Sunday bonus❤❤ for all the lovely readers who hv adored this simple story so much!  Thnk u loads!!

She felt as if a storm rose beneath her skin, and when he ran a fingertip over the peak, she actually trembled, pleading him to stop. They were running along the edge of fantasies, learning the hidden truths yet to be revealed and revelled in the feel of each curve.

To be continued….

It was difficult for them to curb their desires… but they had to. It was too soon, and they knew it was a matter of many more months before they can unite in every sense. But sensible thinking was miles away. They stopped with a tacit understanding, simply holding and hugging each other, trying to tame the tidal waves of longing that threatened to wash over them.

In a while, Preksha returned with Isha and Shruti was more than glad about it. The duo, more so Shruti, were having guilt pangs for indulging into the forbidden territories.

Shruti got involved playing with Isha, who seemed to be a bit better as the fever had gone down. They had a quiet dinner, as she was still not comfortable with the elders. In fact, there was a code of conduct, or so it seemed to Shruti who was used to a very fun filled atmosphere specially during meals. Here, all that the Shahs discussed was about the progress of the project and how much longer will it take. Minish excused himself after a while and informed his parents that he will be back in sometime. Preksha and Shruti winded up the kitchen after which, the former retired to her room with Isha, as she needed to be put to sleep. Likewise, the seniors also called it a day and went in their room.

In about half an hour, Minish came back with a bag in his hand and indicated Atharva in hushed tones to follow him in. Atharva asked Shruti to join them. She didn’t understand at first what was going on. She was aghast to see that Minish had got some sandwiches in the parcel and blurted out, “We have just had our meal!” Atharva and Minish exchanged a glance and smirked, “I don’t find it appetising to have khichdi or rice five times a week. We prefer to keep our mouth shut and find our own way.” Shruti kept looking from one to the other and shrewdly mentioned, “This seems to be a regular practice judging by the way you are saying.” Minish grinned sheepishly whereas Atharva shrugged indifferently. Although Shruti did indulge in a bit herself… the toast sandwich looked inviting enough… she trembled at the thought when she would have to cook.

They were discreet not to leave behind any remains of the food, and disposed the packets outside in the main lobby. She marvelled at their thinking, but then she had never had to do anything of this sort ever. They sat chatting for a while, when Minish teased Shruti about how freely she talked to Atharva and then visibly refrained from speaking further. She knitted her eyebrows and asked him outright, “What happened?” He looked uncomfortable and said, “Sorry if I crossed my mark and said something.” Shruti looked thoroughly confused, “No… its perfectly alright. Thodi bahot masti kiye bina toh mujhe bhi nahi chalta. I blunder a lot, to tell you the truth… pataa hi nahi chalta where to stop.” He looked incredulously at her and said, “Thank God you are different.” She looked at Atharva for clarification who replied,”He means to say that you are different from bhabhi. She cannot take any mischief in her stride and feels offended easily.”

They sat chatting for a while, when Shruti said, “I better go to bhabhi’s room. It’s quite late.” When she went in the washroom to change, Minish went in his room, while Atharva waited for her. She came out and saw him lazing on the bed. They hadn’t really been alone since evening. He held her hand and said softly, “Shru… you make me lose my senses and I lose control on myself. Please stop feeling guilty every time we come close. I will stay in my limits, promise.” She spontaneously hugged him, giving him a quick peck on his cheek and remarked, “I prefer the softer version. This stubble of yours tends to bruise my skin.” He gave a throaty laugh and whispered, “Kal pukka… then let me know which version you prefer.” She looked back at him and hit him lightly, saying, “Ghum phirke ek hi baat.”

They went out and he waited while she softly knocked at Preksha’s door and went in. She didn’t make a sound as Isha was fast asleep. Shruti generally inquired about her fever and both settled on the bed. Shruti now had a pre-formed impression about Preksha and was careful while talking to her. That night, Shruti was more of an audience for Preksha who shared her experiences and her life during the initial years. Shruti was aware that she had been married when she was barely 21. Although Preksha had been mentally prepared that they have to stay in Delhi to set up business, it was not easy for her. She was used to taking care of the house at her place, unlike Shruti, but still she took time settling down. Maybe she was too naïve at that time to take up the responsibilities. She remembered Atharva once mentioning that they had dreamt of a wonderful relationship with their bhabhi, and as young lads they had been pretty excited about their elder brother’s wedding, but it turned out that Preksha was a bit aloof kind of a person, and the relations were not as rosy as they had thought. It was more of a formal relation.

They didn’t realise that it was almost 3 a.m. by the time they were done. Preksha fell asleep in a while, whereas Shruti kept pondering about all that she had heard tonight, trying to evaluate. She was inexperienced about the ways of the world, always taking things at face value. What she did understand on that day was, different people have different perspectives and it’s impossible to fulfil everyone’s expectations. She merely wished to have a hassle free bonding with all in the family and drifted to sleep.

Next day morning, being a Sunday, all were in a relaxed mood. Shruti was helping with small chores around the house when she was in for a shock. Her father in law addressed directly to her, out of the blue, “Shruti… Good you agreed… otherwise my son had stopped talking to me.” Atharva sat up with a jolt, but before he could protest, his dad continued, “He had been crying all the way while he was going to the bank, pining for you. Thankfully you two met in the evening and matters were solved.” Shruti couldn’t think coherently for a while, unable to digest it all. She looked at Atharva for confirmation who tried to dissuade his father. “No papa… don’t over exaggerate.” Mr Shah instantly said, “Don’t try to fool me. Shruti… you know? Our driver Anand was flabbergasted to see Atharva like that, coz as such he is always in control of himself.” She knew that he had been equally depressed, but this was an interesting piece of news. She didn’t know whether to laugh or feel sorry for her beloved. They all pulled his leg and he felt like running away from there.

The day passed in conversations, and just fooling around. Atharva asked whether she wanted to watch a movie in the evening and Shruti jumped at the suggestion. She was a complete movie buff… and immediately suggested,  “Atharva… I haven’t been able to watch this movie Golmaal… Fun Unlimited… please let us go for it. I was waiting for the reviews as I wasn’t sure… it’s supposed to be a hilarious light comedy movie.”

He nodded, smiling at her excitement. Since Shankar was not around, he politely asked Preksha, “Bhabhi… would you like to come for a movie?” She declined the offer saying, “No.. Isha isn’t well. You please carry on.” And so, he booked the tickets for the two of them.

As soon as they entered, Shruti insisted on buying popcorn. He asked, “Abhi ke during interval?” She declared, “Right now of course… popcorn ke binaa movie dekhne ka mazaa nahi aata.” He chuckled and ordered for a big tub of popcorn. Shruti specified, “Caramel and salted mix please…” He ordered a cappuccino for himself and came with the order. She raised her eyebrows asking, “Won’t you have popcorn?” He answered, “ Little.. that’s why took a tub.” She exclaimed kiddishly, “Are you kidding me?! No ways… I am not used to sharing my popcorn with anyone.” He laughed heartily, “Shru… you are something.” Both grinned and went inside.

The movie was a fun experience. Both went berserk laughing at the brainless comedy and had a good time. They kept stealing glances at each other and enjoyed the company as well as the movie. Atharva teased her during interval, looking at the popcorn tub, “Already done? You have a capacity! Sachhi bol … movie dekhne aayi thi ya popcorn khaane?” She answered with a silly smile, “Difficult to decide.” He lovingly asked, “Do you want anything else? A sandwich or something?” She refused, “No.. I won’t be able to have dinner then.”

It was a two and a half hours movie, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. She observed that not once had he tried to get close to her and found it odd. As far as she had heard, couples do much more than just watching movie.

She couldn’t contain herself once the movie was over. While on the way to the restaurant, she blurted, “Atharva… you are always more than eager to… “ She fumbled. He queried, “Eager to?” She couldn’t speak up and shook her head. He again insisted after which she said,

To be continued.....

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