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February 2020

Udaipur

Mahajan's

The environment in the Mahajan residence was pleasantly vibrant, even when there were only the Mahajans and Sidharth and Sanjana who joined the crowd sometime late in the afternoon. It seemed as if the wind chime finally got its wind back and now it is now finally chiming. And isn't it like the exactly same? When the newly married daughter comes at her place for the first time post marriage; it is like a wave of unmatched zeal and happiness altogether.

Deepak and Juhi had made it very clear that marriage or no marriage, this place is her home and not to add any prefix to it like maternal home or maayka; no formalities were required and Monami was really feeling overwhelmed hearing her mother. Of course it was not like she believed in this stuff that now her in laws' place will be the only one as her home and all that, she firmly believed that she belonged to both the places. Hence, it will not be about compromise but little adjustments from all.

Monami had a gala time, at her home, with her people. This time too she was the centre of attention, like many times, but unlike all the others; because she was not here to stay, rather she'll leave back at night, taking the wind with her. Who says that just because your daughter is living far away from you, you'll be acquainted to the absence she leaves when she is married? Then, it is even more difficult. But it is what it is.

Soon, when it was the time to prepare the dinner, Monami reminded her mother about the dishes that should be made so that even Karan can eat because his series was already nearing and he cannot afford anymore cheating with his diet, as she learnt from Barkha in morning. Although, she was relentlessly teased for the same by all, including the senior Mahajans as well but nonetheless she stuck to her statement.

Within no time, it was close to eventide and Karan had called his wife once to know about the timings by when he should be here and she told him about it and he agreed to be here. So Kaptaan Sahab was here to take back his officer sahiba.

When Karan entered the place, his sasural, his another home, he was welcomed very warmly and all his initial hesitance was wiped off with the way he was treated in the place. Not like son in law, but son; their family member. All of them made equal efforts to include him in their conversations and shared a few anecdotes here and there about Monami which made her groan inwardly, when it came to the embarrassing moments of her childhood. Even Deepak shared a few incidents of his army life and how it was to be an officer who was headed by a senior like Atul Shergill.

All in all, it was a fun filled, eventful evening. Moreover, thanks to their earlier meet ups and spending some time with all of them, be it the trip which included Mahajans, or the time when Karan attended the functions of Sidharth and Sanjana's wedding, he was more comfortable with the people than Monami and he made a mental note to be there beside Monami as much as he can so that she does not feel out of the place.

Also, Karan was also teased when they all sat for the dinner. Vedant and his better half's friends left no stone unturned in teasing the couple.

"Jeej, aapko pata hai di ne khaana especially aapko dhyaan mein rakhte hue banwaya hai, aur aisa aaj se pehle unhone kisi ke liye nahi kiya hai." Vedant made an honest effort in teasing Monami by making Karan as his scapegoat. Hearing this Monami's eyes widened before she looked at her brother with narrowed eyes and Karan coughed because the food got stuck in his food pipe; as he was not at all expecting this.

(Brother in law, you know what? This food is prepared keeping in mind about your preference, which was told by di itself and dare I say, she has never done this before.)

Before Monami could utter a single word in her defence, she was attacked from the other side, this time it was her best friend who was busy being her foe, at the moment.

"Arrey Vedant bro, yeh toh starting ya end mein bolte na abhi dekho Karan bro ke gale mein khaana atak gaya hai." Sidharth was no less when it came to teasing, especially his friends and so as a dearest friend of Monami he made sure that neither his best friend nor her husband would escape from being the centre of teasing session. He quickly turned his neck towards Monami and said, "Ab aise he kya baithi hai? Karan bro ko paani he pila de."

(Oh Vedant bro, you should have spoken this either at the starting or ending of the meal; now see Karan bro got food occluded in his throat.) (Now why are you sitting like this? At least give a glass of water to Karan bro.)

Monami wanted to beat Sidharth but hearing what he said and Karan's ceaseless coughs, she was quick enough to refill the empty glass of water with the jug that was kept on her side and with a little shyness she attempted and rubbed Karan's back so that he can be comforted. While Karan just took a sip of water to calm himself down and the moment he felt Monami's hand on his back he gripped the glass a bit more tight because albeit he was in need of some comfort he could not afford to let others see his cheeks on which subtle blush was parading.

Well seeing her husband, Sanjana also grabbed the opportunity and said, "Kya Monu...itni der laga di? Haan vaise sahi bhi hai, jab kahin I mean kisi par se dhyaan kahi aur jaayega tabhi toh dhyaan de paaogi. Haina aunty?" Sanjana first questioned and answered herself from Monami's side and then turned towards Juhi.

(What Monu... you took so much time? But it's alright I guess, now only if you divert your attention from somewhere or rather I mean someone to anywhere else only then you'll be able to focus. Am I right Aunty?)

At this, although Karan was calm enough he still kept the glass near his lips and Monami took her hands off him, sensing that her husband is now doing better.

"Of course beta... Monu kya hua baccha, aaj se pehle toh aisa kabhi nahi hua!" Juhi's tone was underlined by a tease in it, making other's laugh and the said person blush in embarrassment.

(Monu what is it dear, this has never happened with you.)

Monami raised her lashes and she could clearly see the faces of the people who have decided to gang up on her and their visage held the perfect teasing countenance. Monami looked expectantly at her father, hoping at least he would not show his back to her but the poor soul was about to be disheartened.

"Arrey bhai, hoga bhi kaise? Aaj se pehle iski shaadi bhi toh nahi hui thhi." Deepak took the opportunity that was served on a golden platter and did what no one expected him too, except his wife.

(Oh ho, how was it even supposed to happen? It is not that she has been married earlier than this as well.)

Everyone guffawed at this, except the couple who was under the radar of everyone's sight. Monami was looking at her father with narrowed eyes, her mouth open in nonplus and this didn't went unnoticed by Deepak.

"Arrey, ab Monu aisa mauka har baar thodi na milta hai. Toh maine socha mai bhi thode maze le loon." Deepak tried to flatter his daughter but everything fell deaf in her ears since she continued looking at father with narrowed eyes.

Karan, although being the reason why Monami was teased, was internally bemused seeing his wife under the radar. So this is how she looks, when she is at the other end of teasing, with everyone taking unashamed joy in teasing her.

But to not let his wife handle all of this alone, he sneakily made an attempt to divert the attention and he albeit was successful when he asked for the dish that was kept near Sanjana, his act didn't failed to be captured by the eyes of Deepak, who just smiled at the efforts of his son in law making the latter tilt his head a little with his lower lip in between his teeth to hold back his smile and to stop the redness from coating his ears at being caught.

Post dinner, they all sat together and chatted for a while, sans the mother and the daughter. In the meantime, Juhi gave some essentials to Monami before they joined everyone else.

When it was the time to leave, Juhi and Deepak gave a Shagun ka lifafa to the new couple and though Karan was totally against it, he shut his mouth when his in laws told him that it is a ritual. But still he made an attempt to convince Juhi, since Deepak took a side line when he felt he couldn't refuse more to Karan.

"Lekin papa, aap samjhaiye na... mummy ko. Mai yeh kaise...?" Karan's tongue felt different when he said the word mummy after so long, to address someone else. Both her parents and Monami herself could feel this.

(But papa, at least you make mummy understand? How can I?)

Even his eyes got moist and his heart felt heavy when he addressed Juhi as mummy for the first time. The sense of familiarity with the word and the void that he felt for not saying this word for so long, hit him.

He was not left bare for more than a couple of seconds when Juhi took him in his embrace and patted his back, making him dwell into mother's love. When he pulled back, he was blessed with a sweet kiss on his forehead, making him look back the lady who just nodded at him. This whole wordless exchange was indeed so fulfilling and there was not any adjective which could even define what Karan felt.

Monami and Karan finally took the envelope and made their way towards the threshold of the Mahajan residence, with everyone falling in accordance of their steps. They finally bid them bye, making everyone teary again at the sight of Monami's departure.

Karan too hugged everyone, after Monami but what nobody failed to see was the way he embraced Juhi for a bit long. Then taking the blessings of the elderly couple, Karan quietly took hold of the bag near Monami's feet, before she could and proceeded towards the car.

Once in the car, Monami could not help but look time and again at Karan, hoping sincerely that he was okay. Karan could feel her eyes on him and hence, when they were stopped at the signal, he turned his face towards his wife and nodded with a smile, "Don't worry. Theek hoon."

(I'm fine.)

Monami was relieved hearing him and gave him a comforting smile. She let herself at ease. The rest of the drive was spent in the soothing music of the radio.

Since it was Sunday, the roads were busy and hence it took them a couple of minutes more to reach Shergill residence. But once they did, Karan knowingly honked his car twice, before turning off the engine, making Monami look at him in question and even more when he made absolutely no effort in getting out of the car.

"Uh Karan?" Monami questioned.

"Ek choti si ride pe chalogi? Mere aur baby ke saath? Ussey promise kiya tha ki shaam leke jaunga ussey." Karan briefed about his plans to Monami, hoping she'll agree.

(Will you come on a short drive with me and baby? I've promised her to take on one in the evening.)

"Are you sure you want me to come? I mean yeh tumhara aur baby ka time hai na!" Monami questioned since she didn't wanted to intrude in anything. She was quite apprehensive in situations like these when there is a third party involved and her formality was anyway too eager to butt in.

(I mean this is your and baby's time.")

Karan's brow twitched in frown before he chuckled, understanding where she is coming from. He then very softly said, "Itna formal mat bano, aur aisa kahin nahi likha hai ki jahan mujhe kisi ke saath jaana hai wahan tum nahi aa sakti. When there will a situation like this, I'll myself tell you."

(You don't need to be formal and moreover, it's not written anywhere that the place I'm supposed to visit with someone else, you won't be allowed there.)

Monami nodded in understanding and a soft hue started making its place on her cheeks when Karan continued to look at her and she couldn't help but lower her eyes.

Soon, the couple was pulled out of the silence when baby knocked on the mirror on Karan's side with Barkha, with in infectious smile on her face.

"Chachuuuu, chaleinn?" Baby was super excited making all the three people smile at her.

(Uncle, shall we leave?)

"I'm sorry Karan, tum dono thak gaye hoge..." Before Barkha could dwell more on her thoughts, Karan interrupted.

(I'm sorry Karan you both must have been tired...)

"Bhabhi, no more discussions; we'll be back in half an hour." Karan announced, making Barkha sigh. She looked at Monami who just nodded at her with a smile.

Barkha was about to open the back door when Monami said, "Bhabhi, baby wahin baithegi jahan woh baith ti hai." Then looking the kid holding her mother's hand, she gestured to baby, "Baby, aajao idhar."

(Bhabhi, baby will sit at the place where she always sits.) (Baby, come over here.)

Baby ran with her small legs and in a jiffy she was at Monami's side, who quickly opened the door when Baby ran. Baby saw Monami in confusion when she was there as to how was she supposed to sit in, making Monami chuckle. She carefully pulled baby in and made her sat on her lap and closed the door, making sure that the little kid is comfortable.

Once, Monami closed the door, baby cheerfully hugged Monami saying she is the best, making the former caress her hair sweetly and pressing her lips to baby's little forehead. Her gesture successfully won the hearts of the other two people.

Both Barkha and Karan were clearly able to see her blending well with them already, without doing anything out of the way, because of the person she is. So humble, so down to earth.

The trio had a fun on their short drive, it was filled with baby. Her talks, her laughter, her endless tries at annoying Karan and of course the music, which was of her taste too. It was a regular scene for Karan, and courtesy of his nature, this loudness wasn't out of the box, because he was accustomed to it, while being with so many people in his lifetime. But same was not the case with Monami, once she entered into her defence life, unknowingly the loudness of chatters faded away with formal, mandatory on field screams.; the joy of hanging out with people transformed into the joy of hanging out in her fighter planes and many more, although she did not have many people but then too. And now at this moment, not even for one second did Monami felt left out. She could visualise herself getting along with the people that Karan had mingled so well with. Her gut feeling said so.

Soon enough, the ride came to an end and the trio entered in the home, with Monami's bag in Karan's hand and baby sleeping on Monami's shoulder, carefully held by her chachi.

Seeing so, before anyone could ask anything, Monami asked Barkha about Baby's room so she can tuck her in, without disturbing her sleep and she followed Barkha, yet again gaining the contentment of all the people.

Once baby was tucked in, Barkha and Monami came back in the living room and chatted for a while when Barkha decided to tease Karan with Monami's name, along with Param.

"Vaise Karan, aaj toh chha gaye tum." As Barkha began, Karan's brows raised quizzically, even Monami and Atul looked at her in confusion.

(By the way Karan, you've made headlines today.)

"Baat toh sahi keh rahi ho tum Barkha!" Param supported his wife and angled his face to Karan before saying, "Yaar chhotey hume nahi pata tha ki tu itna jaldi apni shaadi ki announcement kardega, woh bhi itne pyaare andaaz mein."
(You are absolutely right, Barkha.)(Little bro, we didn't know that you'll announce about your wedding this soon, that too with in such a sweet manner.)

The moment Param finished saying, Karan was flustered with his elder sibling's comment and he rapidly blinked his eyes and struggled to open his mouth to speak something but before he could speak, Atul spoke up.
"Arrey bhai, koi hume bhi bataye ki kin tasveeron ki baat chal rahi hai." Atul was confused and then looking at Param and taking a dig at Karan, he said, " Aur Param, beta ab toh tum he hume batate ho, warna in barkhurdar ko toh fursat he kahan hai?"

(Okay, now can someone please tell me that what pictures are being discussed over here?) (And Param, son now you are the only one who tells me something, because this mister over here doesn't even bother telling me something.)

"Uh konsi pictures, bhaiya?" Monami who was trying to connect dots till now finally spoke up. She even gazed at Karan who was just trying to be a little less flustered with all the attention on him, which she found little endearing and she scolded her subconscious mind for thinking something like this abruptly and in an instant, averted her eyes from him.

(Which pictures?)

Param then saying that he will rather show and took his mobile out and showed what Karan had posted. Seeing the pictures everyone in the living room sans the couple hooted and said something like, kya baat hai and how beautiful the snapshots are, even when there is a lot more hidden than revealed.

Although Monami knew about the pictures the posted, because they decided together yet one picture caught her attention along with the caption. She wondered if this was something he himself chose and her mind seemed to agree with the same since she remembered how her husband told that he is the only one who is in control of his personal pictures. She could feel her cheeks getting warm at his post and the incessant teasing.

Karan begrudgingly took all the teasing remarks because there was nothing he could rather do. But he very authoritatively made sure to tell everyone that he did what he did because he didn't want anyone to make any self proclamations and assumptions and neither did he wanted to entertain any rumours and stay in headlines for his personal life.

Karan was appreciated for his gesture and after sometime everyone left for their rooms. Switching off the lights, Karan took a water bottle in his hands and as he reached towards the staircase, he was greeted with a waiting Monami. Though he didn't thought that she'll wait, but it felt good. Passing each other a smile, they ascended the stairs and entered the room. When Karan turned after bolting the door he saw Monami who was facing the bed, fidgeting with her fingers.

Hearing the bolt, she turned towards Karan and immediately disengaged her fingers and dropped her hands on her sides and looked at her husband with a small smile.

Wordlessly, the couple changed and settled on the bed, Karan took the initiative and asked Monami if she wanted to check the pictures and scroll a bit of messages that his friends had greeted them with.

Over the time, Monami and Karan though were sitting together, but there was a decent distance between them and unknowingly they leaned and started shifting in each other's direction so that the mobile screen be more visible. In the span of even less than a quarter of minutes, they were sitting with their shoulders touching and a little occasional brushes of their side bodies which at every graze. The first time they felt that there is a pathetic excuse of distance between them was when Monami raised her hand to adjust her hair and the same moment she could feel her right side touching his left. Their gaze clashed with each other, with Monami's hand, bent from its elbow still hanging in between and her forearm raised upwards with her fingers on her tendrils, allowing Karan to have a