Shruti continued to look out, lost in thoughts when she felt something around her neck. He was bending over her from behind and said softly, “A small gift for you. Hope you like it.” Shruti was yet again taken by surprise as she felt a delicate heart shaped pendant with a gold chain. Her eyes portrayed her emotions and for a change, she was speechless for a full minute. The next moment, she got up and hugged him tight, when unknowingly a few tears escaped from her eyes, wetting his tee. She said in a wobbly tone, “Love you loads Atharva.” He kissed her forehead and whispered, “Love you too jaan.”

To be continued….

They returned back on the next day by evening. Shruti didn’t want to go back in the real world but then, did she have a choice? It was evening by the time they reached and were warmly welcomed by all.

The following days were spent in the preparation for Minish and Rhea’s engagement ceremony. The ladies went for shopping Rhea’s engagement outfit. Shruti could feel Rhea’s hesitance in voicing out her opinion, since she had gone through the same a couple of months back. As such, Minish was there throughout and she could see him taking extra care to make Rhea comfortable, which made her grin.

Before they knew, it was already time for the engagement day. It was Shruti’s first function after her wedding. She was looking forward to it more so as she would get to meet her own family. It had been almost a month since her wedding and because of the distance between the two cities, their own mini honeymoon and then the engagement function, she hadn’t got the opportunity to visit Nashik.

She was overjoyed to meet her parents after so many days. Her extended family had also been invited and she sat back and enjoyed with them, back to being bubbly talking Shruti. She freely distributed her ‘gyaan’ on cooking that she had been able to achieve in these days and everyone laughed hearing her. While sitting with the ladies and cousins from her family, at one point, she even ‘corrected’ her mother about the correct way to temper the dal, and everyone around doubled up with laughter. She airily said, “Oh Mumma. Wait, I’ll show whenever I come home.” Jyotiji was happy to see her daughter trying to learn and mould herself. She always knew that Atharva would take very good care of Shruti but still, every house has its own system and rules and regulations.

Rhea and her cousins were super talented and quite a bit into dancing. They had put up a couple of lovely performances, which was applauded by all. Rhea’s mother was equally graceful and one particular dance on the song, ‘Ye betiya toh baabul ki raniya hai’ between the mother and daughter was so lovingly and beautifully done, that it brought tears in everyone’s eyes, specially Shruti and her mom, since they had recently gone through it. The engagement ceremony was carried out and Shruti relived through her own, and felt as if that was ages back. The ring ceremony and cake cutting was done with a lot of cheering in the background.

Just like every function, post the ceremony, the crowd broke into impromptu dance, when Atharva asked for Nashik dhol to be played, which zapped Shruti. She gleefully noticed that Atharva was much more relaxed on that day compared to their functions and teased him when he drew her to dance, “Atharva, you seem to be in a different mood today. Itna toh khud ke sangeet me bhi nahi naache.” He grinned sheepishly saying, “Hmm ya. I was somehow tensed then. But today I can enjoy.” She could see that he was really enjoying himself and was genuinely happy to see him that way after a long time.

The function went off very well and with reluctance, Shruti took leave of her parents. She became all sentimental while hugging her parents and Rohan. Nainaa and Abhinav also took leave and everyone bid adieu.

After reaching home, Shruti was about to change into her pajamas when she realised she would need help with her blouse. She smirked knowing that ‘someone’ would be more than happy to be at her service. As if on cue, she found Atharva following her in but got busy on a call. She waited patiently for a few minutes till his call was done. Even after that, when he was preoccupied with his thoughts, she cleared her throat to grab his attention.

He raised his eyebrows and asked, “What…” She still hesitated to voice and fumbled, “I… I need help.” She refrained from saying anything further and simply moved her tresses to the front and turned around, drawing his attention to her back. Atharva’s face instantly changed and he went and stood behind her, in front of the mirror as he gently put his arms around her waist, making her senses tingle when he mentioned softly, his voice muffled against her hair, “You look stunning today Shru. I loved the way you look in this sari.”
She rolled her eyes and commented, “Thank god I don’t have to wear it often. It’s not my cup of tea. I don’t….”

She stopped mid sentence, forgetting what she was going to utter as she felt his hands go around her waist and as if that was not enough, touched her navel, which made her draw in a sharp breath. This man had the ability to send her in another zone, by merely touching her. While his hands worked a magic of their own, his lips decided to torment her in another way, gliding along the nape of her neck. She was completely in the throes by now, waiting for him to seduce her. He obliged by opening one button at a time, and showered soft kisses on every inch that was exposed. She moaned his name as the sensations gripped her and held tightly on his hands. It reminded her of a similar episode a couple of months back, during ganpati, when it had been difficult for both to curb their desires. Atharva too remembered about it and confessed, “I had a tough time back then Shru. It was only bappa’s presence that had brought me back to my senses. Otherwise…” he trailed, leaving it to her imagination.
She returned, “Oye despo! Otherwise jaise I didn’t have any say. You think I would have allowed you?”
He smirked confidently, “I know how to seduce you.”
She looked into the mirror and responded with her eyebrows raised, “You do?”
Their gaze met in the mirror and as if to prove himself, he showed her just what he was capable of. They indulged themselves, giving in to the passion that was building up within and lay spent, cuddled and drifted into a slumber.

Rhea visited not too frequently and never for an overnight stay, considering that she stayed in the same vicinity. However, whenever she did, Preksha would definitely show her superiority and the fact that she knew more about the house and family amongst the three of them. This made Shruti cringe, as she knew how uncomfortable and unwelcoming it felt. On one such occasion, she had come home as some guests had been invited. Minish had also come home and the duo were chatting with each other, unaware that Shruti was just near the door, and unintentionally eavesdropped while they were talking to each other.

Minish said out of desperation, “Kya Rhea. You never stay back. Aaj toh ruk jaati? It’s late already.”
Rhea refused saying, “No ways, I won’t feel comfortable. And how does it matter if it’s late? Mujhe kaunsa lamba travel karna hai?”
He sighed, “I envy Atharva you know. He has really enjoyed his courtship period with bhabhi. She used to stay here for so many days and never complained.”
She shrugged, “Tera bad luck that I stay nearby. And for that matter, where will I sleep?”
He asked hopefully, “Will you stay?”
She said exasperatedly, “Mere Manju. When Shruti bhabhi used to stay back, there were three of you in the room and that’s why it wasn’t a problem. Now that they are married, it’s only you.”
Minish then realised and said in a despairing tone, “Kya yaar. Saari ummeedo par paani pher diya.” Rhea chuckled at this and Shruti couldn’t control herself as well. She felt it was not correct to eavesdrop but the conversation was too cute for her to resist.

Shruti moved away giving them their space and wondered where did almost an entire year fly by. She gazed at her room, as all came in front of her eyes; their first meet in this very room, her initial reluctance, the misunderstanding, their gud dhana, their holding hands, their first kiss, their engagement, her card, his worry about her travelling by train, his tension, her support, his surprise visit to Lonavala, her ganpati visit, her first Diwali, their so called valentine celebration, their wedding, their first night and finally their mini honeymoon.

In the days that followed, Shruti had completely immersed herself trying to learn cooking. She used to go through her recipe book which she had got along with her and browse the internet, hunting for recipes, trying to appease her husband’s appetite. After a couple of attempts, she was proud that she could make a decent, edible roti as well. She somehow missed her designing and had even put it up once when Atharva had said, “We shall think over how to go about it.” She was still getting used to the routine and didn’t want to rush into anything related to work. Hence, in her free time, she would sketch, create motifs, write down color schemes; basically, she honed herself in whatever way she could, not wanting to sit idle.

But all of this went down the drain when Preksha mentioned casually, “Don’t have high hopes Shruti. They are not too open minded about it. Even if no other problem crops up, it would still not be practical as sooner or later you will get a kid. Then what will you do? Mummy is not supportive in that way at all. It’s my personal experience. Don’t want you to be disappointed later. I have seen you spending time on your designing, hence am just forewarning you.” Shruti couldn’t respond and merely mumbled a bit here and there, letting it sink in.

Shruti was crestfallen to say the least and didn’t know what to make of the situation.
She could see that her mother in law didn’t bother to bond with Isha at all. She didn’t discuss about it with Atharva straight away, as she was confused what to make of it and decided to sleep over it to be able to think more rationally. It was March end and the weather had changed suddenly from pleasant to balmy. Shruti had been feeling uneasy since morning and felt too weak to get up from her bed. When she mentioned about it to Atharva, he checked her forehead and realised that it was blazing hot.
He quickly gave her a doze of paracetamol and insisted, “Shru… you take rest. In a while, we shall go and see the doc.” She didn’t have the capacity to do anything and before she knew, drifted back to sleep. It was quite late in the morning by the time she could finally get up and felt conscious, as it was the first time she had overslept after her marriage.

The temperature had come down and she somehow managed to take her bath. Just as she came out of the washroom, Atharva came in the room to check on her. He could see that she looked quite dull and insisted her to have something before they visit the doctor. She sat down with her coffee and on his insistence, had one khakhra. Her father in law looked at her and politely inquired after her health, while Alpaji just looked on silently. Shruti felt really awkward and politely replied, “Yes Papa, Atharva had given medicine. So am feeling better.” Atharva informed, “Am taking her to Dr. Bansal. She had high fever in the morning.”

On her way back, she felt very vulnerable and was on the verge of tears, when Atharva asked with concern, “What happened Shru?”
She simply shook her head, unable to voice her feelings, as tears cascaded down her cheeks. Atharva insisted, “Tell me, kya hua?”
She said in a teary voice, “You know? I felt so awkward today. When I was at my place, I was pampered and taken care of whenever I would fall ill. Here, it felt as if I committed a crime. Is it in my hands or do I still not belong to the family?”
Atharva felt a pang as he knew what she was talking about, but instead consoled her, “Why do you need any one else? I am there for you na…”

She nodded but couldn’t overcome her melancholy. They reached home and just as she lay down on her bed, her mother called up and said, “Shru? Papa and Rohan are coming to Mumbai today. Just wanted to inform you. Though they won’t be staying back.”
Hearing her mom’s voice she broke down and cried for full five minutes. She was missing her family terribly. Jyotiji couldn’t get a word out of her. She felt a pang in her heart, feeling helpless and tried to pacify Shruti. After a few minutes, Shruti confessed, “Mumma… it’s not the same. I don’t have any issues with Atharva. In fact, he is very caring. But somehow, I don’t get that homely feel. I miss the warmth and concern that I used to get at our home.”
Jyotiji understood her dilemma and answered lovingly, “Beta, I know, but you have to be strong. Life changes overnight for a girl once she gets married. She is expected to play multiple roles and shoulder a lot of responsibilities. It will take time for you to develop a good bond with your family. All said and done, I am not worried coz I know Atharva shall always be by your side and won’t let anything untoward happen. He doesn’t express, but the care and love is evident in his small gestures.”

Shruti settled down a bit after talking to her mother but her heart refused to be at peace. She suddenly felt as if it was getting too much for her and wanted to meet her parents desperately. She took her medicine and hoped to feel better soon. With these thoughts, she lay down and before long, exhaustion took over and she slept again. After a while, Preksha had come in to check on her but seeing her asleep, she didn’t disturb her. It was around 4 p.m. by the time she woke up, shivering inspite of the heat. She took her mobile to check the time and realised that it had switched off and put it for charging. She felt her throat go dry and got up to have water. Isha, who was in the kitchen, jumped with joy as she hadn’t met her since morning. Preksha was preparing dinner and inquired, “Feeling better?”
Shruti gave her a weak smile, nodding her head, “Yes Bhabhi, thodi weakness hai, but am fine. Don’t know when sleep took over.”
Preksha nodded and responded, “We don’t have that kind of liberty Shruti. Me and mummy don’t have an option or back up if we sit down even if we are not feeling well.”

Shruti who was anyways feeling vulnerable, felt terrible and guilty. She wasn’t able to understand Preksha, who used to behave different all the time. At one point caring, at the other always giving examples. Her eyes welled up but somehow she controlled herself and tried doing whatever she could. In a while, she went back to her room and noticed a couple of missed calls from her father as well as Atharva. She let her emotions flow out once again, and sobbed silently. Somehow she gathered her courage and called up Atharva. But he disconnected immediately and messaged instead, ‘Sorry jaanu. Am in a meeting. Can’t pick up. Shall get back to you in sometime.’

This was the last straw that broke the dam, even though Shruti knew that he was not putting her off deliberately. Her eyes were clouded with tears and without looking at the screen, she picked up the call, assuming it to be Atharva and said in a voice hoarse due to tears, “Atharva at what time will you be back?”
She heard a familiar voice from the other end, “Shruti?! What’s wrong with you? Why are you crying?”
She checked her screen for id and saw that it was her father calling. She asked, “Papa? Sorry, I thought it was Atharva. Where are you?”
Anilji answered, “We are on our way to Nashik. Left half an hour back.”
She was hurt and responded, “Ohh papa… why didn’t you come to meet me?”
He replied, “Shru we were trying to call you but your mobile was switched off. Then Jyoti told me that you weren’t well and must have slept. So thought of not disturbing you. Are you okay?”
She started crying, lost her sanity and on a whim, demanded unreasonably, “You should have papa. I have been missing you all so much. I don’t care where you are. I want you to come and pick me up. I want to come home.”
Anilji was taken aback at her sudden outburst and inquired, “Everything okay beta? Kuch problem to nahi hai na?”
But she refused to listen or think rationally. “I don’t know papa. I just want to come home. If you love me, you will come right away.”
He hesitated, “But Shruti what about your in laws? You need to take their permission and inform Atharva as well. Have you talked to them?”
She replied, “I will inform them but I am coming home and you are coming here to pick me.” She couldn’t speak anymore and disconnected. Her father was in a big turmoil and was worried for his daughter. He quickly instructed Rohan, who had been listening attentively, “Rohan, we need to go Shru’s place. She isn’t well, will accompany us to Nashik.” Rohan nodded and did as told.

Meanwhile, Shruti went outside and somehow mustered her courage to inform her mother in law. She looked at her and faltered, “M… mummy, my papa is here for some work. I have been wanting to go to Nashik since quite a few days. May I please go?” Alpaji was astonished at the sudden suggestion and countered, “How come all of a sudden? You can go later, isn’t it?”
She felt her voice go teary as she pleaded, “Its been almost two months now since my wedding. I was waiting for the function to get over. I would like to go today please.”
Her mother in law queried, “Does Atharva know about it?” Shruti denied by shaking her head. Alpaji showed her displeasure by mentioning, “Your wish, but I doubt Atharva will like it if you go just like that.”
Shruti was adamant and refused to budge and responded, “I’ll inform him don’t worry. But I’ll go today itself.”
Everyone present could see that she had been crying. Minish had also come home and felt bad for her, whereas Alpaji was still unable to digest her attitude. Preksha was standing in one corner, taking in the scenario, while Shruti tried calling Atharva but couldn’t reach. She gave up and said, “Never mind, I’ll leave him a message. Papa and Rohan would be here any minute. So I need to pack my bag.”

She went in her room and messaged, ‘Atharva, Papa has come to Mumbai. I am not feeling well, missing home too much. So, would like to go to Nashik for a couple of days. Tried reaching you, but you were busy. Please don’t mind. Love you.’ And as an after thought added, ‘Have kept a note for you in your cupboard.’

Then she sat down to write down a note for her beloved.

My dearest hubby,
I am sorry I am going away like this. But have been feeling too low of late. Was missing my home. Hope you understand. I know I didn’t discuss with you priorly but I made the decision just a while back. Will miss you, love you loads.

I will come back in a couple of days, please take care of yourself and keep your cool. I know, I know… I am nagging you again. Feel free to do whatever you want to till I am back. If possible, come to Nashik to pick me up. It’s been a long time since you have visited. I know you will find it weird that I am writing a letter to you, that too such a long one. But you know how I am, right?

Love you, take care, will miss you a lot.
Hugs n kisses,
Shruti.

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