#chap67 #chroniclesoflife #Sagas_by_Irvika #sweetlovestory

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Shruti tried her luck, “Ek aur wish poori kar do.”
Atharva asked sceptically, “Now what? I will if I can.”
She goaded him, “Kiss me right here.”
He gave her a curious look, “What’s with your obsession of kissing in public?”
She didn’t budge. “I don’t want to listen to your ‘Be practical’ lectures. Just give in to the moment and kiss me here. No one is going to be ruffled. I am sure it must be an everyday thing for people here. Please? Will you fulfil my wish?”

Atharva didn’t have a choice as he didn’t have the heart to refuse her. He touched her shoulders and just brushed his lips against hers, long enough for them to feel the fire within and ignite the passion which surpassed the bodily desires, which portrayed how madly they loved each other, in their own way.

Atharva felt his senses would explode and urged, “Shruti, let’s go to the hotel.”
She was not in a capacity to say a word as her senses had triggered as well and simply mumbled, “Hmmm…”

Just as they were walking towards their hotel…..

To be continued…

Just as they were walking towards their hotel, Atharva received a call. He checked the caller ID and saw that it was a call from Nainaa and passed the mobile to Shruti. As soon as she picked up, Nainaa greeted her excitedly, “Shhhruttiiii…. Guess what?!”
Shruti was surprised and glad to hear her sister in a happy mood and responded, “Wooowww!! Someone is sounding happy. Cant wait.. tell me, what is it?”
Nainaa reverted, “Shruuu… tu masi banne wali hai!!”

As bad as Shruti was at understanding relations, she took a minute to realise what Nainaa meant and then gushed, “Yaaayyyy! Am sooo happy for you would-be mumma. I’m sure jiju must be on cloud nine.”
She looked happily at Atharva who was smiling and waited for his turn to wish Nainaa. Meanwhile, Shruti was busy discussing about everything there was to know. She greeted Abhinav as well and then finally passed on the cell to Atharva.
He quipped, “Nainaa di, I am sure your head must be aching by now what with the talk you had with Shruti. And I know that whether I ask for it or not, I’ll get full details. So, I wont pester you. Congratulations to you and Abhinavbhai.”

Nainaa chuckled at his comment and thanked him. After he was done with congratulating Abhinav, he disconnected. While Shruti was excitedly pouring the details, they received another call. This time it was Alpaji calling. He picked up the call and greeted his mom, confirming his departure on the next day and his arrival timings.

Alpaji informed, “I wanted to let you know that we have finalised Minish’s wedding date today.. it will be on January 22nd. We weren’t able to find any other good dates hence took the decision.”
Atharva exclaimed, “That’s great ma, our wedding dates are almost the same.”

She then asked him to pass the call to Shruti, who indicated him to put the call on speaker. Shruti cordially greeted her, wary of the fact that her mother-in-law wanted to talk to her. Alpaji was unaware about the call being on speaker and didn’t return her greeting. She said abruptly, “Wait a minute,” and straightaway handed over the phone to Isha who had wanted to talk to her. Atharva could make out how his mother had again avoided Shruti and didn’t like it.

Once Isha was done, Alpaji continued, “Today as your papa had gone to the factory along with Shankar, we thought it was a good chance and went and finalised Rhea’s reception and sangeet outfits as well.”
Shruti’s face instantly fell at the mention as she felt left out. She mused that they could have waited for her but then shrugged, not dwelling on the thought, while Atharva mumbled, “Okay. Is Minish around?”
Minish came online when Atharva and Shruti both congratulated him. He was deliriously happy and informed further, “Atharva, me and Rhea have been discussing about this and we are in talks with a travel agent regarding our honeymoon destination. Today, after a lot of discussion, we decided on Far East countries. However, I have told him that I won’t go ahead till you come and have a look.”
Atharva couldn’t help commenting, “That’s great Minish. It seems a lot has been happening of late. Don’t worry, we shall come and see what has to be done.” And then eventually disconnected.

Shruti had lost her face color and Atharva couldn’t help and sighed. She couldn’t hide the gloom that was evident on her face and Atharva knew that they were back to square one. She knew that it wasn’t a big deal but would have felt nice if they would have included her. Besides, her mother in law had pointedly avoided talking to her which didn’t go down well.

By that time, they had reached the hotel. She cuddled and said in a dejected voice, “I don’t want to go back. Waapis wohi clashes, ego problems, it gets onto my nerves.”
He patted her gently and mumbled, “I know. But can we help anything about it? Let’s try one thing… let the conflicts not affect our relationship, please. I know it’s difficult but at least we can try to keep it minimal. You know I am there for you and would never make you feel left out. But I cannot dictate others, right?”

She nodded her head and snuggled into him. The passion that had built up when they were at the quay, hadn’t exactly faded away but it had definitely been affected. The mood had changed to somber. Both just wanted to be together, enjoying the tranquility while they could. She unwittingly felt as if the bubbly, carefree, jovial Shruti would be left behind in Australia. She mentally chided herself as she reminded herself that for her, the priority should be her relationship with Atharva and nothing else should matter. Atharva caressed her lovingly, soothing her worries.

Shruti kissed him on his lips, thanking for always being a strong pillar of support while caressing his cheeks. When Atharva felt her retreating, he held her at her nape and mashed her lips with his, nibbling at her lower lip, sending ripples down her spine. The flame which had been doused re-ignited as his hands wandered down, touching her sensitive points, which triggered her senses in micro seconds. He knew how to take advantage of it and without missing a beat, pulled down her tee, exposing her milky skin. She felt the temperature sore looking at him. He had the ability to make love just by looking at her with eyes which would show how much he ached to have her. He didn’t keep her waiting for long and left a trail of moist kisses while she writhed beneath him, clutching at his back, unable to control the explosions within her. One thing led to another and the two souls united, in the most beautiful manner, leaving no doubt as to how much they adored each other.

Shruti woke up with a heavy heart next morning, unable to come to the terms that they had to return back. She woke up, checked the time and dived back into the bed, wishing time would simply stop. But when has time ever listened to any one? Atharva stirred sooner than she had wished and nudged her to get up as well.

Shruti pouted, “I don’t feel like getting up and going for a bath.”
Atharva grinned at her antics and commented, “Don’t sulk like a kid Shru. We’ll get late. Come on, get up.”
She looked at him and said naughtily, “Only on one condition. You will come along.”
He raised his eyebrows so high in disbelief that she knew what was coming next. “Australia seems to have done wonders I must say.”
She smirked, “Hmm… learning under a good  tutor.”

He bit his lip and voiced, “This is getting interesting.”
She giggled at the way he was eyeing her and ran into the shower. He mumbled, “Absolutely unpredictable,” and joined her.
It took them longer than expected, as they had more than just the shower. By the time they were done, Atharva voiced, “Chalo now lets hurry up or else will get late.”

Shruti carelessly remarked, “How I wish… someone would grant a wish and say, ‘Ja Shruti… ek aur din jee le apni zindagi.’”
He banged his head and muttered, “Pataa nahi kis bewakoof sa paala padaa hai. We’ll seriously get late. Come on.”
She knew that she didn’t have a choice and muttered under her breath, “Ya ya.. no need to boss over me.”
He shook his head in exasperation and helped her in packing bags and checking the room before exit. While lifting the bed covers, he found her lingerie under the blanket, and recollected how it had been removed the previous night.

He couldn’t help tease Shruti about it and quipped, “By any chance do you intend to leave this as souvenir? I’m sure the recipient would be more than happy, if a male.”
She turned around and was aghast when she saw the very thing dangling from his hands. She snatched it from him and muttered, “Very funny! Pathetic sense of humour.”
He couldn’t help chuckling and continued with the task at hand.

Soon, they reached the airport and before they knew, boarded the flight. Shruti wanted the time to crawl at a snail speed but it seemed as if it was slipping from her hands. The hours seemed to pass too quickly and they were back to pavilion. She had a feeling of déjà vu and took some time getting back to normal.

The following months passed in a jiffy, involved in preparing for Minish and Rhea’s wedding.

*****22nd January, 2008*****

The atmosphere was very lively as she sat absorbing the entire scenario. Inspite of the ground being so huge, it looked quite packed with guests who had come to attend Minish and Rhea’s wedding. The extended family members had gathered to attend the reception of the lovely couple. Shruti had taken a breather as she had been on her toes since morning. Her feet groaned and she sat in a corner, reminiscing about the recent events.

The functions and the wedding had gone very well and there was rejoicement in the family. The lovebirds were truly besotted and were often seen stealing glances at each other. Minish’s face particularly reflected the excitement and the feeling of contentment. Their faces were naturally glowing and Shruti fervently prayed that it would stay that way. Shruti and Atharva were in for a surprise when it was time for cake cutting. Minish had arranged for a cake for them as well, as it was their first anniversary on the next day.

She sat mulling over the fact that she was already married for a year and how life had treated her. She was, undoubtedly, much more matured and a bit mellowed compared to what she had been before marriage. But then, she mused, that must surely be the case with all the girls, whether it was a love marriage or arranged. She had tried her best to help wherever she could, and was just as excited for the wedding. She cringed at the solo performance she had given during the sangeet, inspite of being diffident about it. However, the way Atharva had appreciated her was more than a reward for her. Minish and Rhea had stood by her and it was after a lot of cajoling and practice, that she was able to pull it off.

She smirked thinking about her reception which had coincidentally been on 23rd January last year.  And here she was, waiting for her husband so that she could spend some time with him. However, he had warned her beforehand that since there would be guests at home and the post wedding ceremonies, she shouldn’t expect him to take her out. She had gulped it down. She understood that they had to take it in their stride and she had philosophised to herself that the day and date shouldn’t bother her, but deep within, the Shruti who was a romantic at heart, had dreamt of a romantic dinner date, along with Atharva, if nothing else. But it was not going to happen.

Despite his briefing, she absolutely refused to follow every rule that he had laid down and insisted, “Come what may Atharva. I’m not gonna listen to you. I will accompany you when you would go to drop Minish and Rhea to The Renaissance for their first  night.”
Atharva tried to reason, “Arey Shru! Why don’t you understand?! None of the females would be there…only guys, don’t you remember?”
She looked squarely into his eye and without batting an eyelid, told him resolutely, “I do remember dear husband, how can I forget our first night? But you seem to be conveniently forgetting of late that it is our anniversary and that begins at midnight itself. The rosy dreams that I had seen are not going to be fulfilled and I am aware. But the least I can expect is being together when the clock chimes 12. So, if you don’t mind, let me take my own decisions.”
Atharva stood gaping at her, listening to her authoritative tone and couldn’t utter a word for a full minute and then reverted, “Do whatever you want to.”
She gave him a victorious smile and knew she had won this battle.

Soon, she bid adieu to her family and relatives who had come to attend the wedding. They were joined by the newly weds and Shankar, a couple of cousins and friends and all proceeded towards the Renaissance. Minish was glad that Shruti was accompanying coz Rhea had started feeling jittery already,  thinking about the night ahead. Shruti placated her, “Chill Rhea. Imagine, I was all alone when I had gone and the kind of lewd comments they had passed, I swear it had been extremely embarrassing.”

Rhea simply mumbled, inwardly feeling awkward about the situation. She was in a dilemma coz even though she had been in a relationship for so many years, she had not gone beyond kissing Minish, as unbelievable as it may sound. Theirs was a more soulful connection and Minish, being the gentleman he was, had never ever taken undue advantage, knowing well that Rhea was not comfortable. But once they got engaged, Minish had started taking at least some liberties, under the pretext that she needed to get used to. Tonight, all those boundaries would come crumbling down, there would be no more hiding, no more running away and Rhea could feel shivers down her spine just thinking about it. Meanwhile, Shruti kept talking non stop throughout the way, trying to make Rhea comfortable.

It was almost 11.45 p.m. by the time they settled in the room. Shruti settled down on a chair, a bit aloof from the rest. They were already passing cringeworthy comments which were putting Rhea in a tight spot. But what amazed her was to see Atharva doing that and not caring two pins about what he was speaking.

Nishant, their cousin suggested, “Since you two had a love marriage, how about kissing each other?”
Shruti gaped at him, and looked from Rhea to Minish to see their reaction. She could see clearly that given a chance, Rhea would take on her heels and not look back. Rhea shook her head and indicated that she wasn’t willing to oblige in front of others and Minish understood. He smartly tried to change the topic and checked his watch, “It’s 12 already. Let’s all wish Atharva and bhabhi on their anniversary.”
Shankar chipped in, “Aise hi thodi wish hota hai. Nishant, ye kissing wala idea Atharva ke time yaad nahi aaya tha tujhe?”
Nishant responded, “Oh is it? No worries. Aaj mauka bhi hai dastoor bhi… first Atharva’s turn then Minish.”

Shruti was taken aback at the turn of events and thought they were just joking. But they weren’t ready to budge saying, “Koi nahi.. Hume thodi jaldi hai jaane ki. We are quite comfortable sitting here. So, it’s upto you two to decide,” looking at Atharva and Minish, “how soon do you want to get down to … you know!”

Atharva knew there was no backing out and held Shruti by her shoulders looked into her eye. She tried to pretend being bold and mumbled to herself, “Theek hai na… one year me bahot kuch kar liye. Ye kiss kya cheez hai.” But she could see why was it a big deal… she was having an audience hooting in the background which made her super conscious. He gave a quick yet loving peck, right on her lips. It was for merely few seconds but was so sweet as if dipped in honey. For a moment, Shruti forgot that she was surrounded by everyone. But then the tremendous applause by the boisterous lot brought her back to reality and she lowered her gaze and parted. Atharva also took a while to get a grip on his senses. For that one moment, he had forgotten that it was just a formality in front of others.

Then, the complete attention got riveted to the newly weds. Minish took into his embrace a hesitant Rhea who was shaking like a leaf. She softly murmured, “No Minish,” when he had come at touching distance. He could feel her labored breath and didn’t want to put her in a spot. He took her in his arms and tried to go for it but at the last minute, kissed her on her cheek. Rhea’s eyes were completely glued to the floor and backed out as soon as he did that. Amidst awwws and ooohhs they were spared at last. It had been more than an hour since they had come and Shruti could feel the effects of the long day as she yawned. In a while, they finally left the room, after a lot of teasing  and banter, leaving the besotted lovers to cherish the precious moments.

It was extremely late by the time they returned and Shruti was dead tired. Days of running around had taken its toll. It took her a while to remove her make up and change her outfit and join Atharva. She looked at him and was saddened to see that he had already dozed off coz she had been expecting at least some moments of togetherness. She switched off the lights, lay disheartened and was trying to overcome the sudden feeling of discontentment that she felt. Her eyes were about to express her grief, as the tears began to sting. At that very moment....

To be continued...

Next post at 12 noon tmrw💕💕

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