Hey everyone,

Fill this one with lots of love!

Happy reading 🌻

|•|•|

February 2020

Udaipur

Shergill's

Only if time was timeless and that the joyous moments lasted for some more time, isn't it something what we wish for, at those seldom moments and juncture of contagiously dazzling happiness. But as per the functioning, nothing lasts long and so here was the day when Karan was all set to leave for his next destination for the upcoming ODI series.

Needless to say the atmosphere was not as vibrant as it was used to but then too, all were waiting to see their charmer setting the ground on fire and being back at what he is best at.

While standing at the threshold of the Shergill residence, to bid his adieu, he took in the teary eyed, smiling face of Barkha and his dearest niece, the tears masked behind the disguise of pride in the eyes of his father and his wife, his wife seeing him off with the softest of the smiles and a nod. It was only Param who would drop him to the Airport, since it was quite early and it did not make any sense to take everyone.

Barkha quickly did his aarti and fed him dahi cheeni and then all the members wished him luck and sent him off.

Karan started with his journey and his better half would be in Udaipur only until her leave period that was still left for some rough 10 days, but seeing home without Karan was not a very happy feeling for her. She after a lot of inner battle admitted to herself that she missed him and his very essence in this place, just after a few hours after his departure.

Meanwhile in the flight, Karan could not help but remember how last two days went and how he and Monami came closer than before. His lips moulded themselves in a beautiful alluring curve when he reminisced about the events of the last two days, especially their date.

Yes, a date; a date which was planned by his wife.

Flashback ~

After a scrumptious lunch meal, Karan went out for his personal work and Monami was having time for herself so she decided to call her best friends, since she knew that they must be having their lunch break.

Monami video called Sidharth and after closing the door of the closet, she walked towards the balcony.

"Hiii, Kaminiii. Kaisi hai? Tujhe fursat mil he gayi akhir call karne ki!" Sidharth was highly energetic seeing his best friend on the call.

(Hey bitch. How are you? You finally got some time to call us.)

Monami rolled her eyes seeing her buddy give a competition to Rajdhani Express in terms of speaking. She opened her mouth to reply but the camera on the other side imbalanced a little before Sanjana took hold of the phone and spoke enthusiastically.

"Monuuuu. Kaisi hai? Aur tu kitni pyaari lag rahi hai iss look mein. Wedding suits you!"

(Monu, how are you? You are looking so beautiful in this look.)

Again Monami tried to reply but phone on the other side imbalanced a little more with the chaotic screams of the couple who was fighting as to who will talk to her first and also because Sidharth wanted to finally have a look of her best friend. Monami heaved a deep sigh when the phone, after mutually and amicably decided to be placed on the table and they both were visible.

"Woah Monu bro! You look slaying." Sidharth whistled. When he got no reply from Monami, who was busy looking at the screen robotically, he sarcastically spoke, "What? Now say something. Kabse hum he bole jaa rahe hain."

(We are the only ones speaking.)

"Tum log jab apne aap se free ho jaoge, aur mujhe bolne ka mauka doge toh he toh kuch bolungi na." Monami rolled her eyes and Sanjana held her one ear in apology making the former chuckle.

(When you guys will be free from each other and give me a chance of speaking, only then I'll be able to.)

"Okay so now, yes bro I'm free and that is the reason for you being on the call. Secondly, Mai bilkul theek hoon and Sanju, thank you!" Monami replied to all the questions asked.

(I'm absolutely fine.)

The trio then talked for a bit and the couple had their share of fun by teasing Monami for the special instagram post her husband posted, making her slightly flustered. Then Monami shared how Karan will leave day after tomorrow in the early morning. Hearing this, Sidharth suggested, "Monu, why don't you plan a date for you both?"

Monami widened her eyes and then blinked rapidly. "What? Why all of a sudden and why me?

"Monu, actually it's a good idea." Sanjana supported her husband.

"Bro, this will give you both your time before he leaves and secondly don't be a foolish to ask as to why me. You only said na that Karan is making efforts for you, so why don't you also do something for him, for you both. Come on girl up." Sidharth said encouragingly.

"But bro, I don't know much about it and secondly will this even be okay to go out?" Monami was apprehensive.

"Offo, Monu! You need not to have any worries, you have us. We'll help our little girl to grow up." Sanjana's tone was dipped in tease at the end. "Also, who said that a date can be planned outside only? Do it there only, you have your room, gallery or even terrace for that matter."

Monami thought for a while and nodded making the couple cheer in excitement and then they suggested a few ideas to their novice friend and hung up.

Monami thought the perfect day would be the current day only so that Karan can spend all his time or whatever the free time he has tomorrow with his entire family before leaving. After thinking for the date idea, that was making her giddy; she bit her lower lip, concealing a full blown smile and a sweet blush on her ear tips when she got the idea.

She came out of her trance when she heard the bedroom door getting bolted and she moved out to see it was her husband, a term she is still getting used to; a person who is effortlessly making a place in her life and heart.

Karan turned and passed Monami a smile when he saw her stepping in the room and Monami returned the gesture and closed the balcony door.

Karan freshened up and came out of the closet with a suitcase in his hand. Seeing the same, Monami who was sitting on the bed stood up and a sudden feeling of sadness gripped her when she noticed what is in his hands. It just gave her a reminder about how fast the time is passing and how little they have had with each other.

Sensing Monami's feelings, he inwardly sighed and placing the suitcase near the foot of the bed he moved towards his wife, who was already looking at him and held her hand saying, "Hume toh pata he tha na. We'll make through this; this time and every time."

(We already knew this, didn't we?)

Monami tightened the grip of her fingers on his hold and smiled at the way he is, with her. Monami nodded and affirmed, "We will, together."

Karan simpered a bit and asked, "Packing mein help karogi meri?"

(Will you help me in packing?)

Monami nodded immediately not wanting to miss any moment with him. She herself couldn't understand this ardent need to be with him, as much as she can.

Karan chuckled at her response and then the couple became busy in packing. Monami noticed that the way he is so particular about his cricket is not the same for his other items, making her shake her head at the way he was literally dumping the other essential items.

"Mai kardu?" Monami spoke cautiously so as to not defy him or make fun of him.

(Should I do it?)

Though hesitant but his ears turned warm when he realised why is she saying so and nodded, because every other time his Bhabhi used to help him and this time he had literally tried his best to pack as smoothly as he can because this was too early for Monami to know about his messy habits, he wanted to stay in her good books for some more time.

Packing was done with some anecdotes of Karan from his trips, some more knowing about each other, and some laughs and disbeliefs here and there. Finally closing the suitcase and picking it from ground, Karan rolled it in the corner and smoothened the little rolled up carpet on which the valise was placed.

Karan decided to take a power nap and then Monami went towards Barkha's room to find her helping Baby with her homework and joined them. She spent some time with the duo and then the three of them moved downstairs for the dinner preparations. When the descended the way and turned towards kitchen, they found Atul making his tea and seeing her grandfather baby ran towards him. Post their little chat, senior Shergill asked if his daughters would also like some tea to which Barkha smilingly and Monami hesitantly and after a little persuasion agreed. The trio with their tea and little Shergill with her milk talked a bit.

The time passed in a jiffy and everyone was done with their dinner. Then Monami excused herself from there after giving a look to Barkha secretly. She first went towards the kitchen and picked the tray that she placed in the fridge and since Karan was sitting with his back towards the staircase, it made the climbing easier for her. Monami had discussed a bit about her planning with Barkha earlier during the day, to make things easier and the latter was way too happy to help.

Monami went in the room and arranged a few things in the balcony and switching off the light and closing the gate and covering it with the curtain, she dropped a text to Barkha to send Karan upstairs and she herself trudged inside the closet to change for her attire for the date. The word left a foreign taste on her tongue.

When Karan came inside, his eyes wandered around the room and his eyebrows raised on its own, when he did not find the person he was hoping he would. Then bolting the door from inside, he moved towards his side of the bed, to keep his phone on the charge. But he was in for a surprise when he found a small piece of paper with a scribbling on it, on the adapter of the charger, with a support of the wall.

He picked up the paper and his lips curved in a beautiful smile when he read what was written on it.

"A date tonight?"

Karan let the fingers of his left hand caress the beautifully written words by his wife and just at the moment, he found her coming out of the closet.

When Monami stepped out, her dark orbs instantly took in the sight of her husband holding the small note with his lips curved up and with his one eye brow twitched up in her direction.

Monami found her cheeks and ears getting warm so she blinked her eyes before looking away while biting on her bottom lip. Karan unhurriedly took his steps in the direction of his wife and once he was close to her personal space, he gazed at Monami for a few seconds before closing his eyes and leaning down towards her, making her breath hitch.

When Karan's mouth was near to Monami's ear, his breath hitting her skin, making her clutch the side of her night pyjama pants and her eyes closing on their own accord, taking in all the fidgety sensations her body was providing with.

"Yes." Karan's voice came out huskier than expected and on that she subconsciously trembled while exhaling a small hum, making both of them freeze.

When Karan stood straight without increasing the distance, he opened his eyes and took in the sight his eyes were gloriously blessed with; his wife all messed up with the slightest of his movements.

Sensing no movements near her, Monami finally opened her eyes and after a little flutter, they clashed with Karan's, engaging in an eye lock.

After getting hold of her senses, Monami averted her eyes, after tucking the already tucked in, yet a little puffed up hair behind her hair and then looking into his eyes, she muttered, "Change karlo, I've picked a dress for you."

(Go and change.)

Karan scrunched his eyebrows and said, "I'm sorry, if I have made you feel uncomfortable yesterday at temple or now. You can tell me. Always."

Monami though felt nervous, but she didn't most definitely felt uncomfortable. Yes, Karan did get close to her but he made sure that he is not completely invading her personal space and that made her feel content and safe around him.

Monami passed him a subtle comforting smile, "Don't worry, you didn't." Then looking at him, she continued, "And I will always tell you." Monami blinked her eyes in an assuring manner making Karan smile and he nodded at her before going to change.

After Karan went in to change, Monami exhaled a little harshly and kept her palm on her heart so that it could calm a little. She has never in her life felt this unknown sensation before, she always wonders what suddenly goes wrong with her body whenever Karan is around her or even worse, in her close proximity. Because she has been in the close vicinity of a lot many males that one would, yet the way she finds herself behaving is simply so out of the box. As strange as the fact is, it is complete, secure, raw and safe. Something that covers her in homely tranquility.

When Karan came out, dressed in the night clothes his wife picked, he saw Monami come out of the balcony and looked inquisitively at her, with his signature look of one brow raised. A small smile tugged at the corners of Monami's lips when she realised that albeit steadily, but she surely is getting hold of habits.

Monami stepped forward, breathing a little hard and then she raised her palm, while looking into his eyes and whispered, "Shall we?"

Karan smiled a beautiful smile at her, making her insides churn at the alluring sight in front of her and her body enveloped itself in a familiar warmth when his hand came on the top of her, "We shall."

Monami and Karan, hand in hand walked towards the hardly 3-4 steps away balcony, Karan letting his feet follow Monami's. Then, slowly with her free hand Monami moved the curtains and opened the door, taking a step in, followed by Karan who was in awe of the simple yet beautiful arrangements his wife did. This made him feel that his efforts are acknowledged and valued.

There was nothing magnificent in the arrangements that Monami did, she simply adjusted a few plants and placed a makeshift bed in the corner and hanged the lights which Barkha gave her. She stringed up the crocheted rug she had, on the wall behind the bed and placed a few candles on the sides of the balcony and a few on the edge of big tray that two glasses of milkshakes.

"Wow, officer saahiba!" Karan's hold tightened on hers and he spoke after a few seconds when he composed himself and unknowingly he uttered the name he had subconsciously addressed her with.

Monami blushed a little when she heard this endearment from him, this felt more intimate than any name would.

Monami moved forward and picked a glass before forwarding it to Karan, who took it with a smile and she took the other one and led him towards the bed.

The couple basked in their own presence, with utmost comfort, in the cosy set up, in their snug clothes and the warmth of each other. They stargazed a little and talked about a few things, which took them almost two hours.

Post that, when Karan yawned, they decided to go back in the room and sleep, lest Kaptaan Sahab would feel the lack of sleep the next day along with its aftermath, the crankiness.

When they came back in the room, Karan carried the tray back before Monami could and placed it on the stand in front of their bed after filling in some water in them so that they would not dry.

Then he unhurriedly walked towards Monami and scratched his brow with his forefinger a little before hesitated a bit, making the lady confused over his actions. He finally said in an undertone, "Can I hug you?"

Monami blinked her eyes rapidly while trying to compost her racing heartbeats on his request, she didn't know what to reply but she definitely didn't wanted to deny.

When Karan saw her not replying after a few seconds, he thought he overstepped his boundaries and thus he opened his mouth to take back his statement, but when his wife understood what he was doing, she nodded in agreement before he could speak anything else.

Karan was yet again floored by this acceptance and he slowly took a step in her space and clenched his fists before unclenching them and embraced his wife in his warmth and congeniality.

Karan circled his one arm around her shoulders and kept the other one on the back of her head. This gesture screamed safety, purity and warmth. "Thank you for making me feel so special."

Monami raised her hands and fisted his t-shirt on his sides, above his waistband, trying to calm her erratically beating heart, which seemed as if in sync with his.

Karan felt way too special in this whole time. The girl who takes her time in opening up, made efforts for him, took him on a date that for the first time was not planned by him, took care of his diet, managed to give him the ambience he cherishes and most importantly the vibe the always looks for. Hence, it was special and it was their first date, so it was anyway bound to be.

After a few moments of their first hug, with evident blush on her cheeks and his ears, they stepped back and mutually, wordlessly took their sides of the bed, facing each other and slept when their eyes gave up.

The next day was more of a family day and getting the last moment work done. Karan had a meeting scheduled with BCCI and his manager and then he had some errands to run then, he simply spent some time with everyone individually and in a group. Yet, whenever his orbs found Monami's, he couldn't help but reminisce their hug.

The day ended quite early than usual, because of his travel the next day and a few pangs of sadness here and there for leaving his spouse so early.

Present ~

Karan's smile could be seen in the way he his eyes became small, when he remembered their farewell hug this morning and how her hold on his t-shirt tightened when he kissed her temple affectionately while muttering a take care, making her repeat the same.

The time and stay with family becomes a luxury when you have to represent your nation, a luxury that seems way too expensive for these people but no one actually cares about it, because all that matters is all that is shown on screen and what goes behind it, stays that way.

|~|~|~|~|

3.3k+ words.

Thank you for the constant support. I hope you liked this one?

Please vote, comment and share.

Much love,
Nehal.