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Aditya's Pov.
"Isha turn to the previous channel now." I rebuked, glaring at my unfazed sister who had her face hanging in pure curiosity. I wonder what fun she gets watching random women walk on the ramp wearing all sorts of otherworldly attires.
She regarded me with an indifferent snort, fueling my annoyance, "Tujhe dikh ni raha I was watching the news?" I scooted closer and snatched the remote from her.
Murderous would be an understatement to the gaze she directed in my direction. Camouflaging the fear buzzing in my heart, I pinned her with my brotherly glower.
"Kya hai?" She whined in frustration, blatantly forgetting that she was in my room, on my bed, and watching my television wearing the clothes and accessories I bought for her.
Kicking her shin in the slightest manner that left her wailing like a fish, she scurried all across the room in an attempt to chase me. Her unceremonious shrieks and yells blared inside the room along with her long, knife-like nails thrashing me in the process. Within ten minutes of this torture, I announced my defeat, plopping my exhausted body on the bed.
"I won!" She exclaimed, pride shining in her eyes and energy still running in her veins. To add fire to my already burnished soul, she raised the remote in front of me, showcasing me her prize.
Shaking my head at her antics, I hit the back of her head. Another round of cries and shrieks followed before she voiced threateningly,
"Let Dad come from Hoshiarpur, I'll tell Dad what you did to me." Despite her nose scrunched, eyes narrowed, and cheeks puffed, she poorly failed to terrorize me.
A gasp escaped her throat, probably after witnessing the traitor smile of amusement on my lips, "Hass rahe ho? Aane do Dad ko. Fir has ke dikhana." She scowled, "So much violence is happening in this house, and that too with me." She pointed towards her. Dramatic? Very much.
"To this innocent, sweet, and little angel of this heavenly abode." I wondered how could she lie so smoothly about herself.
"Kya?" I blinked my eyes in stupefaction, "Innocent? Sweet? And what? Angel? Kaun?" My eyes searched frantically for the three different women she was talking about. Her glare transmuted to a frustrated groan, stomping her foot on the floor in dismay. If she has blackmailing as a weapon to irk me, so do I. Simply disregard her words of innocence about her and she'll scurry like her tail on fire.
"You can watch television all day but I have just one day with me. At least let me watch the news in peace today. " I explained, searching for ways to get hold of the remote.
"So? You have your laptop and an internet connection. You can watch anything there." She remarked, "Moreover, you have your phone too. Which has been locked with so many passwords. The same phone which you do not give me anymore." She sneered, snorting in dismay.
Rolling my eyes at her comment, I reminded her,
"You know all my passwords. It's not my fault that you want my WhatsApp password as well." I bristled, sourly.
She parted her lips, struggling to construct a response, "But I promised you that I'll not read your and Bhabhi's chats." She peered at me with innocence. Jhoothi.
"I just enjoy watching the WhatsApp status and display picture of your contacts. It's a good time pass." She reasoned, gracing me with her pout and puppy eyes.
I shook my head in refusal, not considering her reason.
"Cruel" She muttered.
"I heard that." I raised my brow.
She passed a saccharine smile, "Good for you." She retorted. Before I could give her an earful, she resumed,
"I pity Bhabhi." Her lips fell in sympathy, "How will she manage with such a grumpy grandpa like you." She looked heavenwards, a dramatic sigh escaping her lips.
Offense churned my insides, "I let you buy clothes from my earnings. I defend you from Mom and Dad's never-ending lectures. Take your side when you fight with Kunal. And still, I am the Grumpy Grandpa. Okay. Fine. This was your love for me. I get it." Wounded, I nodded briskly, blinking my eyes rapidly to brush the non-existent tears.
"Offo." She exclaimed, shaking her head, "Such a drama queen you are Bhai." Nevertheless, she scooted closer, rounding my forearm, "You know very well that I love you the most. I was just messing with you." Her lips puckered in innocence, "My day feels incomplete if I don't tease you." She murmured, navigating my arms to wrap around her shoulder.
Not missing the opportunity, I crushed her in my arms, swaying her from side to side. She coughed vehemently, her yet another miserable act. "Uh-oh Bhai. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. Chodo." She stuck her tongue out, trying to breathe heavily.
Drama Queen!
"Phew." She leisurely thumped herself on the mattress the moment I left her.
"Phew." I mimicked her action and passed her the remote,
"Le dekh le."
Gleam illuminated her young countenance before she grinned merrily in victory.
***************
Impatience loomed over my senses as I trotted on the balcony. A thousand thoughts swirled my mind, the anticipation enhancing at every thought. My gaze fitted to my phone time and again, eagerly waiting for my parents' call.
It had been a week since our Roka and today, Mom and Dad had gone to Riya's place to finalize the marriage dates. As per them, the groom's presence was not needed there and only elders are enough. To pacify the scowl that marred my face, they then suggested calling me once before finalizing anything.
Now, who will explain to these old-generation parents that had they tagged me along, the bride and groom would have gotten a chance to meet, and spend some quality time. I snorted at my lost luck.
The sound of rushed footfalls reverberated, announcing my brother's presence, "Ji Dad. Nahi nahi, I think Bhai will prefer the other date." My heart dropped at lightning speed, not trusting the functioning of his sly mind.
"Yes, the one year later one." My ears perked up and I turned hastily before he splutters another nonsense. The sight of Kunal trudging with a wicked smirk presented, propelling my heart to my throat. The vileness of his smirk and the beats of my heart were now directly proportional to one another.
Aghast at the prospect of marrying a year later, I made a quick beeline and reached him. Immediately grasping his phone, I interjected,
"Ah yes, Dad." I worded, struggling to maintain my composure, "Why didn't you call me, why him?" I graveled in a hushed whisper.
"Your phone was unreachable Beta." Dad clarified and I raised my phone, glaring at the stupid device to lose its network at the wrong time.
"Okay." I nodded in understanding, "Uh, what did Pandit ji say?" I eagerly drummed my fingers on the railing. Kunal nudged me, directing me to put the phone on speaker. I shook my head, not willing to take any risk.
Commotion filled the other side as hushed discussions played in the background, "He told about two auspicious dates, one after almost two months and another a year later. , Kunal was saying.."
"The first one. The two months later one." I rushed to interrupt him, not giving him a chance to complete.
"Acha. Even everyone here was considering the same." A bucket-full of relief washed over me, upon hearing this.
I hesitated before putting words to my thoughts, "Is Riya..," I cleared my throat, "I mean Riya's family okay with this date?" I prodded, intending to know about Riya's opinion.
Before Dad could answer, Kunal, who had his ears stuck over my phone chimed, "Dad, he wants to know if Bhabhi is okay with the two-month later date or not." I cursed under my breath.
"Bhai please try to be a little more specific when it comes to my Bhabhi." Kunal sneered, enjoying at my expense. Laughter resonated from the other end, causing my ears to turn pink in embarrassment.
Punching his gut, I stepped farther from his hearing range.
"Riya is also okay with it. Don't worry." Dad cackled.
"Hanji." I flustered and palmed my face when I heard a chorus of laughter from the Dad's end.
Did all of them hear this?
"Okay, Bye ab. Aap continue karo." I rushed into the call before disconnecting the call frenziedly.
The Epitome of malice, my brother turned swiftly, attempting to steer my grasp.
"Tu toh idhar aa." I held his t-shirt from the back, dragging him towards me until he faced me. He let out a nervous laugh, squirming in his position.
"Ek saal baad shaadi karvayega meri?"
"Nahi to? Kisne kaha yeh?" He stuttered, backing a little in defense.
"Aane de Mom ko. Batata hu kahan tha parso tu." I smirked, entertained to witness horror creeping all over his face.
******************
Following my to the wall clock, I fetched my phone from the nightstand. Quickly scrolling through the log list, I tapped upon her name, my gaze fixated on her number. Throughout the day, no words were exchanged between us considering, she was occupied with Mom and Dad's arrival.
This past week, an unnamed ritual formed where we would try to wrap up our daily routine by ten and call each other. However, tonight, an inexplicable urge to see her birthed within me. Although I knew she wouldn't say no, I couldn't bring myself to ask her for a video call.
Until now, I never realized that one could turn so considerate after getting into a serious relationship. There is a constant effort to prioritize the other's comfort over anyone else. To take each step slow and unrushed. To respect the boundaries and avoid any chance of disappointment. To seek refuge in the littlest of moments.
Where the mind over-thinks and the heart over-fears, despite knowing the other person's acceptance of genuine initiations taken within limits.
"Hello." Her breathy whisper jostled me from the trampoline of thoughts. Only then did I realize that lost in the whirlwind of the newfound emotions, I had dialed her number.
I frowned at her breathlessness, "Were you running?"
Silence prevailed, deepening my frown. Contemplating for a while, her silken voice hesitated,
"Uh, I was downstairs playing with Avyukth." Her heavy breaths still resonated, "I don't know how I lost track of time, and when my phone rang, I knew it would be you. So, so I just rushed upstairs before you could disconnect." She blabbered making me chuckle.
Adorable.
Ecstasy consumed me knowing she awaited my call as eagerly as I awaited hers.
Smiling, I toyed with my earphones, the sight of her hued continuance framing in my mind.
Deciding not to begin our conversation by teasing her, I let the words pass, "Okay. Hogaya dinner?"
"Hanji. Yours?"
"Ji. Maggi at the rescue when Mom's not here." My nose scrunched at the thought.
A sudden burst of energy fueled from her lips, "You also like Maggi?"
"Naah." I was quick to respond, "Isha loves it though. You'll laugh if you see her eating it. Eyes closed, mind lost, and hums of satisfaction out of her lips for straight ten minutes. Matlab, kaun khaata hai aise?" I quizzed incredulously.
"Oi! This is the only and the right way to savor Maggi." She gasped, offended, "Your taste buds might not be functioning or they might be tasteless that's why you don't know how heavenly it tastes." She garbled a hint of annoyance palpable in her tone.
Amusement met my lips, entertained to witness the vivacity of expressions crossing her face, "Is it?"
"Bilkul." She retorted, her cheeks puffed in pride.
"Iska matlab toh, you would also be eating it the same way as she does. Haina?"
"Of course. That's the correct way." She huffed, suddenly defensive.
Framed my cheek with my palm, I eyed her dreamily, "Haaye, that would be a sight to watch then."
I bit the inside of my lips as her bashed self decided to stay mute, certainly fiddling with something or the other.
"Acha Sun." I elicited after a few seconds of comfortable silence,
"Hanji?" A dewy whisper fell past her lips.
"Video call karein?" My heart thumped vigorously in anticipation of her answer, "Only if you are comfortable." I added, not wanting to discomfort her
"Okay." She acquiesced.
I was quick to comply. Switching the mode, I waited with bated breaths to finally see her after the day of our Roka.
My heart. Damn you, my heart. It needed to take a breath for it had been thudding madly as if it would pop out any moment.
The color black has always been my favorite. But I never knew the depths and the beauty of this color would hold inexplicable grace when I would see it on her.
Dressed in a simple plain black t-shirt, hair tied in a messy bun with loose tresses framing her face, her captivating sight graced me.
Letting the pleased smile split on my lips, I murmured, "Hey."
"Hey." Downcasted were her eyes, suffused were her cheeks, and quivering were her lips.
I adjusted myself over the bed, supporting my back against the bedpost, "Toh, Shaadi hai do mahino mein." A playful glint resided in my eyes. She met my eyes almost immediately, nodding with a slow grin forming on her face.
"It isn't too rushed for you. Right?"
"Kyu pooch rahe ho? You have already asked about me and my family's opinion about the date." A splutter of frivolous giggles escaped her throat, the initial awkwardness demurely washing away.
"The phone was on the speaker?" I gasped, astounded.
"Arey, no." She clicked her tongue, shaking her head, "I was sitting next to Papa. I could easily hear the conversation." She grinned. A smile erupts my lips when her nose contorted when the loose tendrils on the side of her face irked her, prompting her to tuck the distracting locks behind her ear.
"Don't tease me now." I faked a scowl, "I just wanted to know whether you are equally in this or not."
"I am equally in this, Aditya." She assured brazenly and for a second it felt like her words had a thousand meanings hidden behind them.
"Kya hua? Is there anything on my face?" Conscious, she held her face, observing any trace of imperfection. Her eyes dimmed with anxiety and the smile that earlier blazed her lips now was gone and barren.
I chastised myself for staring at her, even unknowingly. Nearing the phone, I voiced tenderly, "There's nothing on your face Riya. You look perfect." Her frenzied movements halted for a second. With a frown etched over her forehead, she asked,
"In this messy bun?" She squirmed, raising her hands to free her hair, "With this t-shirt?" She mulled, peering downward in contemplation, "With these.." Her words were left unspoken as she consciously graced her under eyes.
"And you still think I look perfect?" Disbelief laced her tone, a tinge of accusation burnishing in her eyes.
"For me? Yes." Words flew effortlessly, not an ounce of thought behind them.
"Makeup or no makeup. Messy bun or loose hair. Dark circles or not. You will always remain beautiful for me, Riya. And not just this moment, in every moment I have known you or will have the chance to look into you." A discomfiting pang hit my heart, not liking the horde of insecurities she had been carrying about herself.
She eyed in the distance, a sheen layer misting her eyes.
"At least look at me." I rebuked softly.
She met my eyes, filled with under confidence and disbelief. My spontaneous-spitfire was lost. And the is damned feeling was unnerving.
"I look far from perfect." She mumbled, still unconvinced.
"That's because your definition and my definition of perfection are far different from each other Riya." Her lips parted to object. However, the gravity reflecting on my face silenced her.
"For me, perfection lies in the confidence with which you carry yourself, the spark in your eyes when you talk about teaching, the innocence gleaming in your smile when you play with Avyuktha, the sensibility your aura emits when around your family, the bashfulness and spontaneity in your words when you converse with me. And if this is not perfection, I don't know what it is."
Insecurities, when birthed, are deep-rooted. I knew the feeling, I have lived in it for years, and owned it as long as I can remember.
"You are beautiful, spitfire." An admirable whisper left me, "And before anyone else, you need to see it, feel it, and believe it. Accepting yourself wouldn't suffice, start loving yourself as well."
Her brown swirls peered at me in par innocence, a myriad of thoughts running in her mind, converting into traces of disapproval on her face.
Desirous to see her charming smile, I teased with an intent to lighten the atmosphere, "Ab aur bolu ya fir itna bohot hai?"
A soft giggle resonated, melting the disconcerting sensations blazing in my nerves, "I never knew, Coder Aditya could be Counselor Aditya too." She jested, squinting her eyes playfully.
"For you, I can be both. You are an exception." I winked, allowing crimson to suffuse her cheeks.
"Acha, what happened to that fussy client of yours." She cleverly diverted the topic of her insecurities.
I exhaled in defeat, letting her mull over her thoughts before baring her heart with me. Accepting her distraction with a resolve to work on her communication as time passed, I joined the conversation that stretched until late midnight.
Words might have ditched her but her expressions didn't. The twinkle in her moist eyes, the gaze of affection she regarded me with, and the captivating smile residing on her lips echoed a lot.
With each passing day, we were taking slow, unrushed steps. Her introvertedness may prevent her from expressing herself freely in front of me but the shift in her expressions conveyed a lot more.
And I'll patiently await the day when she'll deliberately voice all her insecurities, shed all her fears, bare all her doubts in front of me; raw and unfiltered.
I look forward to the day when before anyone, she learns to love herself. When no societal judgments, unrealistic facts, irrational norms, and illogical expectations would succeed in sowing seeds of doubt within her.
When she will be able to see herself from my perspective, only then she will know how infectious her presence is. She would then understand how much she meant to me.
When she will understand that I am with her always, beside her, sharing all her burdens, facing all her insecurities, and taking all miseries.
Because it was not just about her now, it was about us.
We over me as she says.
**************
Heya Dear Ones!
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You read Aditya's definition of perfection and beauty, do you agree with him? What's your definition of perfection and beauty?
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