Saturday, August 8, 2015

Beyond Just Love (Chapter 16-20)

Chapter 16: A epic reunion and much more….

The beautiful pool had reminded them of those days and also the day when they had first come to this complex……It was just under construction and the most important factor that lured them to this particular complex and also made them zero down on this place was the huge swimming pool which was proposed in their brochure…..The gym was also an additional bonus point….
Swimming and working out together were always part of their dreams for the future life but unfortunately those dreams never came true……Everything was shattered and snatched away cruelly by fate!
Though distanced away, both hearts had gone back to the same thing and they let a deep sigh and turned to face each other…….
********************************
Both of them could read it in each others face what their minds were replaying…they could sense that both of them were in the same plane….they were back to the same spot where they had left their friendship behind!
Just a smile and that would have broken the ice wall….but no….
None of them could bow down their heads or egos and let go of their stubbornness…..so they stood just looking at each other for a long moment…
Yes, it wasn’t a glare or an angry stare but an emotionless glance at each other which was blank as a white paper as if the entire past relationship was erased away or washed away and their relationship was flat platonic and nothing more than professional!
Aisha remarked with a chuckle, “Men will be men Sakshi…..dekho na ek doosre ko ek smile dehte toh sab kuch normal ho jaatha aur humein kuch aur karne ki zaroorat hi nahi padthi..[pouting]…par nahi…humein kaam karwaane mein inne mazaa aatha hai na? Ego kabhi nahi chodenge…..ab toh humein kuch saazish racchni padegi…..”
Sakshi smiled as she alternated her looks at her husband and his long lost buddy who were now looking at each other…..then looked back at her friend Aisha who was determined to bind the friends back in friendship…Yes she also wanted to see them back together….
Afterall, Arjun’s smiles and his fun filled life was her dream…her vision….she would support Aisha in every way to make that a reality! And she knew Sameer’s friendship could do magic to Arjun!
Aisha added with a naughty grin and wink at Sakshi, “and guess what saazish part 1 toh maine already plan kar diya hai…”
Sakshi looked at her enquiringly when Aisha replied, “Wait and watch! Intezaar ka phal humesha meeta hota hai Mrs Rawte!”
Sakshi smiled and thought to herself….”Only time will tell Mrs Rathod!”
She wasn’t pessimistic but life had given her such bitter experiences that wishing something very simple and trivial has also become like a luxury for her….She was frightened to pin hopes on something or wishing for something and then end up disappointed upon not getting what she wished for….
So she always kept her balances neutral between optimism and pessimism…..A lesson of life which she learnt in the most harsh and difficult way! She couldn’t undo that learning so easily!
*****************************
Back at the balcony……A ring of the landline number snapped them both….
Sameer was the first one to snap out and walk inside hearing the ring to pick the call…..Arjun turned back to the pool and saw the ladies walking back…..
He could see a pleasant smile adorning Sakshi’s face…by default, a smile popped up in his lips as well….her smiles surely gave him reasons to smile or rather he didn’t need a reason to smile when he saw her smile….perhaps her smile had become the reason for his smiles!….He couldn’t deny it now!
********************************
Arjun made Sakshi settle down in one of the rooms till dinner was served…..Annie sat beside her while Arjun walked to the dining table to get some water….
That’s when a conversation from the kitchen caught his ears…..it was between Sameer and Aisha…
Sameer was lifting the lids of all the dishes and checking the menu cooked up for dinner…..and Aisha was warming the food which was cooked by their maid in the microwave…
He enquired,”Aisha, gobi aur aloo ke kuch nahi hai kya?”
Aisha raised her eye brows at his sudden interest in the dinner menu and looked at him after turning on the microwave, “kyun? Aapko kabse gobi aur aloo se pyar hua???”
Sameer muttered mindlessly, “mujhe nahi…Arjun ko bohat pasand hai na?”
Aisha couldn’t help a smile hearing him say that and also addressing him as Arjun instead of Rawte…..
Sameer, the cop was quick to notice that sarcastic smile on Aisha;s face and tried to patch up, “mera matlab hai ke koyi dinner usske bina complete nahi hota right? You should know better jaan”
Aisha grinned at his efforts to patch up his slip but it was too late as she had already caught him off guard….she just remarked in a casual tone, “aap ne mujhe bathaaya kya ke Arjun sir ko aloo aur gobi pasand hai…..nahi na? then how will I know that jaan….ab toh maid bhi chali gayi….but phir bhi….if you insist, I will cook up something….”
Sameer shrugged in a slightly disappointed tone, “no….its ok”
He didn’t wait for her reply but just took the plates and walked to the dining table to help her set the table….
 Aisha smiled and kept glancing at his gestures…….she shook her head in amusement and turned back to the microwave sensing that the timer was off now….she opened it and took out the dish from it…..she opened the lid and grinned at the aloo gobi masala which she had specially prepared for the friends Sam and Arjun!
************************************
A few moments before….Arjun heard Sameer saying “mujhe nahi…Arjun ko bohat pasand hai na?”
Hearing “Arjun” from Rathod felt like a dream come true for Arjun and he couldn’t move away from that spot…..not that he wanted to hear the couple’s conversation but he was eager to know what Sam was telling about him and the revelation only made him more happy…..Sam hadn’t forgotten anything….his likes, dislikes were all known to him still!
He walked away quickly when he saw Sameer walking out with the plates…..
Arjun walked to the table and was filling a glass with water when Sameer approached the table and began to place the plates….
Arjun glanced to his side and now the formal look was slowly fading…he desperately wanted Sameer to look at him and also smile back…….
Just then, Aisha walked in with more than one dish in her hands and she was finding it difficult to balance…..Both Sameer and Arjun noticed it and rushed to help her……
They got both the dishes from her hands and Sameer spoke up, “Aisha, sambaalke….itna strain matth karo!


Arjun added to it,”isiliye main aane se manaa kar raha tha….ab dekho….you are stressing yourself!”
Aisha looked at both the men with a sweet smile and then replied, “aap dono bewajeh pareshan ho rahe ho…..I have both of you to help me…..then why would I stress myself?”
They looked at each other and sported a “phas gaye yaar” look and then turned to Aisha giving her a “At your command lady” look….
She grinned seeing their expressions and then led them to the table…..
She instructed them how to set the table……they nodded and obeyed her commands like good obedient students……
All three sported a satisfied happy look once it was all done…..
**************************************
It was dinner time……
Aisha excused herself, “why don’t you start with the dinner Sameer? I am feeling a bit tired….kuch dher leitna chahthi hoom”
Sameer enquired in concern wrapping her in his arms, “doctor….”
Aisha knew where he was heading…so she snapped him and said, “I am fine Sameer….bas yeh sab khaana aur usske smell se pareshan hoom…..I want to be away from it for sometime…that’s all…..”
Sameer understood her problem and escorted her to the room…..Aisha asked him to go back and serve dinner to the others…..
Meanwhile, Sakshi preferred to have dinner in the room itself….So Annie took both their dinner plates to the room…..So that left just him and Arjun!
Arjun ensured that Sakshi was comfortable on the wheel chair and was eating her food properly….Annie and Sakshi insisted that Arjun went to the table and had dinner with Sameer…..So he came back and waited till Sameer came!
***************************
They serve for themselves and start of a quiet dinner…..Sameer sees the aloo gobi dish and smiles at Aisha’s naughty prank of keeping it a suspense….
Arjun doesn’t fail to notice it and enquires without thinking, “kya hua Rathod?”
Sameer turned to him hearing his question and the smile was still intact on his face making Arjun also return a smile…..
Sameer looked at the dish once more which was purposefully kept to his side of the table from where Arjun couldn’t reach……
He had to pass it to Arjun which he did realizing what his lovely wife wished for…..
If Aisha wants him and Arjun to become friends like in the past then be it…..her wish would be granted very soon…..Sameer thought to himself and picked the dish in his hands….
Holding it to Arjun’s side, he voiced, “its Aisha’s special dish! Pasand hai toh try karlo”
Arjun took it in his hands and looked at it….He couldn’t control a sarcastic grin seeing the ever diplomatic stubborn Sam before him…..
He replied back taking a spoonful of it and serving on his plate, “oh so its Aisha’s special dish, huh?…..aur mujhe laga ke mere liye special banaaya hai!”
Sarcasm was spilling in those words as well….Sameer glanced at Arjun…..and Arjun also looked back without giving up this time…..a naughty smile was inevitable on both their faces as they both realized their slips!…..that smile did do wonders to them….
It broke into a wider smile and then eventually a laughter realizing the funny irony that both were playing around with!
Then the dinner which continued was far away from silent…..Sameer kept filling Arjun’s plate with the variety of dishes and rotis as and when he finished them…..
Their wives weren’t oblivious to their laughs and fun time…..Afterall, they were the ones who wished to see and hear this….Sakshi’s insistence on eating in the room was also part of the same plan just to give the friends some time and space to revive their friendship bond which lay hidden somewhere deep inside them! And their plan clicked!


**************************************
Arjun finally raised his hands fed up, “ab bas Rathod…aur nahi khaa saktha…..mujhe drive bhi karna hai…..”
Sameer: itne saal khaana peena chodhke bas cutting chai pe jee raha tha na…..ab aur nahi…..samjhe ya samjhaavum?
Arjun looked at him hearing his dialog from Sameer…though Arjun smiled, he got a bit emotional and replied, “mujhe khaana khilaane waale dono hi mujhse dur chale gaye Sam! Phir kaise…”
Sameer couldn’t bear that tone from him….The smiles, the laughs…everything ceased….time came to a halt as the grave realization of Roshni’s death,Arjun and Sameer’s split surfaced again….
Sameer got up and walked away into the balcony…..Arjun knew what was running in Sam’s mind as he was also going through the same emotions…
He also washed his hands and followed Sameer…..
He saw Sam looking into the darkness……he could sense the unshed lone tear in Sam’s eyes…..his eyes were no different….a tear blurred his eyes as well…
In a cracked up voice, he spoke up, “Sam…..tumhe hurt karne keliye nahi kaha tha”
Sameer turned around, “I know….[taking a deep breath] Maine hi tumhe bohat dard diya hai mere dhost!”
Arjun shook his head denying it but then Sameer had already took his first step towards him engulfing in a warm hug which was all that was needed to forget all the past hurt feelings and pains that both had bestowed on each other…..Everything vanished in a jiffy with that single hug!
No more words of explanation or justification were needed! Sam and Arjun had indeed taken a rebirth fading away all the past sorrows and the ever egoistic Rathod and Rawte disappeared for good….
Aisha and Sakshi had sensed the silence by then and Aisha wheeled Sakshi out of the room to witness the epic reunion of the friends……
They couldn’t help shedding tears of joy seeing the sight before them….their mission was accomplished in all its glory!
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The drive back was soothing…Arjun felt relieved, relaxed, happy, content and what not!
Sakshi could sense the joy radiating from him and she was more than happy thinking about it…..One wish of hers had come true!
Arjun’s joy became more evident when he himself switched on the music system and a soothing romantic song rolled out……Sakshi relished that cool drive and the song as she rested her head on the seat rest and closed her eyes in ecstacy!
Tu Hi Yeh Mujhko Bata De
Chahoon Main Ya Na
Apne Tu Dil Ka Pata De
Chahoon Main Ya Na
Meanwhile the happy content mind of Arjun was pondering on something else…..the doctor’s visit came into his thoughts….
While Sakshi and Annie were sent for the tests, the doctor spoke to him in private about Sakshi’s state….The doctor’s advice lingered and echoed in his ears….
“Sakshi keliye best treatment aap hi hai Mr Arjun….I know Sakshi ke iss haal mein aap dono ke relationship ek point ke aage nahi jaa sakthe….but still…..[he stopped and added] I hope you understand what I mean……[Arjun nodded while the doctor continued] jo bhi karna hai bas aap ko hi karna hai….medicines, treatment, physiotherapy sab usske saat hi asar dikhaayega….
You need to give her a reason to come back to life…..you have to make her feel owned or rather wanted…..ab iss waqt usse jeene ki wajeh ya maqsad nahi dikhthi hai…. You need to give her that….…She feels like a burden to you and all around her…....you need to change that inferior attitude of hers….. Usske confidence aur motivation ko badhaana hai….”
As the doctor’s words dawned upon him a fresh realization, his mind started planning what more he had to do to make Sakshi feel better…..what more can he do to make her feel loved and not like a burden to him!
Tu Hi Yeh Mujhko Bataa De
Chahoon Main Ya Na
Apne To Dil Ka Pata De
Chahoon Main Ya Na
Itna Bata Doon Tujhko
Chahat Pe Apni Mujhko
Yun To Nahin Ikhtiyaar
Phir Bhi Ye Socha Dil Ne
Ab Jo Laga Hoon Milne
Poochhun Tujhe Ek Baar Oho

Tu Hi Yeh Mujhko Bata De
Chahoon Main Ya Na
Apne Tu Dil Ka Pata De
Chahoon Main Ya Na
He suddenly turned to her side….her head rested on the seat and her eyes were closed…She looked so innocent and her face radiated a unique peace which comforted him as well…...”Sleeping beauty” his mind and lips muttered simultaneously making him smile!
A loose strand wavered on her eye lashes….he slowly glided his fingers across her cheeks up to her eye lids and pushed back the hair to her clip….
He pulled back his hand sensing her stir in the short nap but he was too late as she woke up and turned to his side….their eyes locked and a smile communicated it all silently….
Be it the effect of the doctor’s words or the spur of the moment, he took her immobile hand in his and kissed it gently voicing…”so jaao….ghar abi dur hai!”
Aisi Kabhi Pehle
Hui Na Thin Khwaahishein
O Kisi Se Bhi Milne
Ki Na Ki Thin Koshishein

Uljhan Meri Sujha De
Chahun Main Ya Naa
Aankhon Aankhon Mein Jata De
Chahoon Main Ya Na
[To be continued]

Chapter 17:

A loose strand wavered on her eye lashes..he slowly glided his fingers across her cheeks up to her eye lids and pushed back the hair to her clip..
He pulled back his hand sensing her stir in the short nap but he was too late as she woke up and turned to his side..their eyes locked and a smile communicated it all silently..
Be it the effect of the doctor’s words or the spur of the moment, he took her immobile hand in his and kissed it gently voicing…’so jaao..ghar abi dur hai!’
Be it the effect of the doctor’s words or the spur of the moment, he took her immobile hand in his and kissed it gently voicing…’so jaao..ghar abi dur hai!’
****************************
He laid her comfortably on the bed and walked to his room to freshen up…
Once done with that, he thought about whether he should sleep in his room or go back to her..
He knew that he would never get a good sleep away from her..So he thrashed the idea of sleeping in his room and walked to her room..
Annie had by then changed Sakshi’s clothes and made her feel fresh and at ease!
Arjun smiled at Sakshi as he sat beside her...he placed his palm on her hand and enquired,
‘I hope you are feeling well Sakshi’
Sakshi smiled and nodded, ‘hmm main..teek..hoom Arjun’
Annie was taking the medicines to be given while she responded to her reply, ‘She is tired sir..back pain bhi hai...aaj bohat dher beiti hui thi na..shaayad isiliye..[after a pause, she points to the balm and adds]..I was going to apply the pain relief balm’
Annie notices that the jug and the flask is empty...so she takes that as an opportunity to leave the room and voices, ‘main iss mein paani fill karke aathi hoom..’
Arjun and Sakshi nodded and Annie went out closing the door behind her...
Arjun turns back to Sakshi and could sense the pain she was going through in her face but she was trying her best to look normal and smiled at him…
He voiced in concern, ‘bohat dard ho raha hai na?...mere saamne dard ko chupaane ki zaroorat nahi hai Sakshi...humaare beech aise formalities kyun laa rahi ho?’
Sakshi was pleasantly surprised by his talk…He had never spoke so much to her..and his concern reflected in those talks!
She tried to deny and assure him that she was alright but he kept his hand on her head and tried to comfort her, ‘I know..I can see your pain Sakshi..isiliye maine rest karne ko kaha tha..ETF office jaane se manaa bhi kiya tha’
Sakshi smiled faintly and replied,’ek..khushi..keliye…kuch na..kuch…toh…compromise..karna…padega…na?’
Arjun could see that she was really happy that she could make it to ETF office today..and the dinner at Sameer’s place had recharged her as well...He couldn’t deny that happiness of hers…so he just nodded and then spoke up, ‘teek hai…ab tumaara dard keliye dawa lagaa dehtha hoom..chalo uss taraf mudho..’
She was taken aback by his offer to apply the balm for her..she felt a bit awkward and hesitated..
But he didn’t hesitate to get up and step closer to her……He helped her to turn to the other side voicing, ‘itna soch kyun rahe ho? Chalo..’
She muttered,’woh...Annie…’
He snapped her short, ‘kyun?? Main nahi kar saktha, huh??’
Little did he know what made her hesitate and the sensations that he would be inducing in her by that gesture of his!
Ignoring all her protests, he just started doing what he intended to do...
Pulling up her shirt of the night suit, he touched her skin gently giving a faint tremble to her...the numbness she felt in that area seemed to decrease when he did that...The tremble surprised her!
He innocently enquired placing his palm, ‘yahaan dard hai?’
She was dumbstruck to reply but then when he asked again, she nodded ‘haaan’
He smeared the balm with his fingers and gently applied it in a circular motion massaging her back gently...
She felt heavenly…no that would be an understatement...she couldn’t help but think and get amazed by the gentleness of the rough and tough cop she knew..
He was very gentle in doing it making her relax totally…..
She closed her eyes in total bliss...just his touch did some magic and her pain seemed to vanishing!
He pretended not to have been affected by this sudden intimate touch but deep within, the first of this sort of intimacy was stirring him as well!
Her creamy fair skin was so soft and delicate that he couldn’t take his hands off her..his fingers lingered there gently massaging till she almost dozed off in that soothing pleasure!
His fingers curled and played a bit along her waist line which wasn’t expected by her and her eyes opened wide feeling the shrill it sent through her spine……
She felt an urge to turn around to him and hug him but she couldn’t...
He could sense the pull building up within her and he was happy that atleast she had started feeling it all……it was surely a sign to the numbness fading away!
He leaned forward as if to kiss her waist...was it just a part of his love therapy for her numbness or was it from his own impulse or an urge to kiss her there? That’s wasn’t clear but he surely was attempting to bring her around to him and also trying to narrow down the distance that her illness was creating between them..He wanted to fill in the gaps with his love and also get her to respond to him with all her love and strength!
As his warm breath hit her bare skin, a strange sensation filled her up and her lips muttered mindlessly ‘Arjun’ which was merely audible that it never reached him...If only it had reached him, he would have known the effect he had on her body!
His lips stopped an inch before it touched her skin realizing that perhaps he was rushing it all up very soon…He felt that he should give her some time to recover before he takes the next step...so he backed away from her and by then Annie had come in with the flask and jug of water...
Having placed them on the side table, she enquiringly looked at Arjun and Sakshi...
Arjun had already decided that he would stay in that room and just a gesture was enough for Annie to understand that...
Annie: good night sir..good night Sakshi...kuch zaroorat pade toh bulaa lijiye…
Arjun nodded with a smile and waited for her to leave……
She walked out leaving the couple behind..
Arjun switched off the lights and came back to the bed..He made Sakshi lie down properly and covered her up with the blanket..
He walked to the other side……He thought about their day together and all that had happened in their life so far…today, he had made the first attempt, the first step towards her but he didn’t know what the future had in store for them...he felt restless thinking about the whole thing...the first intimate touch also had a part in the restlessness he felt…perhaps the fact that she was his wife was slowly dawning on him and with it came the small wishes any person would ask for! He knew he had to leash his desires for now..Did he love her? Were these  emotions that he felt for her love? He was confused but he knew one thing...now she was his wife and an inevitable part of his life! She was the most important and special person in his life!
As he lay there in deep thoughts, he felt a tussle on the other side of the bed...as if she was trying to turn towards him..
He turned his head to her side and he was right, she was struggling to turn around...
He enquired, ‘kya hua Sakshi?’
Sakshi smiled a little and replied, ‘I..want..to..sleep…seeing…you..Arjun’
In an impulse, it just came out from his mouth or perhaps from his heart, ‘and I want to sleep loving you Sakshi’
She just heard it faintly as his lips merely muttered it...he didn’t show it off but just smiled and stretched to her side and helped her to turn and come closer to him...
As he held her, he saw tear drops at the end of her eyes……may be her helplessness in doing things on her own or her inability to respond to him was making her cry...He bent to her face and kissed those tears away..
He voiced gently, ‘Why are you wasting your tears when you have reasons to smile Sakshi?’
She looked into his eyes and could hear what his heart was whispering to hers...yes she had so many reasons to smile and be happy about..she had him in her life now…He was hers now!!
That thought felt really good!
A smile crept up her lips automatically…he smiled back and said in an authoritative tone, ‘That’s better!’
He didn’t leave her but just pulled her a bit closer into his arms and embraced her in his warm hug...
Pecking her hair lightly, he voiced, ‘ab dard kaisa hai?’
She gestured that she felt better..
Rubbing her back to relieve her of the dead numb feeling of the muscles there as she is always struck to the same position, he voiced, ‘I need my wife back in action Sakshi..’
She looked at him to read what he had in his mind while he continued, ‘I want you to come alive soon Sakshi...for me…for us..[pausing for a few seconds, he added]...aavogi na?’
Her eyes welled up as he asked that...she couldn’t have said no to him..but was she lucky enough to say yes…she didn’t know..only time could tell!
Her eyes, her heart..all of it cried out in silence...hoping and praying that she would be able to come back to life for him..
Pyaar Ki Baate ooo Pyar Ki Baate 
Pyaar Ki Baate ooo Pyar Ki Baate 

Dil Ko Hasake Dil Ko Rula De Aaso Se Bhare Aakhen oooo 
Dil Ko Hasake Dil Ko Rula De Aaso Se Bhare Aakhen oooo 
Pyaar Ki Baate ooo Pyar Ki Baate 
Pyaar Ki Baate ooo Pyar Ki Baate 

She raised her head from his shoulders to look at his face and their eyes met for a long moment when she replied,’haan’
There was a new feel of confidence in her reply which kind of made him confident too……
He hugged her tightly and then parted lightly to kiss her cheeks as if rewarding her for that new level of confidence!
She felt happy for the first gift of love from him…from her husband!..Was it a dream? She wanted to check!
She raised her hand and gently glided the area where he kissed which sort of amused him and he enquired naughtily, ‘kya hua??? aur chaahiye?’
She blushed and lowered her gaze while he took it as a yes and leaned to her to kiss her other cheek..She could feel her cheeks painting itself in crimson red color!
She looked beautiful when she blushed and looked away from him shyly...he couldn’t control but gather her in his arms...
He embraced her firmly and spoke up, ‘kal se physiotherapy shuru hoga..poore dil se teek hone ke umeedh se karna..I am sure that you will get well soon!’
She buried her face into his chest and nodded, ‘hmmm’
He just added before closing his eyes cherishing the moments ‘As I said, I want my wife Sakshi…I want you back soon…I need you’
She also closed her eyes in determination and trying to treasure his precious words within her little heart safely!
She couldn’t have asked for more in her life...
Haste Haste Kabhi Na Socha Kabhi Ye Aakhein Roengi
Rukte Rukte Kabhi Na Socha Kabhi Ye Sasen Roengi
Toote Ye Sason Ki Duriya
Toote Ye Sason Ki Duriya
Ab Tak  Koi Chupaye
Ab Tak Hum Ko Loot Rahi Hai Wohi Pyaar Ki Raatein
Pyaar Ki Baate ooo Pyar Ki Baate 
Pyaar Ki Baate ooo Pyar Ki Baate 
Dil Ko Hasake Dil Ko Rula De
Aansu Se Bhare Aankhen oooo 
Pyaar Ki Baate ooo Pyar Ki Baate 
Pyaar Ki Baate ooo Pyar Ki Baate
[To be continued]


Chapter 18:
He embraced her firmly and spoke up, ‘kal se physiotherapy shuru hoga..poore dil se teek hone ke umeedh se karna..I am sure that you will get well soon!’
She buried her face into his chest and nodded, ‘hmmm’
He just added before closing his eyes cherishing the moments ‘As I said, I want my wife Sakshi…I want you back soon…I need you’
She also closed her eyes in determination and trying to treasure his precious words within her little heart safely!
She couldn’t have asked for more in her life...
******************************************
Next morning started off fresh with new light…a new hope!
Arjun was getting ready for ETF as always while Annie was busy with Sakshi’s chores.
The bell rang. Arjun knew that Annie was in Sakshi’s room. So he rushed out to check who was at the door!
He opened the door and there stood a smart handsome cool guy smiling at him. He was dressed in a light blue t shirt and dark blue rugged jeans!

Arjun was confused as who he was and most importantly why he was smiling without a reason. Yeah of course, such smiles were taboo in Arjun Rawte’s dictionary...So this guy’s smile seemed ridiculous to Arjun!
Arjun raised his eyebrows enquiringly when the other chap held out his hand to Arjun introducing himself, “hi…Raj…Raj Malhotra”
But Arjun didn’t move a bit nor did he shake his hands. His raised brows showed that he didn’t understand who this guy was or why he was here!
Raj, on the other hand rolled his eyes with a wider smile and held out his hand further saying, “hiii” again
Arjun was forced to shake hands with him now out of courtesy voicing “ACP Arjun Rawte” but then that gesture of Raj took him back the memory lane.
He went back by a few years to the day he met Sakshi for the first time and the way she had shook hands with him forcefully came to his mind. She had kept holding his hand without leaving him. He had almost pulled it out of her grip…..Just that thought and a grin appeared on his face oblivious to him!
Raj spoke up with a chuckle, “arre waah….aap smile bhi karthe hai!”
He had just mocked the hot ACP….Arjun’s smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared and he sternly asked, “kya chahiye?”
Raj walked into the house almost forcing Arjun to step aside and give him way.
Turning to Arjun, he added “I am Raj Malhotra, Physiotherapist…Life care hospital se hoom..Dr..”
Arjun snapped him and continued, “oh yeah……Dr Singh ne kaha tha…par tum…”
Arjun doubtfully looked at Raj from head to toe and then was about to say something when Raj took over, “I know what you are thinking….but trust me ACP saab, mere umar aur appearance pe matth jaahiye….aise complicated cases ka experience hai mujhe....[after a silent pause, he added]….ab patient se miley?”
Arjun was still not convinced. This guy looked so young and the cool dude attitude bothered him as well. Is he mature and responsible enough? Is he capable of handling this situation?
With all these questions bothering him, he spoke up, “ek minute. Tum yahi rukho…I will just be back!”
Raj shrugged off, “Okay” knowing what the ACP was thinking! He smiled as Arjun walked away!
Arjun went to his room to talk to the doctor and confirm before he allowed this guy to even see Sakshi. But as expected, the doctor gave Raj a clean chit and also asked him to trust them in this…
The doctor ensured that Raj was one of the best in the field and that Sakshi would be in safe hands. So Arjun had to nod though he didn’t feel so comfortable with Raj being Sakshi’s physiotherapist!
Was it his jealousy or insecurity popping out considering that Raj was handsome and a lively guy who could win any girl’s heart easily!
He came back and took Raj to meet Sakshi and Annie.
By then Annie had given Sakshi a bath and also dressed her up!
Arjun introduced them to Raj
“Sakshi, Annie, yeh Mr Malhotra…physiotherapist hai”
Both of them smiled to acknowledge that while Annie voiced for both of them, “nice to meet you Mr Malhotra”
Raj intervened and corrected, “Raj…you can call me Raj…Mr Malhotra seems quite old fashioned, you know?”
Sakshi smiled and from her expressions, it was clear that she found the guy nice and interesting!
Annie nodded with a smile while Arjun shook his head in frustration thinking about Raj’s flirting nature.
Arjun intervened between the ladies and Raj and said, “Whats in a name Mr Malhotra? Naam jo bhi ho kaam accha hona chahiye, right?”
Raj could feel the sarcasm dripping there but he ignored that and replied, “don’t you worry Mr Rawte…mera kaam karne ka tareeqa dekh kar aap aur Sakshi ji zaroor impress ho jaayenge! There won’t be any lapses from my part.bas mere unconventional tareekon se Sakshi ji waaqif ho jaaye. Phir dekhiyega Sakshi ji marathon race bhi jeeth jaayegi!”
Sakshi laughed out hearing his talk….Annie also seemed impressed with the young man’s confidence in making Sakshi fit and fine!
There was not one bit of sympathy or empathy in Raj’s attitude or talks. He spoke as if Sakshi was like one among them…More like a friend and never like a patient!
May be that clicked and striked a chord with Sakshi. She felt an instant connect with Raj. She was happy that she would be treated by him!
Raj reminded her of Shree and that was an added advantage as well!
Raj saw Sakshi smiling at his talk and went to her side, “ab kitne dher aise leitegi Sakshi ji…get up….lets sit up for a while!”
Arjun rushed to help her get up but Raj was quicker and he tactfully pulled her up easily. Providing the supporting pillow, he made her lean on to it and sit up in a slanting position!
His skills as an expert physiotherapist were evident in the way he handled Sakshi. Even Arjun was impressed by his skill although his sudden interference and closeness with Sakshi irked Arjun a bit!
When Raj started saying something, “Sakshi ji…”
Sakshi snapped him short…”Sakshi….ji….ke zaroorat….nahi…..”
She added Raj’s logic to her dialog, “Old…fashioned…..na?”
Raj laughed and gave his hand for her to Hi 5 and she also forgot everything and tried to lift her immobile hand first but then instantly realized and without a delay Hi 5ed with her other hand!
His laughs were surely infectious…Sakshi laughed and that made Annie laugh too….Just Arjun stayed stern and wondered what was so funny that all the 3 were laughing!
As the laughter died out, Raj replied with a grin, “okay Sakshi it is…no ji’s!”
Sakshi smiled and nodded meaning “that’s better!”
Arjun felt a prick when he saw Sakshi and Raj becoming friendly and casual so easily! Well it wasn’t their fault…He being an akdu was entirely his fault….He smacked himself for thinking so crazily….
Raj continued standing up, “kal se proper sessions shuru karenge….aaj bas kuch instructions deh doonga…”
Arjun replied, “Jo bhi hai Annie se kehdho…she will be here to assist you….I am leaving for work now….[turning to Annie, he added]Annie khayaal rakhna…”
Saying that he looked at Sakshi and wanted to bid bye to her in private but he couldn’t ask Raj to leave the room. So he just voiced, “bye Sakshi….take care!”
Raj quickly turned to Annie, “Annie ji, mujhe ek glass paani milega kya?….or if possible green tea….agar green tea nahi hai toh ginger ya lemon tea bhi chalega but in the right blend”
Annie looked perplexed at his demands while he moved out of the room and turned back to her, “Chaliye…main aapko samjhaatha hoom…”
Annie looked at Arjun and Sakshi, then followed Raj to the kitchen leaving behind the couple who were equally confused and amused by this crazy guy’s behavior!

Though confused, Arjun was relieved that his crazy demands gave him and Sakshi some private time…He walked and sat by her bed side.
Holding her hand in his, he voiced, “Yeh Raj thoda immature lagtha hai. Agar tum comfortable nahi ho toh, hum..”
Sakshi snapped him and replied, “No…..Arjun….I…liked….him…..mujhe…ek….patient….ke tarah…nahi…..friend…ke tarah…..[smiled and added] I…..liked….that!”
Something poked Arjun’s mind again but he smiled and nodded…..cupping her hand, he said…”hmmm….only your opinion and comfort matters to me Sakshi! Jaise tum chaahte ho teek waisa hi hoga”
She gestured comforting him, “main….comfortable…hoom…”
Her eyes met his and locked for a long moment before he snapped out since he was getting late…..
He nodded and stood up voicing, “main chaltha hoom…”
Though he said that, he was quite reluctant to leave her side….her state was no different….she always wished his company but she knew that it wasn’t possible!
His fingers still lingered over her finger tips but they snapped out when they heard Raj and Annie talking busily as they walked into the room….
Arjun bid bye quickly and left while Raj started on his work!
[To be continued]


Chapter 19:
He nodded and stood up voicing, "main chaltha hoom..."
Though he said that, he was quite reluctant to leave her side...her state was no different...she always wished his company but she knew that it wasn't possible!
His fingers still lingered over her finger tips but they snapped out when they heard Raj and Annie talking busily as they walked into the room...
Arjun bid bye quickly and left while Raj started on his work!
***********************************
Arjun sat twirling his pen when Sameer entered..."Good morning!"
Rathod's greeting snapped him out...he turned around in his chair and smiled...Though they were back to good old buddies last night, the feeling was yet to sink in perhaps...
Arjun just replied, "Morning Rathod"
Sameer raised his eye brows as he took the chair opposite to him at the far end of the conference table...he enquired, "kya baat hai? kuch problem hai?"
Arjun placed his pen on the table and replied, "nahi...bas Sakshi ke baare mein soch raha tha"
Sameer smiles, "I guessed that...kya hua? Woh teek hai na? [Suddenly remembering it] Physiotherapist aagaya na?"
Arjun: haan woh aaj subah aagaya...but..
Sameer frowned at his but, "but what Rawte?"
Arjun,"woh waisa nahi jaisa maine socha tha..."
Sameer couldn't understand what that meant, "matlab?'
Arjun: matlab woh...[he stopped his words realizing how silly he would sound if he said that he thought that the doctor would be a old person but it turned out to be a young, smart and handsome guy..] kuch nahi...bas aise hi usse dekh ke laga ke shaayad woh Sakshi ke case ko handle nahi kar paayega!
Sameer shook his head amused at Arjun being so judgemental and he replied, "oh come on Rawte, tum apne intuitions iss mein matth lao...you cant judge someone so soon! kuch din dekhte hai... kya patha woh Sakshi ke liye perfect ho...[Arjun glared to Sameer's side and Sameer corrected his words] I mean Sakshi ke treatment keliye perfect ho!
Arjun got up and walked out while Sameer could see that Arjun was annoyed for no valid reason...perhaps, he had seen a tinge of jealousy in Arjun's eyes...
Sameer thought to himself grinning, "lagtha hai physiotherapist bohat handsome hai! Zaroor milna padega usse...main bhi toh dekhoom kaun hai jo ACP Rawte ko insecure feel karwaa raha hai!"
**************************
The case that came up was a complex one...nothing new to ETF...All complicated cases were hurled to their side always!
Arjun had just called home once in the morning just after he reached office but once he got into the case, he didn't have time to call up to check on Sakshi...But he knew that Annie would take care of everything!
Towards the evening, as the case was almost solved, Arjun called up home but the ring went on...None picked the call...he was kind of confused as what could be the reason...
He immediately called Annie's cell...she picked the call in a ring much to his relief!
"Hello Annie...landline kyun nahi pick kiya?? Sakshi teek hai na?"
His flood of questions left her gasping...She replied interrupting him,"Sir...hum baahar park mein hai...isiliye pick nahi kiya...Sakshi is fine! She is enjoying!"
Arjun narrowed his brows and enquired, "Park mein?? Aise akele??"
Annie: akele nahi...Raj bhi hai humaare saat...ussne hi kaha ke Sakshi needs to go out in fresh air!
Arjun: RAJ?? Woh ab tak wahaan hai?? usska toh sirf subah ka...
Annie: haan but he came back after lunch and insisted that we should go out...manaa nahi kar paayi...aur phir Sakshi bhi interested thi...
Arjun: accha? Par mujhse ek baar pooch liya hota...
Arjun had muttered that slowly but Annie heard it and replied, "maine aapko call kiya tha sir but you didn't pick up!"
Yeah she was right...he was so busy that he didn't even check his phone once!
Arjun realized that he shouldn't be accusing Annie for this...So he replied calmly, "ok...main wahaan aa raha hoom"
Annie: nahi nahi...hum bas yahaan se nikal rahe hai...thodi dher mein ghar paunch jaayenge!
Arjun nodded "Ok" and cut the call!
***********************
Raj pulled up the car in the apartment complex...Stepping outside, he walked around to Sakshi's side to get her out...
But then before he could open the door, he saw a pair of hands reaching out to open the door...
He looked to that side to see Arjun there...Arjun's glare could have burned him down but Raj ignored that with a cute smile and voiced, "hi Mr Arjun...aap yahaan?"
Arjun raised his eyebrows at him and then looked around and sarcastically replied,"yeh mera hi ghar hai na?"
Raj: [smiling at the sarcastic reply] yeah of course...mera matlab woh nahi tha...
Arjun cut him short, "tumaara matlab main samajh raha hoom...[glances at Sakshi and then adds] now if you will excuse, main apni wife ko andhar le jaana chahtha hoom...I am sure, Sakshi is tired and would want to lie down..."
Raj stepped aside voicing "yes of course...all yours"
He gestured to the door while Arjun flung open the door and gathered Sakshi into his arms...
Annie had by then brought the wheel chair...Arjun didn't bother to place her down on the chair but just walked away to the elevator despite Sakshi's initial protest...But Arjun's one intense look at her made her silent!
Placed in his arms comfortably, she just clutched his shirt for support as he carried her as if taking her away from alien eyes!
Though he said no words to convey what he felt, Sakshi could read it from his eyes...But she didn't know why he flared up like that...was it because she went out? Or was it Raj? No, that couldn't be...Arjun kyun...her mind stopped thinking as she was confused!
Piyu bole piya bole jaanu naa 
Jiya dole hole hole, kyon yeh dole jaanu naa
Dil kee jo baate hain, baate jo dil kee hain Dil hee me rakhana piya 
Lab toh naa kholu mai, kholu naa lab toh par Aakhon se sab keh diya
Piyu bole, piya bole, kya yeh bole jaanu naa 
Jiya dole hole hole, kyon yeh dole jaanu naa
As they walked away, Annie kept looking at them and then moved closer to Raj!
Annie wondered what went wrong and looked at Raj perplexed, "yeh kya tha?"
Raj chuckled and replied, "kuch nahi...Aaj pehli baar, tumaare sir ko ek patient nahi balke apni wife dikhi Sakshi mein...[pausing for a moment and added]...Good going na?"
Annie at first is confused but then realized what Raj meant and looked to his side...
Raj winked at her with a grin and added..."mere unconventional tareeqe ki faydae ab shaayad tumhe bhi samajh aayenge...kyun ki Sakshi ke treatment usske pati se hi shuru hote hai...[]...right Annie ji?"
He bid bye to Annie,"Anyways, I am leaving now...see ya tomorrow!...tum jaldi se uphar jaao...you are in for some lecturing from your Arjun sir! All the best!"
Annie smiled at his naughty comment and said bye to him...She went to the building wheeling the empty chair...
While Raj thought to himself as he zoomed out of the compound, "Sakshi ji ka treatment, therapy, medicine sab aap hi ho ACP saab...aur yeh baat aap ko samjhaana mera pehla kaam hai!
****************************
Annie had already seen Raj's effect growing on Arjun and his interaction with Sakshi...It got more evident when she reached home...
Arjun had taken Sakshi to his room...and she was not in her room!
Annie smiled to herself thinking about what Raj and done and said...and then retired to her room to freshen up!
While in the room, Arjun laid Sakshi on the bed...He could see her happiness reflecting in her eyes...was it Raj's effect? He didn't know...
Arjun enquired, "yeh outing accha laga?"
 Sakshi looked to him and replied, "haan...bohat..accha..laga"
He noticed that her stammering and broken sentences were a little less now...she was trying to speak normally!
My note: she had been improving the speech gradually but Arjun had noticed it just today!
Sakshi continued, "woh Raj..kitna...boltha...hai...shuru...hota..hai toh..rukhtha...hi...nahi!"
Arjun nodded as he already knew that..."hmmm"
He didn't know why but he couldn't stand the fact that she was praising some other guy...He didn't want to hear more praises for him from her...
He posed indifference...He walked to the wardrobe and got his home clothes...
He took off his shirt...and for the first time, she saw him shirtless...He never once felt conscious that she was in the same room...Perhaps another sign that he had started seeing her as his better half...and nothing was taboo or to be hidden from each other...
He was oblivious of the effect it had on her as well...
She kept gazing at his well toned body and his perfect abs and biceps! He literally took her breath away...but on the other side, she felt sad too...she was afterall an unlucky wife who couldn't even feel or touch her husband at her will and satisfy her inner urges! Neither could she fulfill her husband's desires!
Ek nadee se maine puchha itala ke chaldee kaha 
Dur tere pi ka ghar hai balkhaake chaldee kaha 
Thoda woh ghabraayee, thoda sa sharmaayee 
Uchhalee yaha se waha 
Saagar se milane kaa usaka jo sapna tha, meree hee tarah piya 
Jiya dole hole hole, kyon yeh dole jaanu naa 
Piyu bole, piya bole, kya yeh bole jaanu naa
 He felt her gaze on him and turned to her side as if she called him...He could see a sudden sadness in her face and asked.."kya hua?"
He enquired as he came closer to her...Sitting by her side, he further probed, "are you alright Sakshi?"
Sakshi snapped out when his fingers glided a loose lock of hair and tucked it behind her ears...she just controlled herself and spoke up, "aap...pareshaan...hai na?"
Arjun was stunned at her mind reading ability...She had read his troubled mind!
He wasn't exactly troubled but confused as what was good for her...On one side, he didn't like Raj and his getting close to Sakshi...yes he was jealous but jealous for what? He didn't know!
And on the other side, Raj's treatment styles were surely having an effect on her...so in the right sense, he should be happy for that...but he was far from happy...may be his insecurity was taking a toll and masking his real happiness!
He didn't know what to say to her as his problem...He didn't know how to make her understand what his thoughts were!
He just put his hands around her and hugged her close to himself as if never to leave her!  
It was his way of telling her that she was his...only his!...He didn't want to express it in words! But he could never bear her going away from him...
She was stunned by his sudden hug and wondered what had happened to him! She couldn't gauge what was happening to him in a matter of moments...his mood swings always left her in an inner turmoil!
Jiya dole hole hole kyon yeh dole jaanu naa 
Maine puchha ek ghata se itara ke chaldee kaha 
Pyaas kee baree jamin hai barso bhee tarsaao naa 
Thoda woh gurraayee, thoda sa tharraayee 
Gajharee yaha se waha 
Prit rutha thee phir cham cham, woh barsee hee teree tarah piya
Piyu bole piya bole kya yeh bole jaanu naa 
Jiya dole hole hole kyon yeh dole jaanu naa 
Piyu bole piya bole jaanu naa

[To be continued]


Chapter 20:
He just put his hands around her and hugged her close to himself as if never to leave her!  
It was his way of telling her that she was his...only his!...He didn't want to express it in words! But he could never bear her going away from him...
She was stunned by his sudden hug and wondered what had happened to him! She couldn't gauge what was happening to him in a matter of moments...his mood swings always left her in an inner turmoil!
****************************************
He parted lightly and kissed her cheeks gently…..she didn’t know how to react to all the sudden showering of love……she could feel that this was not just his usual warmth and concern! It was much more than all that….
His passionate kiss and his caressing indeed did something strange to her…..
She tried to lift her immobile hand to make the hug complete but she gave up after a few attempts…..He noticed it and took that hand in his….he kissed it and took it over to his shoulders to help her hug him back!
As her hands encircled him, their eyes met and their breath mingled giving a passionate experience to them for the first time….
It felt all new to her….he was looking at her with love and passion for the first time….
She blushed and lowered her gaze gently realizing what was going on in his mind…..her touch on his bare skin was working on him as well but he knew his limits….There was a limit to what he could expect her to do…..He was only trying to make her test her own limits by tempting and inducing such feelings in her….It was his way of therapy for her but he himself was unaware that it was beyond just the treatment now…
Though she wavered off a little bit from her reality, she instantly stepped back and her hand tried to free away from him and she was about to fall back to the pillow when he tightened the hold and held her intact!
He enquired in concern, “kya hua Sakshi?”
Sakshi replied apologetically, “I am….sorry Arjun”
Arjun asked in a confused tone, “sorry?? Parr kyun?”
Sakshi: main aapki koyi bhi wish…..
Her words trailed off when her eyes flooded thinking about how helpless and miserable her state was….She felt guilty and thought that he was unlucky to have got her as a wife!
He could read all her unspoken words from those eyes…..
He hugged her back tightly and replied to her unspoken words, “tumne aisa kaise sochliya ke main itne desperate hoom, haan? Shaadi ka matlab sirf physical relationship nahi hai Sakshi….aur mere liye woh sabse peeche hai! samjhi ya samjhaavum?”
Then he realized that she might have misunderstood his sudden romantic actions for his desire for all that and added, “sorry Sakshi….maine aisa…”
Sakshi: [keeping her fingers on his lips] aapki koyi….galathi nahi hai Arjun….main hi ek….normal wife….jaisi nahi…..hoom…aap ko koyi….
He kissed her finger tips understanding the depth of the effect her immobile state had on her mind and soul…
He promised to himself that he would do whatever it took to bring her back to normal life….
He laid her back onto the pillow and spoke up, “aaj se tum yahi iss kamre mein rahogi…I will ask Annie to shift your things here”
Sakshi: nahi Arjun….aapko….taqleef….
Arjun snapped her short and replied, “mujhe koyi taqleef nahi hogi….waise bhi yeh room tumaari bhi hai na? So you will stay here with me!”
Sakshi didn’t argue further and she couldn’t express how happy she was hearing such things from her husband….
He patted her cheeks gently seeing her smile and got up….
He freshened up quickly andwalked out the room…..Annie was already in the kitchen trying to cook up dinner for them….
She heard him coming and looked at him with an appreciating smile….he felt a bit awkward after what he had done but then quickly changed the situation by voicing, “Annie, aaj se Sakshi mere room mein rahegi….so pls shift her essential things here….”
Annie nodded with a smile while Arjun continued, “tum jaake Sakshi ka kaam karlo..I will manage this…”
Annie nodded and let Arjun do the work…..Annie had already made some vegetable dish….He just had to make the rotis…so he made them quickly….Meanwhile Annie freshened up Sakshi…..
She brought Sakshi to the dining table and then helped Arjun in setting the dinner table…
Arjun insisted that he would feed Sakshi for a change…..Sakshi couldn’t place if it was all a dream or was it actually happening but she soon realized that it wasn’t a dream as her hungry stomach stopped grumbling….she had been damn hungry after the action packed day..
After dinner, Annie took charge of the cleaning….
Arjun took Sakshi to the living room and settled down to catch up on some tv show….He continuously surfed across the channels trying to catch up whatever he could in the minimal time….
In between, Annie brought her medicines and then soon, she retired to her room leaving the couple to themselves…She could see Arjun trying to get more close to Sakshi and she did all that she could to help them both….She knew that such intimacy would definitely work wonders on Sakshi…...And Annie also knew that Arjun would take care of Sakshi now….

A little into watching TV……Arjun was fully immersed into it….but Sakshi was lost in some other world……
Sakshi couldn’t help yawning seeing the boring news channels but she remained silent…
Arjun grinned noticing her do that and voiced, “agar neend aa rahi hai toh bolna chahiye na? Come lets go to sleep”
Despite Sakshi’s protests asking him to finish off what he was seeing, he switched off the TV and the lights….and wheeled her back to the room….
He had just put her back to bed when her phone rang…..It was on the table and so he took the phone…..Raj’s name flashed and Arjun wondered “Raj?? yeh iss waqt kyun call kar raha hai??”
Sakshi just gestured him to take the call and speak…She wasn’t in a mood for a night chat with anybody……moreover, she felt tired and just wished to sleep!
She sighed at her own thoughts while Arjun got her message and picked the phone…
He walked towards the window “hello”
Raj: hello Arjun…..Sakshi kaisi hai?
Arjun raised his eyebrows when he heard that and thought to himself, “isse meri wife ki itni chinta kyun hai?” but just controlled it and replied, “She is fine parr tum iss waqt??”
Raj: bas aise hi……usse phone dijiye na….I want to wish her good night!”
Arjun replied in an annoyed tone, “woh so gayi hai….jab utegi tab main wish kardunga….dont worry!”
Raj chuckled at his annoyed state and spoke up, “accha itni jaldi so gayi, huh?”
Arjun: kyun? Tumhe kuch problem hai?
Raj: nahi nahi mujhe kya problem hogi?
Arjun: phir?
Arjun’s anger and irritation was reflecting in every word and it was exactly what Raj wanted too!
Raj let a deep sigh and replied, “ab dus baje bhi nahi hua aur itne jaldi aap apne wife ko kaise sone deh sakthe hai??…..[adds to correct himself realizing that his blunt words could mean more] mera matlab, usse kuch baatein karthe, walk pe le chalthe etc etc, you know jaise koyi bhi normal married couple karthe hai!”
Arjun was irritated by his interference and taunted him,”tum physiotherapist hi ho na? koyi marriage counselor toh nahi, huh??”
Raj realized the hidden meaning and hurriedly replied, “accha accha…main samajh gaya….bye…good night! [Adds after a slight pause] Aur haan jab Sakshi ji utegi toh mere taraf se good morning keh dijiye, ok?”
He cuts the call before Arjun could scold him more…..Arjun muttered furiously under his breath, “ab yeh mujhe sikhaayega ke main apne wife ke saath kya karoom aur kya na karoom….Damn!”
Arjun shook his head in anger and walked back to Sakshi….Sakshi had heard it in bits and pieces! She could sense the anger too!
Arjun’s anger vanished as soon as he saw Sakshi smiling at his amused look….Sakshi enquired, “kaun tha? Aap…ghussa kyun..hua?”
Arjun placed her phone on the table and lay down beside her …”woh Raj tha….bhakwaas kar raha tha….isiliye…”
Sakshi chuckled and voiced, “aap ko Raj…pasand..nahi na?”
She had guessed it from his behavior and attitude towards him but Arjun hid it well and replied, “nahi aisi koyi baat nahi…bas thoda immature hai…isiliye I am worried if he can treat you properly….”
Sakshi smiled…she placed her hand on his and replied, “mere liye…itna…worry matth…kijiye!”
Arjun instantly replied turning to her side and his head resting on his palm, “mere wife keliye main hi worry karunga na? itna toh haq hai, right?”
Sakshi couldn’t help smiling and blushing at that….She looked even prettier while she did that…..She wanted to hug him tightly and say out loud that he had every right on her….
She just nodded and whispered, “aap ko…saare haq…hai Arjun….aap kuch bhi…..”
Her words trailed off and she looked away from his gaze!
Arjun grinned and decided to tease her…..he went closer to her and urged, “mujhe sunaayi nahi diya….zara phir se bolo..”
She was silent and so he went closer and closer…..his one arm went around her waist to hold her close to himself!
He kept his ears closer to her lips as if to hear her words clearly…..but she lowered her gaze blushing and was silent due his intimate closeness…..her lips almost grazed his ears and cheeks….he turned his face to her and voiced, “Wish me good night Sakshi!”
She muttered slowly, “Good night Arjun!”
His gaze was fixed on her lips and some strange sensation urged him to get more close to her….Feeling his eyes on her and more specifically realizing that he was gazing at her lips made her a bit shy and also awkward……
Her lips seemed more than inviting and tempting but he didn’t close the distance fearing what she would feel if he did that so suddenly……
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
Labon Ko Labon Pe Sajao
Kya Ho Tum Mujhe Abb Batao

Tod Dho Khud Ko Tum
Banhon Mein Meri
Banhon Mein Meri
Banhon Mein Meri
Banhon Mein Meri


[To be continued]

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