Ruhani and Jodhbir were making their way back home, the car's interior filled with the soothing tunes of Arijit Singh. As they sat in the backseat, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Jodhbir's face bore a vacant expression ever since his first appointment with a psychiatrist, which had concluded just half an hour ago.
She gently reached for his right hand, placing it on her lap, and began to caress it with tenderness. She mustered the courage to ask, "How did your first session go?"
He shot her a look, and though she couldn't quite discern if it was annoyance, anger, or perhaps a mix of both, it was far from pleasant. "I'm not going back there. That idiot seemed more interested in my sex life than my mental health."
Ruhani tried to reason with him, saying, "Jodh, there must have been a reason for his questions. After all, you're a married man, and intimacy is a significant aspect of your life."
"But it's my personal life, Ruhani. He has no business prying into it. Meeting him only worsened my mood," Jodhbir grumbled, clearly agitated.
"Alright, let's leave that behind. What about our honeymoon?" Ruhani attempted to change the subject.
"We can fly to Italy whenever you like. I've already made all the arrangements," he replied with a smile.
"Fantastic! How about next week?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"As you wish," he agreed.
"Jodh, you're the best!" She couldn't contain her enthusiasm and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"I know," he responded playfully, returning her affection with a kiss.
The awkward sound of throat-clearing abruptly brought their attention to their driver, Mohan, who seemed uncomfortable with their display of affection.
"Oh, my apologies, Mohan," Jodhbir apologized to his driver.
Mohan simply nodded, still looking slightly uneasy, and focused on the road.
Ruhani stifled her laughter at Mohan's discomfort, burying her face in Jodhbir's chest to control herself. Jodhbir clenched his teeth to keep from laughing out loud and wrapped one arm around his wife.
"Ruhani, behave," he whispered, patting her head.
"What can I do? Your car seems to have laughing gas," she quipped.
"Oh, really?" He playfully began to tickle her, causing her to burst into more laughter.
"Jodh, stop it!" She pushed his hands away and hugged him tightly.
Once they both managed to stifle their laughter, Jodhbir unexpectedly kissed Ruhani's forehead.
In that moment, Ruhani felt a rush of gratitude for accepting his marriage proposal. He was perfect for her, and being his "Rooh" felt like a slice of heaven.
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Under the warm Italian sun, Ruhani and Jodhbir's honeymoon was in full swing. They had arrived in the picturesque town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast, known for its breathtaking views and romantic ambiance.
Their cozy villa perched on the cliffs offered a panoramic view of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea below. It was the perfect setting for a honeymoon filled with love and adventure.
On this particular morning, they decided to explore the quaint streets of Positano. Jodhbir held Ruhani's hand as they strolled down narrow cobblestone alleys lined with colorful houses. The vibrant bougainvillea draped along the walls added a splash of color to their surroundings.
Ruhani wore a flowing sundress that fluttered in the gentle sea breeze, and Jodhbir looked dashing in his casual attire. They blended seamlessly into the charming Italian atmosphere.
Their first stop was a quaint café overlooking the sea. They settled at a small table on the terrace, the azure waters stretching endlessly before them. They sipped on freshly brewed Italian coffee and indulged in delectable pastries.
As they chatted and savored their breakfast, Jodhbir couldn't help but admire Ruhani in this enchanting setting. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and her laughter filled the air, a melody that resonated deep within him.
After their meal, they embarked on a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast. The boat bobbed gently on the cerulean waters as they explored hidden coves and grottoes. Jodhbir wrapped his arm around Ruhani, drawing her close as they marveled at the stunning coastline together.
Their next adventure took them to a lemon grove. The scent of ripe lemons hung in the air as they wandered through the fragrant orchard hand in hand. They tasted freshly squeezed lemonade and sampled lemon-infused treats, savoring every moment.
As the day drew to a close, they returned to their villa. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden glow over the sea. Jodhbir led Ruhani to their private terrace, where a romantic candlelit dinner awaited them.
The table was adorned with roses and candles, and the soft strains of Italian music played in the background. They shared a sumptuous Italian feast, savoring each bite and each other's company.
As the night deepened, they danced under the starry sky, their bodies swaying to the sweet melody of love. Their honeymoon was a testament to their deep connection and the promise of a lifetime of happiness together.
Wrapped in each other's arms, they gazed at the moonlight reflecting on the tranquil sea, their hearts overflowing with love and gratitude for the journey they had embarked on as husband and wife in this enchanting corner of the world.
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â¿ Four Years Later â¿
"Shashank, come out from under the table," Ruhani warned her two-year-old son, her voice laced with impatience.
"Are you coming out or not?" She asked, getting no response in return.
"Rooh, why are you boiling like an egg?" Jodhbir joked as he entered the living area. His curly hair was a mess, and he wore a plain t-shirt and shorts.
"Because of your son. He's hiding under the table. Both of you, father-son duo, are testing my patience nowadays," she sighed with a hint of exasperation and frustration before walking away.
Jodhbir sighed too and bent down to look under the table. "Oye, little monkey, come out or no candies for you." With that gentle threat, little Shashank emerged from his hiding spot and crawled to his father, who lifted him into his arms.
Jodhbir carried him to their bedroom, where Ruhani was lying on the bed. "Give him to me." She immediately got up and extended her arms to hold their little troublemaker.
Shashank was placed gently into his mother's embrace, and she began to pat his small forehead to help him fall asleep. Jodhbir joined them on the bed, and now their sleepy son lay between his parents. He rested one hand on Ruhani's waist, while the other lay gently on their baby's little tummy.
"I'm sorry for earlier," Ruhani apologized for her earlier outburst, her voice softening.
"It's alright," he replied with a reassuring smile.
It had been two months since Ruhani's father passed away from a heart attack, and she had been devastated since then. She had been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as her father's death had severely impacted her mental health.
"Jodh, I miss Dad," she admitted, her eyes welling up with tears. However, she kept gently patting her sleeping son's forehead.
His hand, which had been resting on her waist, moved to wipe away her tears. "Just cry, Rooh. It will help ease the burden on your heart," he encouraged her while caressing her cheek.
"I want to hug you," she said, wiping her tears away and repositioning herself to lie against his body. She rested her head against his chest, and her hand continued to caress the forehead of peacefully sleeping Shashank.
"Sleep, Rooh," he whispered, his fingers now gently patting her head, mirroring the soothing gesture she had used with their son earlier.
Ruhani closed her eyes, feeling the comfort of her husband's arms, and let herself drift into sleep. Observing his wife and son both fast asleep, Jodhbir decided to close his eyes as well, cherishing this precious moment of togetherness.
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In the evening, his eyes naturally opened after a three-hour nap. Shashank was now sitting on his chest, little fingers playfully entwined in his curly hair.
He couldn't help but chuckle. "Oye, little monkey, you've got your own curly hair now. Don't mess with mine." Playfully, he started a gentle wrestling match with his baby. After ten minutes of tussling, he decided to let Shashank win their little bout.
"Let's go find your Mumma," he suggested, scooping Shashank up into his arms. With his keen intuition, he was certain she would be in the kitchen, occupying herself with preparations for an early dinner.
His hunch proved correct.
"Mumma," Shashank called out, reaching for her.
By this time, Ruhani's mood had improved. She smiled warmly and moved in to kiss her son's forehead before passing his milk bottle to Jodhbir.
"Your appointment with the psychiatrist is tomorrow," he informed her, sitting at the dining table with Shashank on his lap.
"I remember," she replied, resuming her meal preparations.
"I'm coming with you," he declared.
Ruhani looked at him, her brow furrowing. "But who will take care of Shashank? I'm not taking him to the clinic."
"Don't worry. Jashn will be home tomorrow. He won't mind babysitting Shashank, along with Angana and Sahana," he assured her, his confidence stemming from knowing how much his cousin adored children.
"Okay," she agreed, nodding, as she continued to stir the gravy on the stove.
Half an hour later, both of them sat at the dining table, sharing an early dinner. Shashank had drifted back to sleep after finishing his milk and was now peacefully resting in the bedroom.
Ruhani ate quietly, but Jodhbir found himself frequently glancing her way.
"Is there something you'd like to say, Jodh?" She questioned, noticing his prolonged looks.
He contemplated whether he should reveal the truth about her father's past or not. Since her father's death, a part of him had wrestled with the urge to tell her the reality. However, he remained uncertain. He had made a promise to Sahib Shekhawat that he would never disclose the truth. Ruhani was already struggling with the aftermath of her father's death, and he feared that unveiling the truth might shatter her completely.
He smiled at her, "Nothing... Actually, I was thinking if we could plan a short vacation, perhaps somewhere in the Northeast."
"Hmm, that sounds nice," she agreed with a faint smile.
"Ruhani, please start smiling again." He gently placed his palm on her hand resting on the table.
Her eyes welled up with tears, and she stood up, leaning in to kiss him on the lips.
"Thank you, Jodh, for being so supportive during the worst phase of my life," she said, giving him one last affectionate kiss before settling back into her chair.
They continued their dinner with a sense of contentment, cherishing their moments together.
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Sometimes, if the truth has the power to shatter someone's life, it's best to let it remain concealed forever.
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