He had never once accused or asked for such promises but Annie sure knew what her duties were as Raj’s wife.

At the court hearings, her marriage to Raj was mentioned and portrayed in an ugly light by her in-laws. But as they say, truth always triumps. Annie’s side was clear and everything justified and so the verdict was in her favour, despite all the dirty attempts and claims made by her in-laws. 

Annie didn’t want anything for herself except Vikram’s memories and his dream which she had to fulfil now. So as per his wishes, she with Raj’s help and support, formed a charitable trust and routed the money and the property in such a way that it had all the funding and worked out smoothly. Some of Vikram’s good friends were also made trustees who could advice and help in its functioning.  Orphaned children and children with special needs were given a loving, caring shelter under the trust’s wings. It was named ‘Udaan’ meaning flight….a flight to humanity, success and development of under privileged children. Vikram used to love flying and so the name was chosen by Annie as an attempt to keep his name, love and dreams alive.

In every step, Annie never left Raj’s hands. She knew that as a husband, he would feel alien while she worked for her ex husband’s dreams. Raj was touched by her actions and could understand her in and out. Never once did he feel insecure or jealous by her selfless love and gestures.

They indeed were a made for each other role model couple who understood, respected and trusted each other without an iota of doubt.

Once everything was settled, she kept up her own promise to Raj. She planned a surprise for him. A trip to a place of his choice where they would have all their time for just each other…they would be in their own sweet world.

Raj never asked for it but then he was only happy to oblige to her surprise and planned it all out. Just a week back, they left for Paris.

Life was pure bliss when Arjun and Sakshi were together. Her naughty, bubbly nature was slowing coming back and it was all because of Arjun and the happiness he gave her.

Arjun was hesitant to allow Sakshi to work in ETF again. Somewhere deep inside, he dreaded the dangers that lurked around ETF and he wanted to keep Sakshi away from it. He couldn’t even dare think about losing her but since she was insistent on working, he agreed for her suggestion of freelance reporting which also involved investigative reports but she wrote it under an anonymous name keeping herself safe under the mask. It thrilled her and she was happy. So was Arjun.

Days rolled into weeks and then into months.

Sameer and Aisha’s baby was a year old now. Ayush’s first birthday was just over. The party was a big one. He was everyone’s favorite as he was the only kid in their friends circle. So everyone together geared up the party in a grand manner. Despite ETF’s busy action packed schedules, they were all there and pampering Ayush with gifts.

Though he was everybody’s favorite, Sakshi was his most favorite one and she tried to make him call her ‘Maasi’. She was like a small kid herself when around Ayush and flaunted to Arjun that baby loved her but was scared of his Arjun uncle.

Arjun’s response to her antics was a faint smile but inside, he was very happy to see Sakshi active and playful like before.  Though Arjun wasn’t vocal and open about his love for the baby, Sakshi could see the warmth of a father radiating from him whenever Ayush was with him. Arjun gathered him in his arms and strolled around the house and the garden showing him the view around, playful and active like a kid himself. Sakshi wasn’t blind to it and inside her, the strong desire to have their own baby, see Arjun tending, caring their baby did arise. She also was confused on why he kept pushing off that topic everytime she suggested to plan for a baby.

It wasn’t the first time that she took up that wish seriously and discussed it with Arjun but then he always shrugged it off saying that it wasn’t time yet.

That night, she was determined that she would get him to agree to her wishes. He was on the bed waiting for her when she came into their room early skipping her favorite TV show.

His surprise at her early entry was evident on his face while she just smiled as she went to the dressing table. She started brushing her hair and was in the process of tying up in a top knot. Her unusual silence did irk and amuse him but he ignored that and enquired in a mocking tone, “What happened today?? No serial, huh?”

She chuckled knowing well that he was pleasantly surprised that she came soon else every night, else he was annoyed with her for keeping him waiting.

She replied, “No serial today….I have something more important to do”and continued combing her hair. He hissed at her violent handling of her hair and also the time she took. He said in annoyance, “Stop it and come soon Sakshi…..leave the hair free….I like it that way”

She naughtily shook her head meaning no and said, “No Arjun….you play with my hair the whole night and mess it up…..let me tie it….”

He winked at her naughtily, “As if you don’t like it……madam….I know you love the way I play with it….anyways, whatever you do, I am going to untie it soon baby….”

She pouted cutely and showed a funny face at him while he enquired, “You tell me this….how did you leave that funny serial and choose your bechaara pati tonight? Dal mein kuch kaala zaroor hai….what do you want from me, huh?”

She knew that he was sharp enough to sense that she wanted to cajole him for something. So she uttered out directly, “A baby”

“WHAT?” he posed as if he didn’t hear it properly or perhaps heard it wrongly.

She put her comb down and came closer, “Kuch nahi Arjun…..I didn’t want to make you wait for longer……”

Her words trailed and she added in a low voice, hesitantly, “I don’t want to make you wait for anything Arjun”

He smiled faintly knowing well where the topic was heading to. Nervertheless, he opened his arms wide for his wife to snuggle into. She, like an obedient kid, rushed to him. Her heads rested on his upper arm which he wrapped around her protectively.

Her fingers kept circling his chest restlessly while he exactly knew that she was gearing up for some serious talk. He enquired, “Did you take the pills Sakshi?”

Sakshi pulled his chest hair furiously at his question. She was here to talk about having a baby and his first concern was this. He yelled when she plucked out the hair, “aaaah…..Sakshi, what are you doing?”

There was silence for a few moments before he enquired again sensing that her angry gesture wasnt just a silly prank of hers, “I asked you something Sakshi”

She let a deep sigh and replied, “NO…..I am not taking it from today”

He sighed in frustration and leaned to the side table to take the contraceptive pills, “I have told you not to miss it……how can you be so careless Sakshi?? Or should I….”

She rolled over him and stopped his hands from taking the pills, “Please Arjun…..its going to be 2 years since our marriage....You know even Aisha and Sameer are planning for a second chid now……don’t you think we should also….”

He snapped her and replied, “No…its not time yet Sakshi....and by the way, its just a year since we really started off as husband and wife…..so we do have time.....”

He forcefully popped the pill into her mouth though she protested.  

She had no choice but swallow them but was persistent in her questions, “how does that matter? I know you love babies and I am ready too…then whats the problem?”

He rolled her down and pinned her to the bed, “I am not yet ready…..” and he added in a lighter note, “main dho dho babies sambaal nahi sakta…..tum khud ek bacchi ho and another baby at this time…..no way!”

And he was about to dip his head into her nape when she put her palm on his lips in protest, “Why did you marry me if I am a baby?? And why all this? Go”

He didn’t take a moment to reply back grinning at her annoyed attitude, “What can I do madam? Bacchi se pyar kar beita.....”

She didn’t mellow down or look pleased at that. She was angry and he could sense it but then Arjun had his ways of bringing her around, “Itna bhi gussa teek nahi darling…….ok let me tell you…..I am not yet ready to share the time I get with you……I need you for myself sweetheart….just you and me....and if you are so insistent, treat me like your baby.....pamper me....and love me more....”

His hands travelled all along the outline of her face, tucking in imaginary strands of her hair behind her ear, letting his finger tips linger and play around her delicate ear lobes.  He indeed knew how to make her give in to him and succumb to the sweet torturous pleasure.

Her eyes showed a small inclination to what he said and did.

Perhaps the wife, the girlish side of her awoke with that reply from him. Her heart flipped and her eye lashes fluttered like a butterfly. He knew that he had hit the right nerve and without a delay, captured her lips with his, sealing the topic atleast for the night or a few more nights to come.

His kiss wasn’t something that she could resist or not respond to. She forgot all about the baby and responded to him as he deepened the kiss.  Soon they were exploring newer avenues of pleasure in each other and fighting for dominance.

Before she got lost entirely in his passionate encounter and let him drown in her, she whimpered out, “Arjun….you always do this to me....you always shut me up Arjun”

He whispered back huskily, “That I do”, before he grinned naughtily and placed feathery yet sensually igniting kisses all along her sensitive skin forcing her to return the favour with the same ardour and passion.

Boond boond karke mujh mein girna tera
Aur mujh mein mujhse zyaada hona tera 

Bheega bheega sa mujhko tan tera lage
Aaja tujhko peelun mann mera kahe
Main naa bachaa mujh mein thoda sa bhi
Dekh tu naa bachaa tujhme bhi
Jalne lagaa garm saanson se main
Tu pighalne lagaa mujhme hi

[To be continued]

Beyond Just Love (Chapter 41-45)

coming soon

Beyond Just Love (Chapter 36-40)

coming soon

Beyond Just Love (Chapter 31-35)

coming soon

Beyond Just Love (Chapter 26-30)

coming soon

Beyond Just Love (Chapter 21-25)

Chapter 21:

Yet, he spoke out huskily, “aise halke good night nahi…..”

When she looked at him enquiringly, he explained further, “jaise harr wife apne husband ko good night wish karthi hai…..”

When she still looked confused, he leaned to her lips closing the small gap between them…..Pecking her lips gently, he voiced against them, “aise….samjhi ya ek baar phir se samjhaavum?”

Labon Ko Labon Pe Sajao
Kya Ho Tum Mujhe Abb Batao

Tod Do Khud Ko Tum
Banhon Mein Meri
Banhon Mein Meri
Banhon Mein Meri
Banhon Mein Meri 

*******************************

This was nothing less than a surprise for her…..a first kiss from her husband and that too in such a cute naughty manner…..She couldn’t have asked for more and her heart skipped beats at even his slightest touch….

And her heart sure lurched for more of that but then she shyly turned away…..his lips brushed her cheeks in a light feathery manner!

He smiled against her creamy soft skin and slowly voiced, “Kya hua? Yeh good night wish accha nahi laga, huh?”

Sakshi was already feeling strange tingles in her body……She was slowly having a rebirth of sorts as if her body started coming alive once again…..she longed to throw her hands around him and embrace him to herself but her efforts to move herself were failing all her longings and desires!

Tere Ehsaasson Mein Bheege Lamhato Mein
Mujhko Doobati Tishnagi Si Hain
Teri Adao Se Dilkash Khatao Se
In Lamho Mein Zindagi Si Hai
Haya Ko Zara Bhool Jao
Mere Hi Tarah Pesh Aao

Khone Do Khud Ko Tum Meri Tum
Raaton Mein 

She looked back into his eyes which seemed to be talking to her and now, for the first time, she didn’t see sympathy in his eyes…it was something different….it was passion, a raw desire which emanated from his eyes and she felt enticed by his gaze! The mere realization that all those emotions were for her did give her a tremble in her body! All her dead sensations longed to sprout up as the first drop of rain fell on her and she was nothing but dead and dry soil!

His eyes truly had the power of bringing out whatever she buried inside her heart……it sort of hypnotized her and she couldn’t escape the charm!

Labon Ko Labon Pe Sajao
Kya Ho Tum Mujhe Abb Batao

Not realizing what she was saying, her lips muttered mindlessly, “bohat…accha laga Arjun!”

Arjun chuckled as she let out the words in an impulse but then instantly felt embarrassed realizing what she had blurted out…she looked away averting his naughty gaze!

He kissed her cheeks fondly and whispered into her ears, “ab roz aise hi wish karna…..hmm?”

Tere Zajbaaton Mein Mehki Si Saason Mein
Yeh To Mehek Sangali Si Hai
Dil Ki Panahon Mein Bekhri Si Aahon Mein
Sone Ki Khwasish Jagi Si Hai
Chehre Se Chehra Chupao
Sene Ki Dhadkan Suno
Dekh Lo Khud Ko Tum

Annkhon Mein Meri

Labon Ko Labon Pe Sajao
Kya Ho Tum Mujhe Abb Batao

She didn’t look at him but just nodded while he dipped his head into her neck and kissed her gently once before voicing, “Good night Sakshi!”

She gasped at that and a small moan of pleasure sure left her throat but then she couldn’t voice it out….

Saying that he rolled a little away from her but still his arms wrapped around her protectively…..

She caught his hand as if urging him to just stay close to her….He obliged and she tried to cuddle into him which he helped her to do!

It was just a beginning of realizations but then Arjun wasn’t yet completely convinced that he was doing all this not just as a treatment for her but it was beyond all that and it was his hidden love for her that was making its presence felt in such passionate and intimate moments!!

***************************

Next morning, he was up quite early……but then he lay still not wanting to disturb her….She was cocooned comfortably within his arms and her innocent face seemed peaceful….

The morning sunlight slowly crept into the room giving a glow to her face…..He couldn’t divert his eyes from her….

He observed that the paleness on her face was indeed receding now……the dark circles and the lines of worry that he had first seen on her face were all slowly fading away with time…

Her charming beauty and glow was reappearing and he felt that the Sakshi he had known long before was taking a rebirth of sorts….Her beauty, her magical charm, her expressive eyes, her glowing creamy skin, her mesmerizing smiles were all returning and at those moments, he realized how much he had been observing her previously and how much he had been missing that Sakshi now!

He was indeed happy and proud of his accomplishment of having brought the changes in her….He swore under his breath that very soon, she would recover and come back to life as he had wished for!

Unaware of himself, his fingers gently grazed her face to feel her soft delicate skin which was tempting him……..she stirred and tried hard to snuggle closer pressing herself into his body and her face against his palm …..

She didn’t know what effect her closeness was having on him…..If only she was normal, he would have by now shown her what she aroused in him! He let a deep breath trying to rein all his desires!

He smacked away all his wandering feelings and thoughts….He wouldn’t be able to handle it for more time…so he thought it was better he got up from there…..

Gently placing her head on the pillow, he turned and slipped off the bed…

Picking his towel, he walked to the rest room to freshen up…..

Once done, he walked to her sleeping form……Bending down, he gave a slight peck on her forehead and then swiftly walked out of the room…..

She opened her eyes and looked at his retreating form……she felt happy….no that would be an understatement……it was much more than that…she felt like a wife now…and her husband loved her more than anything else in this world…She felt wanted, owned and desired and all that a wife felt!

The previous night was nothing less than a wedding night for her…she wished that very soon, she would be able to give full meaning to their marriage and complete their relationship with the love and everything that he rightfully deserved!

**************************************

Annie wasn’t up yet and Arjun walked to the kitchen to make coffee and tea…

He set the coffee maker and then prepared tea for himself….

Picking the newspaper from the door, he walked to the balcony sipping his tea.

By the time, he finished his tea and the paper, he could hear Annie’s voice in his room which also meant Sakshi had woke up!

As he came to the door, he heard them both giggling and Sakshi’s cute smiles made him stop there……Both Annie and Sakshi seemed to have missed his presence and were in their own girly talks!

He could understand that Annie was teasing Sakshi…the usual girly teasing and mocking about the previous night’s happenings….

Sakshi was blushing and asking Annie to shut up. Arjun’s lips curled into a smile seeing those cute gestures and also the playful conversation between them!

But on the other side, he also felt a light prick, a tug in his heart…..a guilty feeling flashed across his mind….Was he by any chance playing with her emotions? Were his attempts to bring her back to life going in the wrong direction? He knew that the doctor had meant this sort of treatment was the best for Sakshi’s illness but then his own feelings and heart seemed to betray him at times!

May be he believed that he could never love anyone else in his life…may be his firm belief that Roshni was still his only love made him think that way! Or his non acceptance to the fact that he was slowly falling in love with Sakshi and was seeing her as a wife now! All kinds of conflicting thoughts clogged up his mind!

“Arjun??”

Sakshi’s soft enquiring voice snapped him out of his trance…She was puzzled why he was standing there at the door…..He smiled at her and greeted them both, “Good morning!”

He walked over to them……and took Sakshi in his arms and placed her on the wheel chair….

That would make it easier for Annie to do her chores for Sakshi …

After that, he rushed off to get ready to leave…..

Half an hour late, Arjun was having a quick breakfast when the bell rang….He didn’t want to disturb Annie and Sakshi….So he opted to open the door……Moreover, he was done with his breakfast!

It was Raj and he was sharp on time…..Arjun had to admit that he was disciplined in that aspect but then his jealous mind smacked Raj for not coming even a minute late! It kind of pricked Arjun that from that moment, Raj was going to be with his wife Sakshi!

Arjun didn’t greet or smile but just walked back in leaving the door open…

Raj shrugged it off as the ACP’s usual mood swings and followed smiling to himself thinking, “itne khadoos bannke poora din kaise rehta hoga?…..Yeh clenched jaws aur smile less expressions dukhenge nahi kya?”

He wondered in amusement and then spirinted into Sakshi’s room as if it was his own home only to be stopped and called back by the ACP!

“Just a minute Mr Raj”

Raj sighed to himself “Yeh nahi sudhrega!” hearing the formal addressing and turned around to face Arjun voicing, “Yes Mr Arjun….ek minute kya…poore dho minute le lijiye…not an issue!”

Raj was determined to give his trademark cool treatment to the akdu as well!

Arjun hissed frustrated at his overly friendly attitude and over smart nature….”no wonder Sakshi and Annie are so impressed by this fellow….” Arjun thought to himself as he positioned himself before Raj and 

Arjun: Late night calls, unnecessary talks…yeh bewajah smile karna…yeh sab mujhe bilkul pasand nahi…..samjhe ya samjhaavum?

Raj immediately suppressed his smiles and brought a stern look on his face with great difficulty and just voiced a simple “samajh gaya”

Arjun narrowed his eyebrows hearing that as he had expected something more, or rather a justification but this guy proved his guess wrong…..

Arjun was about to tell something but Raj snapped him short and added as if asking a doubt, “ACP saab mujhe yeh toh samajh aagaya ke yeh sab aapko pasand nahi lekin ek aur baat hai jo mujhe samajh nahi aaya……[Arjun looked at him enquiringly and he added] yahaan doctor kaun hai?”

Arjun looked at him flaring up wondering what his intention was while he continued, “main hi hoom na? So treatment bhi main hi decide karunga na?…aap bas Sakshi ka teek hone ka wait kijiye….[that statement really mellowed down Arjun and Raj noticed the quick change in his expressions……He paused and then added]…Anyways, aap yeh sab mujhpe chodiye aur jaahiye apna kaam pe concentrate kijiye…..aaj kal crime rate bohat badh gaya hai! ETF aur aapke intelligence ki zaroorat wahaan zyaadha hai! aap samjhe ya samjhaavum?”

Arjun fumed as this was the first time when Arjun got back a taste of his own bitter SYS medicine…….None told Arjun what to do and what not to do…and here this guy had the guts to stand before him and do that and Arjun wasn’t able to do anything at all…….

He stood glaring while Raj gave a sweet smile and turned to leave when Arjun spoke up, “Sakshi wahaan nahi uss room mein hai!”

Without waiting for any response, Arjun walked to his room briefly followed by a smiling Raj who was thinking to himself, “ab aayi na oont pahaad ke neeche! Aapko toh main teek karke hi saans loonga ACP saab! Kyun ki Sakshi needs your smiles and loving warmth…and not your worried stern and tensed face!”

Arjun knocked the door and Annie opened it as Sakshi was done with her bath and dressing up….

Raj gave his cute smile and went to shake hands with her….”Good morning Sakshi”

Arjun eyed his gesture and then when it seemed like Raj didn’t have an intention to leave her hand, Arjun steps in closer…..

Taking her hand from within his hold, Arjun voices, “usse dard hoga…..”

And then places her hand back on the pillow comfortably!

Raj chuckles and then instantly turns his attention to Annie and wishes her…..”Good morning Annie ji…[gazing at her once head to toe, he enquires]..aaj kuch special hai kya?”

Annie enquiringly looks at him and voices, “nahi toh…kyun?”

Raj walks closer to Annie and replies, “Beautiful toh aap hai hi Annie ji par aaj bohat special aur fresh lag rahi hai!”

Annie smiles and tries hard to hide the blush that was creeping in…..

Sakshi grinns hearing that while Arjun sighs in irritation due to his flirty ways!

Arjun cleared his throat to catch all their attention back…..

First he spoke to Sakshi, “main chaltha hoom Sakshi….bye” then looks at Annie, pointing at Sakshi, he voices, “khayaal rakhna”

Annie nods and finally, he stares at Raj and speaks up in a tit for tat taunting tone, “tum mujhe mere kaam sikhaa rahe teh na? wahi karne jaa raha hoom…..ab tum bhi yeh sab majnugiri chodo aur apne kaam pe focus karo! Samjhe ya phir mere tareeqe se samjhaavum?”

Raj grinned and shakes his head amused at that taunt but not before replying with a salute, “Yes Boss! Don’t you worry…main hoon na? sab kuch sambaal loonga!”

Arjun mutters to himself, “tum yahaan ho….wahi mera sabse bada worry hai!”

It wasn’t so audible but yet Raj could read it from Arjun’s face…..

He grinned and waved a bye at Arjun!

[To be continued]

Chapter 22:

Annie nods and finally, he stares at Raj and speaks up in a tit for tat taunting tone, “tum mujhe mere kaam sikhaa rahe teh na? wahi karne jaa raha hoom…..ab tum bhi yeh sab majnugiri chodo aur apne kaam pe focus karo! Samjhe ya phir mere tareeqe se samjhaavum?”

Raj grinned and shakes his head amused at that taunt but not before replying with a salute, “Yes Boss! Don’t you worry…main hoon na? sab kuch sambaal loonga!”

Arjun mutters to himself, “tum yahaan ho….wahi mera sabse bada worry hai!”

It wasn’t so audible but yet Raj could read it from Arjun’s face…..

He grinned and waved a bye at Arjun!

*********************************

After Arjun left, Raj started with his physiotherapy sessions. He tried to make her do some stretching and made her try to lift her immobile hand. Annie stood watching and observing all of it so that she could also make Sakshi practice it when Raj wasn’t around.

Though it was all new and seemed impossible, Sakshi was slowly getting a hang of it.

Atleast she was getting a feeling that she did have a hope of recovery. Just that small ray of hope made her feel confident and that in turn made her feel lighter….

She felt that the burden of her immobile body slowly fading…she could feel a new flexibility setting in…a confidence that she would be able to move without anybody’s help!

She was trying on her own to move her fingers and also lift her hand though it wasn’t happening easily at her will.

Raj was happy that he could instill that confidence in her….He was continuously counseling her to forget that she was bedridden and needed help to move…Raj knew that once she forgets and ignores her reality that she is a patient and needs constant support, it would be all the more easy to get her back to normal…

She had to leave behind all her depressing thoughts and forget her state to start walking through the road to recovery!

Annie was quite impressed by Raj’s matured way of handling such a complicated situation. She had been witness to Sakshi’s miseries and helplessness right from the very beginning….

She knew how Sakshi was before and how better she is now…Annie had seen the gradual improvement in Sakshi too.

If Arjun and his decision to marry her had brought in a desire, a wish to come back to life within Sakshi, Raj was giving her the hope and confidence to fulfill her wish…

Both men were doing their roles, playing their parts in making this almost impossible mission become possible…..they were lighting back the flame which was long extinguished by Sakshi’s family who had abandoned her and thrown her out of their lives to rot in that home….

Quite unaware of herself, Annie’s eyes welled up with tears of joy when Sakshi’s fingers lightly moved after a long session where Raj was continuously making Sakshi try to lift her hand.

Though she had been boosting confidence in Sakshi all throughout, Annie had within herself started losing the hope of a recovery till Arjun had walked into Sakshi’s life like a God sent messenger, an angel in disguise to save Sakshi!

And with Raj’s combined efforts, Sakshi was showing gradual improvements….When she saw hope sparkling in Sakshi’s eyes and then her fragile fingers longing to move, Annie couldn’t control her tears…..She became emotional!

She tried to hide them quickly and excused herself, “Excuse me……main abi aathi hoom”

Sakshi and Raj who were in the aftermath of the sudden happiness that they just felt seeing their efforts bloom a positive result turned to look at Annie…..

Sakshi just smiled and nodded to Annie…..She knew Annie so well and instantly understood that Annie was trying to hide her tears from her and Raj!

Annie’s cracked up voice wasn’t unnoticed from Raj as well…..he kept looking at her retreating back as she walked out….he was amazed at their unique pure bonding….

There was no blood relation yet they shared such deep close bonding like siblings! No, even siblings don’t share such emotional bond these days…..

He was truly stunned by the depth of their friendship!

He snapped out when Sakshi spoke up, “Woh kabhi apne aanzoo kisi ko nahi dikhaathi….apni dard bhi….”

Raj looked at Sakshi when she added, “Can you….do me a favor?”

He nodded, “yeah of course Sakshi….tell me…”

Sakshi: Annie se kaho ke….main….teek ho jaavungi aur….mere liye itne…..pareshan na ho…

Raj smiled as he placed his palm over Sakshi’s hand and replied, “yeh jhooti baat nahi hai Sakshi…..sacchme tum jaldi hi teek ho jaavogi….mushkilen aayenge par harr muskil ka solution bhi hai….bas tumaara confidence banaa rahe….[pausing for a moment and adds firmly] I will  make sure that you get well….thats a promise!”

Sakshi smiled and nodded trusting him and his words completely!

Sakshi: plz Raj….yahi baat Annie se bhi keh dho….shaayad…..tumaare mooh se…sunegi toh…..

Raj smiled and nodded, “I will do that…don’t worry…..tum thode dher aaraam karo!

 Sakshi asks for water and Raj makes her sit up and drink a glass of water before making her lie down comfortably.

*****************

Raj walks out of the room to talk to Annie….

Meanwhile, Arjun had called up Annie as she entered the kitchen….she picked the call and Arjun voiced….

“Hello…Annie”

Annie: haan sir….boliye..

Sensing her changed voice, he enquired,”Annie, sab teek hai na?”

Annie composes herself and replied smiling, “yes sir…sab teek hai…Sakshi is doing fine too….dont worry!”

Arjun wasn’t that convinced but still chose to believe that, “Ok….aur woh Raj??….I mean usse kuch problem toh nahi hai na? kuch hai toh bathaa dena….I will handle him….”

Annie suppresses her grin and replied, “sir aap unne bohat misunderstand kar rahe hai….he is very good….He knows what the situation demands and also how to treat Sakshi……he is an expert in his field….bas unnke methods thoda hattke hai….”

Arjun replies back snapping her, “thoda??”

Annie couldn’t help chuckle this time but then she knew Arjun might take it in the wrong sense and tries to reply changing his focus from Raj to Sakshi, “sir, there is a good news…..aaj Sakshi apne haat hilaane ki khoshish kiya…..Her fingers moved slightly…..its a very positive sign sir!”

Arjun instantly forgot all about Raj and exclaimed in joy, “Really? It’s real good news!”

Annie: haan sir…I told na, Raj is too good!

Arjun didn’t comment on that but internally he knew that Raj was good….and for Arjun, the first priority was Sakshi’s recovery and for that he was ready to tolerate Raj and his antics!

Arjun: Annie, do me a favor…..Get Sakshi to call me…

Annie nods and cuts the call….She turns back to see Raj leaning at the door and smiling casually at her….

“Mr ACP doesn’t trust me, huh?”

He casually enquired and it was quite clear that he had heard the last part of the conversation….Annie didn’t try to cover it as she knew that it wasn’t easy to fool this guy….

She excused herself to go to Sakshi’s room asking him to wait….and that she would come back and speak to him….

And she kept her word…she came back in a few minutes….

Annie started off from where she had left the conversation, “Arjun sir bohat acche hai….its just that…”

Raj walked closer to her grinning, “don’t bother Annie….waise bhi main itna bhi sensitive nahi hoom….ab toh Mr Khadoos se kuch khatta meeta sunna accha lagtha hai!”

Annie was amused by that and enquired, “meeta?”

She knew he was mocking Arjun and she also knew that Arjun never spoke sweetly to Raj….

Raj replied, “haan….you know what? Unnke harr baat aur dhaant mein Sakshi keliye unnka pyar jhalak tha hai…..which I think is really very sweet! He loves her so much! I like it! Isiliye mujhe unnke koyi bhi baat bhura nahi lagtha….”

Annie was again impressed by his understanding about everyone here in a short time period!

Out of the box, she enquired, “Coffee??”

When he began to reply, she spoke up remembering his specifications, “Oh yeah….yaad hai mujhe…..ginger ya lemon tea, right? Abi banaathi hoom”

He grinned as she turned to the counter to make it and commented in his typical flirting style, “You really have understood my choices Annie!”

When Annie looked at him, he added, “Mera matlab I told you my preference just once, right?”

Annie smiled and replied, “Once or twice, it all depends on how serious the listener takes it, hai na?”

Raj smiled and nodded, “woh toh hai! [In a teasing tone] Matlab mere harr baat tum seriously lethi ho….[he adds as a mock] oops that scares me too”

Annie enquiringly looks at him and he explains, “I should think twice before saying a joke na?”

Annie laughs and then hands over the cup to him….by then he sits on the kitchen counter comfortably…..

Annie: aap chaai pee jiye….I will just check on Sakshi and come….

*****************************

Meanwhile, Sakshi is talking with Arjun….

Arjun: kaisi ho Sakshi?

Sakshi smiles as it has been just a few hours since he left her and he was asking her as if it has been long since they met….She replies, “hmmm teeek hoom….Arjun”

Arjun: Annie kuch batha rahi thi….aise khushi ki baatein mujhse share nahi karogi, huh?

Sakshi knew that he was meaning her small improvement and replies, “hmmm….mujhe yakeen…nahi….”

Arjun snapped her short understanding what she was gonna say, “par mujhe yakeen tha Sakshi….aur poora yakeen hai ke tum jaldi hi normal bhi ho jaavogi”

Sakshi just smiles in reply while he adds naughtily sensing her smile, “sirf ek smile se kaam nahi chalega….aaj tumhe kuch special karna hoga…”

Sakshi enquires, “Special?”

Arjun: haan iss khushi ko celebrate karna hai na? toh ek special treat dena hoga!

Sakshi: Arjun…itna bhi badaa…..nahi…

Arjun snaps her short and replies,”tumaare koyi baat mere liye choti nahi hai Sakshi….everything is big…..everything is special! Samjhi ya samjhaavum?

Sakshi blushes at that and couldn’t argue further, she just enquired, “main kya treat…..”

Arjun knew that she would ask this…..so he just replied, “kuch bhi….jo tum chaaho….you can decide Sakshi….just decide and plan how you want to celebrate this first happiness of our life together”

She longed to tell him that everyday of her life with him had been and would also be a celebration for her but she couldn’t voice it out…..

He urges, “Tum plan karlena….shaam ko milthe hai!”

He bids bye and disconnects the call leaving her thinking as to what she can do for him in this state of hers….

After a brief thought, she smiles and thinks to herself, “Mujhe patha hai kya karna hai Arjun!”

Annie enters the room just then while she is still pondering over the treat and over Arjun’s talk….Annie didn’t fail to notice the blush and smile on Sakshi’s face!

She teases, “lagtha hai kuch romantic baatein ho rahi thi….huh?”

Sakshi blushes more and then looks at Annie…..”Annie….I need a….help”

Annie comes closer, “haan bolo na….”

Sakshi: mujhe…..[hesitantly looking at her wondering what she would think]….mujhe…..biryani banaani hai….I mean dinner…..keliye…

Annie is surprised by that and voices…”WHAT?”

Just then the door bell rings…..and Sakshi could only manage a nod….

Annie: ek minute…main abi aathi hoom…..

Sakshi nods and Annie rushes to open the door……

Sakshi talks to herself, “Mujhe patha hai….Arjun, biriyani aapke….favorite hai!”

She was planning to do it with Annie’s help!

****************************

Annie opens the door and is surprised to see Shree standing there smiling cheekily at her…..

[To be continued] 

Chapter 23:

Sakshi nods and Annie rushes to open the door……

Sakshi talks to herself, “Mujhe patha hai….Arjun, biriyani aapke….favorite hai!”

She was planning to do it with Annie’s help!

****************************

Annie opens the door and is surprised to see Shree standing there smiling cheekily at her…..

Annie smiles in response and steps aside to let him in……

Shree had just entered when Raj calls out from the kitchen, “Annie, who is it?”

Shree was confused hearing a male voice as he had no clue about Raj being there….

He enquired peeping to the kitchen’s direction, “Annie ji, woh kaun hai?”

He saw Raj seated on the kitchen counter and sipping his tea…..Annie introduced them to each other as Shree continued to stare at Raj, “He is Mr Raj…Sakshi ka physiotherapist! Raj, this is Shree….Arjun sir ka team member”

Shree looked at Raj from head to toe in total disbelief as if not believing that this guy can be a physiotherapist! He was thinking to himself, “ye aur Sakshi ka doctor??….isse kisne doctor banaaya?”

Raj placed the cup down and walked to him…..Holding his hand out….”Hi Shree….”

Shree unwillingly gave his hand and muttered a quick hi…

Annie could sense some tension and quickly pitched in, “aap dono beitiye…..main zara Sakshi se milke aathi hoom…”

Shree instantly replied, “Annie ji….Main bhi aapke saath chaltha hoom na?…..main Sakshi se milne hi toh aaya hoom!”

Annie nodded…..

Raj grinned and replied, “main akele yahaan beitke kya karunga….chaliye….sab chalenge Sakshi ji ko milne…..”

Raj took the lead and entered the room….Annie smiled and followed him while Shree was fuming at this guy’s cool attitude already and walked in smacking him under his breath!

Annie sat by Sakshi’s side while Raj went on to stand near the window and Shree took a chair beside the bed…

Sakshi was happy to Shree and they start their casual chit chat…..Annie suddenly remembers that Sakshi had asked for some help and also the talk about making biriyani…

“Sakshi, tumne bathaaya nahi ke biriyani ka chakkar kya hai??”

Sakshi chuckled at Annie’s question while Shree and Raj were confused and looked at Annie and Sakshi enquiringly

Sakshi: woh…actually…..Arjun ko….biryani pasand hai….So I was…..

Raj understands what was in her mind and completes it for her, “so Sakshi madam wants to give a biriyani treat to her pati dev, huh?” [Winks at her naughtily]

Sakshi smiles and blushes nodding a yes…..Annie also smiles and replies, “No problem….main banaa dehthi hoom…..phir acche se khilaana Arjun sir ko…”

Sakshi shook her head, “nahi….par mujhe khud..”

Then she stopped realizing what she wished for was impossible……she shouldn’t have even thought about it….she smacked herself for being so absent minded and silly about her own state!

But Raj sensed Sakshi’s emotions and was quick to respond, “Annie, Sakshi apne haathon se banaana chahthi hai….samjhe??”

Annie looks puzzled as to what to say about that…..she looked at Sakshi and then at Raj while Raj smiles and gives an assuring nod to both of them meaning, “woh zaroor karegi….”

Raj just added, “hum teeno hai na Sakshi ji ke help karne…..she will surely do it…”

Shree looked at Raj and then understanding his intentions, he nods voicing, “yeah of course…”

Raj and Shree helped Sakshi out of the bed to sit on the wheel chair…..

They took her to the kitchen while Annie had already started taking out the ingredients and vegetables for making biriyani…..

Sakshi was terribly sad about why she even wished for such an impossible task and also confused as to how Raj was confident that she would be able to do it….She cant even stand up or use both her hands……she felt sorry for having given them all a tough time by such a wish!

Raj could sense her confusions and worries….he initiated by passing the vegetables to Shree, “Shree, isse zara wash karna….”

Shree wasn’t too happy with Raj delegating work to him but then did it for Sakshi’s sake….

Raj placed the cutting board on the arm rests of Sakshi’s chair….and then asked Shree to hold the vegetables for her while she sliced it using her right hand which was movable…

Shree kneeled down by the side of her chair and held the vegetables one by one tightly for her to cut…..

Sakshi’s eyes welled up seeing them all take so much effort for her and for fulfilling a crazy wish of hers….After so many years of complete solitude and abandoning, such things appeared like a dream fantasy to her….Shree didn’t fail to notice her tears….

Shree caught a tear drop in his finger tip and voiced, “ro matth Sakshi…..what are friends for!....aise kaam nahi aayenge toh friends kyun bannke phire, haan???”

Shree was slowly learning to interpret the unspoken words of her various gestures and expressions….she nodded with a smile meaning ‘thank you’ and started slicing the vegetables while Raj smiled at their friendship and turned around to Annie…..

The door bell rang and Annie went to check who it was…it wasn’t time yet for Arjun to come…so she wondered who it was at this time….

A few moments later, a voice broke the silence in the kitchen….”SURPRISE!”

Shree turned to the direction and was shocked to see who it was…..Liza stood smiling and behind her was Annie…..

Shree looked at her as if questioning the reason for her arrival now….She replied to his unasked question, “Specky Sen, Maine tumhe thodi dher wait karne ko kaha tha na?? I told you I am also coming to meet Sakshi….lekin tumne mujhe wahaan chodke akele chale aaye….huh??”

Shree replied back instantly, “sab jahaan Vodafone puppy ke tarah mere peeche peeche kyun aathi ho, huh?”

Raj, Sakshi and Annie chuckled at Shree’s annoyed question….while Liza shrugged him off and walked in….She patted Sakshi’s shoulders voicing a hi…..and gave her a quick hug….

Raj pitched in before Shree could add something more, “hey beautiful…..give me the pleasure of meeting you lady!”

He held out his hand to introduce himself….Liza rolled her eyes with a grin on her face seeing the new guy who was flirting with her even before an introduction!

Before Annie could repeat the introductions, Raj spoke up, “I am Raj….Sakshi’s doctor!”

Liza smiled and gave in her hand, “ohhh hi Raj….Liza”

Raj gave a I know it smile while Shree felt a prick in his heart when he saw Liza’s hand in his…..He couldn’t understand what angered and irritated him more…..Raj talking and flirting with Annie ji or his flirting with Liza….

He was in a dilemma of sorts while the others rested their talks for a while and got back to work…..

Meanwhile Raj was planning something else in his mind as well…..

Sakshi was lifted from the wheel chair and made to sit on the kitchen counter with Shree and Liza providing her the needed back support…..She kept adding the required ingredients with Annie’s help and also cooked it up slowly…..

Raj was busy cutting onions for the salad….he was crying non stop…….suddenly he felt a tissue wiping away his tears….he opened his eyes to see Annie chuckling and slowly taking the onions and the knife from him, “wipe your tears Mr Raj….baaki main kar loongi!”

It was late evening when dinner was ready and set…..Raj’s second step of the plan initially shocked Annie…She refused but then Raj was an expert in brain washing…..

So following Raj’s intstructions, Annie quickly called Arjun and told him that she had to meet a close friend urgently and it was very important for her to go….

Arjun wasn’t so convinced that he could handle Sakshi all alone for so much time but then he agreed and also said that he was on the way.….He was also having doubts on what Annie said…He couldn’t believe that Annie would choose meeting a friend over her duties for Sakshi but then he felt it could be an emergency and left it at that!

Raj, Shree and Liza waited for Annie outside the apartment complex while Annie stood at the door waiting for Arjun to come…..Raj had given her strict instructions to step out the moment Arjun stepped into the house…..and not give him any chance to persuade her from going out…

Though Annie was against the whole idea of lying to Arjun, she agreed to it as she knew Raj understood the situations better and she trusted Raj’s intuitions for Sakshi’s revival to normal!

All his efforts was steered to the destination of getting Arjun and Sakshi closer and he firmly believed that in turn that would get Sakshi back to her feet! And Annie wanted to trust his strong belief and give all her support for that!

So she quickly apologized for her going out leaving Sakshi to him and hurried off into the elevator leaving a totally perplexed Arjun all to himself…..She also mentioned that if delayed, she might stay at her friend’s place and come back only next morning…..

It was already decided that Annie was going to stay at Liza’s place that night!

Arjun snapped out of his bewildered state and tried calling her back to get the name and address of the so called friend but the lift door was shut and she was gone….

He decided that he would call her up a little later and find about it and then walked into the flat…

It was dark in the living room and just a ray of light came from his bed room….

He switched on the lights muttering, “na jaane aaj Annie ko kya hua? Aise lights sab off karke…au raise achaanak chali gayi…..I wonder if Sakshi is fine…”

Saying that he walked to the room calling out to her….’Sakshi…’

He stopped in his tracks when he saw her….

 [To be continued]

Chapter 24:

Annie walked around to the parking area of the apartment complex where the other three waited for her. Raj stood leaning casually onto his car….Next to him stood Liza and Shree.

Raj had no starting troubles or a shortage of topics to start a conversation. Within seconds, he and Liza were busy chatting away about their work life and other things.

Shree wasn’t one bit pleased with what was happening but he had no choice but stand next to them nodding or offering them a pleasing fake smile. Liza talking with Raj so freely freaked him like hell but he couldn’t walk away from there neither could he show his displeasure openly.

Raj spotted Annie and from her smile, he could sense that all was handled well as per their plan…

Now they had to decide on what they would do for the rest of the evening…..their plan for dinner wasn’t fixed yet….A quick discussion later, it was decided that they would have dinner at Liza’s favorite restaurant which she vouched as the best pick and then Annie would stay at Liza’s place that night….

Shree walked to his bike quite sure that none of the girls are going to leave Raj’s company and come with him….He just informed before walking away, “I will come in my bike…” and moved on

But he was wrong…Liza noticed Shree walking in a dejected manner and told Annie, “tum dono aa jaana….I will come with him”

Raj smiled and replied, “I was about to say that Liza”

 Liza nodded with a smile and sprinted after Shree, “Specky….hold on…main tumaare saat chalthi hoom”

Raj shook his head amused and opened the door for Annie to get in…..and he himself got into the driver’s seat….

Raj was still smiling thinking about something as he steered the car out of the gates. Annie kept looking to his side noticing his silent smiles..

Raj could sense her glance on him and spoke up, “You want to ask me something, right?”

Annie was smarter than she seemed. She could very well understand Raj’s subtle attempts in refining the complex and entangled relationships….Be it Arjun and Sakshi or now Shree and Liza….

Annie smiled at his perfect guess about her questions to him. She enquired, “Are you a physiotherapist or a relationship therapist Mr Raj?”

Raj laughed at her question and questioned back, “what do you think?”

Annie: question ke reply mein question….hmmmm ok… according to me you look more like an expert relationship, I mean love therapist!”

Raj faked a frown and replied, “Matlab I am not so good a physiotherapist. Huh?”

Annie tried to correct herself wondering if she hurt him, “nahi nahi….i didn’t mean it that way….You are an expert in both”

Raj smiled at her efforts to cajole him….His silence and smile made her explain further, “sacch mein Mr Raj…I didn’t mean it that way….I am sorry if I hurt you…”

Raj grinned and replied, “Annie, it hurts only when you call me Mr Raj…a more friendly, casual touch wont do any harm, right?”

Annie smiled and replied, “ok…then Raj it is…”

Raj: that sounds better….

A few seconds of silence and then he answers her initial question all of a sudden, “Love is a beautiful feeling Annie….and only very few lucky ones get true love in their lives…some don’t realize it even when its right before you and calling out to you….aise logon ko apne pyar pehachaan ne keliye thoda bohat help chahiye….some kind of catalyst, a trigger…..yahaan pe main wahi catalyst ka role kar raha tha….”

Annie is quite pleased with such a mature reply from the other wise funny prankster guy!

She had an urge to ask him if he has such a true love in his life but she didn’t…..she was confused at her interest to know that from him…..She stopped herself by becoming silent for the rest of the drive….

His state wasn’t any different from hers…..In the last 2 days, her innocence, her sincerity, her honesty, her pure friendship and love for Sakshi…..all had been affecting him deeper than he thought…..Whereever, he worked, his relationship with the people around him was always platonic…his job demanded that…...he always nurtured a shallow yet friendly casual relationship with everybody…..he never allowed anything to intrude him deeper but here he felt a deeper impact…..Oblivious to himself, she was finding her way deeper into him….perhaps into his heart!

He was always an open person….nothing stayed hidden in his mind for long…..right now he was tempted to ask the beautiful girl beside him if she had been in love ever…..but somehow, he couldn’t get himself to ask that to her….may be hearing a yes wasn’t acceptable to him or perhaps he wasn’t sure of his next step if she said no….He felt such a unsure feeling for the first time ever in life and that puzzled him endlessly…..

So caught in the confusions, he preferred silence too…..

******************************************

Coming back to Arjun and Sakshi…..

He switched on the lights muttering, “na jaane aaj Annie ko kya hua? Aise lights sab off karke…au raise achaanak chali gayi…..I wonder if Sakshi is fine…”

Saying that he walked to the room calling out to her….’Sakshi…’

He stopped in his tracks when he saw her….

*************

She sat on her wheel chair…..and was draped in a ravishing red designer saree…..and she looked beautiful than ever….her attire gorgeously showing off her feminine beauty which seemed to have lay hidden so far inside the over sized long gowns which she normally wore….

He didn’t need any more explanations from Annie for her going away so urgently….his intuitions told him that she had gone to give him and Sakshi some privacy…

He mentally thanked Annie for this and stepped closer to Sakshi……but she looked puzzled and totally confused by all this…..

Arjun sat by her side wondering why she looked so confused…he didn’t have to ask….she herself spoke up, “Dekho na Arjun, Annie kahi chali gayi…..kuch teek se….bathaaya bhi nahi….aur uphar se….yeh sab…”

[She shows off her saree and her face which had a slight tinge of make up….Annie had literally got her ready for a date with Arjun]

Arjun grinned at Sakshi’s complaints and silenced her by placing his fingers on her lips….”shhh….main aagaya hoon na? Annie ko kuch urgent kaam tha….isiliye chali gayi…”

 Sakshi didn’t get the essence of it still…she added, “maine toh….sirf aap keliye biriyani…..par kuch aur hi…”

Then it struck her what Annie, Raj and others were planning….she stopped her words only to be continued by him..

Arjun: wow…biriyani….mere liye…..that reminds me I am damn hungry….main fresh hokhe aatha hoom….phir saath mein dinner karenge….

In a few minutes he was back to her…..He took her hand which she had tried moving today in his….. He pecked it gently as if in appreciation for her attempts……She took her other hand to his cheeks and caressed it while he turned sideways and kissed her palm….

She smiled and ruffled her hair slowly voicing, “dinner karein?”

He nodded and stood up to wheel her out to the dining table….Raj had kept candles at the center of the table all ready to be lighted and set for a candle light dinner…..

Arjun smiled at the efforts Annie had taken for them….He is not aware of the truth that a full team was behind the whole plan…..and their leader was Raj.

Seeing Arjun smile at the arrangements, Sakshi voiced, “yeh sab…uss Raj….ka plan hai….lagtha hai romance mein PHD….kar chukha hai”

Arjun enquired in surprise, “RAJ?”

He told to himself in his mind, “yeah of course…ladkiyon ko impress karne mein bhi PHD hai!

Sakshi slowly nodded wondering what Arjun would tell…..but Arjun didn’t probe further into it but just positioned her near the table and he himself took a seat close to her…..close enough so that he could help her eat….

She tries to take off the lids to serve but he says that he will do it…..He serves the food and water for both of them…..they begin to eat slowly…..He eats one spoon and then voices with a grin, “sacch mein jaadu hai Annie ke haathon mein….its really tasty..hai na Sakshi?”

Sakshi is a bit disappointed as he said that but she knew that Arjun could never guess that she had cooked it…..she didn’t correct him but just nodded and bent her head to eat……she couldn’t eat much after that……she wanted to tell him that she had cooked it but then she couldn’t get herself to voice it….

Arjun moved closer seeing her dull face…..wrapping his arm around her and chinning her up, he spoke up, “tumhe kya laga agar tum nahi kahogi toh mujhe patha nahi chalega….huh?”

Sakshi looked into his face….their eyes met and she could read from his deep eyes that he already knew that she had cooked it…..He had just praised Annie to play with her a bit!

He took her hands in his and kissed it once more, “tumne mere liye itna kuch kiya….mujhe kaise nahi patha chalega…..haan?”

She blushed and managed to voice, “unn sab ne…bohat help kiya….”

Arjun enquired, “unn sab??”

Sakshi: haan Raj, Shree, Liza sab teh yahaan….they helped me…

Arjun chuckled, “ohh yeh tha unn dono ka urgent kaam, huh?”

Sakshi tried to save them, “plz Arjun…..iss keliye….unn dono ko…kuch SYS matth kariyega”

Arjun grinned at her plead and nodded, “nahi karunga…..[sarcastically] ab khush! Apne doston ka saath kabhi matth chodna….”

 Sakshi replied, “dosti ki hai toh….nibaana bhi padega na?”

Arjun shook his head in agreement and also amused…..They continue to eat….he is almost done with his food and is waiting for her to finish…..she is a bit slow due to her state but then he patiently waits admiring her….

She looked very beautiful in the golden glow of the candle light…..her angelic face glowed and he couldn’t stop gazing at her…..As his eyes wandered all over her pretty face, he noticed a morsel of the food stuck to the side of her upper lip..

He was tempted to taste it from there…..He just thought for a moment before he found his self control oozing away and he moved towards her….Only when his breath fell on her face did she realize how close he was….

She turned to his side and found his lips just an inch away hovering over hers…..she whispered shivering, “Arjun..aap….”

He caught her chin and pulled her face closer and devoured the morsel relishing the extra taste it had….she shuddered when she felt his lips on her skin…

He would have moved to her much more tempting lips which was now flavored with the spicy masala of the food she was having but then stopped realizing that she was yet to finish her food…..If he kissed her now, she wouldn’t be able to complete her dinner…

He moved away making way for her to continue the dinner…..

The feel of his lips on her wasn’t fading away from her….but she composed herself and managed to gobble up the food quickly……she coughed and he patted her head gently and gave her water, “dheere se Sakshi….”

Soon after she finished, he cleaned up the table….It wasn’t sleep time yet….so he decides to laze a bit watching TV or some soothing music…..

He makes her sit on the couch and they watch the news together….

Then he switches to the music channel based on her preference…..

As romantic songs rolled on, he glanced to her side but she was fully engrossed in the songs….he entwines his fingers with hers which were on her lap…

That’s when she turns to his side…He nudges her fingers gently as he leans over to her face…..

He takes her hands and makes her hug him as his hands embrace her turning her towards him…her fingers entiwine with each others locking itself around his neck tightly…

Baahon Ke Darmiyaan Do Pyaar Mil Rahe Hain
Baahon Ke Darmiyaan Do Pyaar Mil Rahe Hain
Jaane Kya Bole Mann Dole Sunke Badan
Dhadkan Bani Zubaan

Baahon Ke Darmiyaan Do Pyaar Mil Rahe Hain
Jaane Kya Bole Mann Dole Sunke Badan
Dhadkan Bani Zubaan
Baahon Ke Darmiyaan

Pecking her cheeks, he instantly kisses her lips not giving her enough time to react to it….she is stunned beyond limits at his sudden kiss….the previous time, he had just touched her lips but this time, he wasn’t letting it go so quickly….

Khulte Bandh Hote Labhon Ki Ye Ankahi
Khulte Bandh Hote Labhon Ki Ye Ankahi
Mujhse Keh Rahi Hai Ki Badhne De Bekhudi
Mil Yoon Ki Daud Jaayein Nas Nas Mein Bijliyaan

Baahon Ke Darmiyaan Do Pyaar Mil Rahe Hain
Jaane Kya Bole Mann Dole Sunke Badan
Dhadkan Bani Zubaan
Baahon Ke Darmiyaan

The slow kiss turns demanding and she gives in to his exploring demands…….. yet not leaving her lips, he makes her lay back on the couch as he kisses her passionately…..his hands travel down her slender frame drawing patterns all over her romantically….

As his fingers reach her bare waist, even her immobile body seems to sprout back to life…..her shiver was a sign of that recovery….he could feel that tremble and continues to play a rhythm on all around her waist and then grasping her tighly to himself…..

He smiled against her creamy skin as he moved down to listen to her thudding heart beats…he wasn’t wrong….her heart beats had paced up the moment he touched her….and it only increased with his growing passion…

Each move of his was giving her the energy, a new positive feeling that all of her senses weren’t dead altogether…..it was onlydormant or lay dried up somewhere deep inside her…

All she needed was a fresh out pour of his love raining on her to wake them all back….

Aasmaan Ko Bhi Ye Haseen Raaz Hai Pasand
Aasmaan Ko Bhi Ye Haseen Raaz Hai Pasand
Uljhi Uljhi Saanson Ki Aawaaz Hai Pasand
Moti Luta Rahi Hai Saawan Ki Badliyaan

Baahon Ke Darmiyaan Do Pyaar Mil Rahe Hain
Baahon Ke Darmiyaan Do Pyaar Mil Rahe Hain
Jaane Kya Bole Mann Dole Sunke Badan
Dhadkan Bani Zubaan
Baahon Ke Darmiyaan

The flames of romance and passion had ignited both of them but he knew he had to stop…..

He couldn’t go on and unleash all his desires at this point..he had to wait till she recovered completely…..he pulled back from her rather hesitantly after a final peck on her lips!

She was still red and blushing after his passionate attack on her…..her lips were swollen as he had nibbled and tasted her fervently…she tried to wipe her lips lowering her face shyly…..

He chuckled at her efforts to hide her face and got up, “tumaare sone ka time hogaya Sakshi…chalo…”

He placed her back on the wheel chair….

That’s when something striked her……She was brimming to tell it but she couldn’t….

She just enquired, “Annie kab aayegi?”

Arjun: shaayad ab kal hi aayegi….kyun? tumhe kuch chahiye, huh?

Sakshi turned away, “nahi kuch nahi…”

By then they were in the room….he could sense that she was stopping herself from voicing it….he urged kneeling down beside her chair, “bolo Sakshi….kuch problem hai kya?”

At his persistent enquiries, she manages to say, “mujhe ye kapde change….[stops abruptly and then also manages to add]…aur rest room bhi….”

She couldn’t complete it but he understands what was bothering her….he hadn’t thought about this when Annie went away…

[To be continued]

Chapter 25:

By then they were in the room….he could sense that she was stopping herself from voicing it….he urged kneeling down beside her chair, “bolo Sakshi….kuch problem hai kya?”

At his persistent enquiries, she manages to say, “mujhe ye kapde change….[stops abruptly and then also manages to add]…aur rest room bhi….”

She couldn’t complete it but he understands what was bothering her….he hadn’t thought about this when Annie went away…

*************************************

Honestly, this part had just slipped from his mind……now he was struck…..he didn’t know if she would be comfortable if he did it for her…..He didn’t want to put her in an uncomfortable awkward situation….it was embarrassing for both of them…

Arjun tried to blurt, “Main Annie ko call karke dekhta hoom”

Annie’s phone sprang into action…..Raj had just pulled up the car before Liza’s place when her phone rang…..He didn’t even look to her side but just voiced, “Arjun ka call hai…..cut kar dho…”

Annie blinked as if not understanding the language he spoke when he repeated the same in different words….”He wants you back at home…so don’t take the call….”

Annie didn’t take the call but replied, “But I cant ignore his call Raj…..it might be something important and urgent….”

Raj looked to her side with a chuckle, “important hoga…urgent bhi hoga but unn dono ko manage karne dho Annie…..”

When he saw that she wasn’t so convinced, he sighed, “ok fine….call le lo but don’t agree to get back unless it is some sort of emergency….got it?”

Annie nodded and proceeded to pick the call but the ring stopped by then……She looked helplessly at him when he smiled and replied, “don’t worry…he will call again…..warna tum call kar lena…”

But he was right, the phone rang again and this time, Annie picked the call immediately and hurriedly voiced….”Hello”

Arjun knitted his brows and enquired, “Annie, kahaan ho? Are you held up somewhere?”

Annie didn’t know how to handle it but then decided to do what her heart said and it was chiming what Raj had put into her head….

She replied, “Yes Arjun sir…..I am caught up here….I will come back in the morning….is there anything urgent?”

Arjun couldn’t press her more after what she said and moreover, what would he tell her….

He obviously couldn’t tell her that he needed her help to change his wife’s clothes…..So he just replied,”Oh…ok….nahi aise koyi khaas baat nahi hai…….”

They bid bye and cut the call…..Arjun sports a helpless look at Sakshi who had by now guessed that Annie wasn’t coming any time soon…..

She herself was in a dilemma…his hesitance to help her out was evident and she was also skeptical if she had it in her to accept his help…..would she be able to handle if he helped her change her clothes?

It was indeed a tricky situation and perhaps he was hesitant for the same reason wondering how she will feel…..not that he had a problem but again her comfort level was important too.

She just spoke up to make it easier for him, “its ok Arjun…..main aise hi so jaavungi…..dont worry”

But he could see that she wasn’t ok….

***********************************

On the other side, Raj looked at Annie in “I am impressed” manner smiling, “wow Annie ji….aap ne toh kamaal kar diya…. I am impressed!”

Annie couldn’t help a chuckle and mocking him back, “sab sangath ka asar hai!”

Raj feigned ignorance and asked innocently, “kiska?”

Annie smiled seeing his innocent expressions meaning “as if you don’t know” and then voiced seriously, “Par unnse jhoot bolna pada…it kind of pricks me Raj!”

Raj knew that she wasn’t used to such acts and lies……He placed his hand on her hers and assured her, “its ok….acche iraadhe se bole hua jhoot sacch se bhi badhkar hai! [pausing, he adds with a naughty grin] aisa Baba Rajanand kehte hai!”

Annie looked at him enquiringly first and seeing his naughty glint realizes who that baba was and bursts out laughing….her laughter is infectious enough and he laughs too….

As their laughs subside, they both realize that her hand is under his still…..she quickly pulls her hand off his and he also slowly takes his hand off smiling sheepishly for his funny remark!

***********************************

Back home, he took quick strides to her side determinantly…Afterall he was her husband and he had every right over her…

He gently held her hand and focused on what her eyes and expressions said as he asked, “Sakshi, do you mind me doing it for you?”

Sakshi looked at him from her lowered eye lashes…..She didn’t know what to reply…yes of course, he could do anything and everything for her….He had every right over her……

She just whispered, “Arjun…”

Arjun replied when he saw her searching for words to reply, “its ok Sakshi…mujhe patha hai ke its difficult for you but ab iss situation mein aur kya kar sakthe hai….I cant see you in discomfort! So let me do it for you….”

Sakshi managed to nod to him……He nodded back and then went to the wardrobe to take out her night clothes…..it was a long gown which she wore always….he took it out voicing, “pehle kapde bathlenge aur phir rest room le chalunga…”

He came back to her and slowly tugged her saree pallu but then he stopped instantly looking around….The room was so much illuminated and he knew how embarrassing it could be for her…..

He turned back and switched off all the lights just allowing the moon light to fill the room…

She felt a bit relaxed now……else handling his gaze would have been difficult….her body could act bizarrely under his warm gaze and touch!

In the darkness, he could only see an outline of her body on the bed…..he moved closer and sat beside her…his hands travelled to her shoulders to remove the pin of her pallu….

His fingers brushed her soft skin on her shoulders…..He tried his best not to do that and cause weird sensations to both of them….

He took off her saree slowly from around her….pulling it out from her body wasn’t easy…

He had to roll her around multiple times to take out the wrapped up saree….He supported her onto his body as his hands worked on the saree…

She shivered and felt a tingling shrill all through her spine……it amazed her that her lifeless body was indeed prone and not at all immune to such sensations…..

His situation was nothing better from her……the feel of her body against him and his accidental touches on her bare skin were making things difficult for him as well…..he controlled all his urges and continued his work like a true gentleman…..

Taking off the blouse was another tough job……the darkness and then his ignorance to doing such things made it all the more difficult……the hooks were giving him a tough competition as well…..He realized that Arjun Rawte was an amateur in many things….this was perhaps one of them! He grinned at his own thoughts! And his grin confused her but she didn’t enquire anything!

He couldn’t prevent the brushing of his fingers at all the wrong places on her making her gasp and she clutched the bed sheets for support……Once again, he slanted her slender frame onto him to ease removing it…..He could hear her quick breaths and her thudding heart beats…..his heart beats were racing with hers too…..

His hands roamed around her bare back as he slipped the blouse off her……He let his fingers linger on her soft skin and embraced her for a long moment…..her head rested on his shoulders and he too leaned to her bare shoulders and his breath fanned her exposed skin making her weak and almost melted into him…..Kissing her gently on her shoulders, he parted from her reluctantly……

Making her wear the gown was indeed the easiest of the lot……Putting it over her head, he made her lie back on the pillow……slowly he lifted her hands and put them into the sleeves…..

He gently lifted her a little off the bed to pull down the gown to the full length…..

Once done, he switched on the lights and was content with the work he had done to perfection….

No, he frowned, it wasn’t up to the mark……the buttons of the gown was open causing him to hiss….….he had missed them…. it was going to be another challenge for him….he sat back and slowly buttoned it up for her……….

It was all weird, strange, and the need of a compelling situation but yet felt magical doing it all for his wife….it wasn’t different for her….Her Arjun, her husband doing it for her….his touching her as if claiming her as his rightful wife was truly enticing and giving her a completed feel already…..She seemed to feel complete as his wife now!

The magical situation was indeed freezing their thoughts…..he couldn’t let go of her so easily….he couldn’t think of anything but her….he bent down and kissed her neck and down below to the skin beneath the buttons before he actually closed it all…He breathed in her feminine fragrance into his senses making her moan a little.…...perhaps he was tempted or she looked so inviting that he couldn’t hold it back…..

He smacked away his own wandering thoughts and stood up…..He gathered her up and took her to the restroom…..making her sit, he looked away from her to give her space and privacy but kept his hold intact and firm on her…..

Once she was done, she tugged his hands……He took her back and made her lie down comfortably…..Pulling up the blanket on her, he switched off the lights except the night lamp…..

He pecked her forehead gently and voiced, “Good night…”

Before he could get up, he felt her clasp his hands as if asking him to stay……She hadn’t forgotten his words……she tried to raise up a little and he bent down wondering what she was trying to do…..her trial didn’t go waste…..she indeed arched her head and upper body a little so that she could reach his lips…..Touching his lips with hers, she whispered in reply, “Good night Arjun”

He smiled against her lips and gave her a firmer kiss and a tight hug before placing her back……caressing her hair, he spoke, “sleep”

She knew her sleep was already stolen….she just wanted to hold him to herself….she just wished that she was all fine and fit so that she could become his this very moment…..this wait for a recovery and their incomplete closeness was becoming tougher every minute……

She couldn’t contemplate or voice out her wishes or what her heart yearned for….but her eyes gave away a part of her…..

Jaanun main na jaane dil, kya khwahish jagi hai
Kyun aankhon ko bhi kuch hua
Jaagi jaagi rehti hain, kahaan neendein gayi hain
Kya hone laga hai tu bata

He smiled and then reluctantly got up from her side and walked into the bath room…..he had to take a shower for sure……

The feel of her skin on his finger tips, her warmth on his body when she leaned onto him, the taste of her lips on his…..everything was still lingering in him….it wasn’t going away……but he had to forget it all for his own sanity else he might end up doing something crazy and improper…And perhaps a shower might help…..

He sighed heavily as he stood beneath the cold water…….the water trickled down his well toned body but it did little to put off the fire ignited within him!

Tere labon pe hai mili mere labon ko zindagi
Tere bina ab saans loon mere liye mumkin nahi
Meshsoos ye hota hai tu mere liye hai laazmi
Saaya tera ab chhod kar lamhe chale mumkin nahi
Mumkin nahi... Mumkin nahi...

[To be continued]