CHAPTER 45 - THE JOURNEY

An important thing I want to say before you all begin reading the chapter.

1. Those who have been asking me will I add smut?  My answer is NO. Not only in this book, I won't be adding in any of my books because I can't do anything which makes me uncomfortable. I don't  read smuts, if I liked a plot, I would mostly skip that chapter. (If anyone said me that the plot is waste without a smut, you are free to leave from here)

2. I won't tolerate any kind of abuse towards my characters (villains or negative  characters are exceptions) because they have part of me in one or other way. Either we are 10% similar or 60% ,I won't hear it. Also, I won't stop myself from blocking you.

3. Only two chapters are left and being an author it's not easy for me to write the last few chapters. Many of them are sending me messages please update please update, I know you all are eager to know what's gonna happen but those who are reading it from the beginning, they know it very well that I never left a week without an update even if it is one chapter. I will try to end this book before 10 of Jan.

Now you can read the chapter ,don't forget to vote and comment down. Comment wahi log karte hai jo karte aa rahe hai. Silent readers vote toh kar hi sakte ho.

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After 1 hour

Dhruv's Pov

“Room” I answered hearing  my sister's question asking me where I am exactly.

“Come to the ground floor within five minutes. It's your wife's first ghoomar at our place and don't you know you have to do nyochawar ” She started scolding on the other side.

“Aave riyo hu. ” I informed and checked myself in the mirror. Perfect. I got my wallet from the cupboard and headed towards the place where the ghoomar is going on.

(I am coming)

Every step I climbed down , I could hear the introduction of the song which had already begun.

Everyone started murmuring on my arrival. She has already begun her ghoomar wearing a yellow poshak and her face obviously covered the ghunghat.

The ladies including my mumma and jija started the nyochawar while I noticed my Bhabosa entering the house who came forward to do the same.

I can feel a swarm of butterflies in my whole body but before I could admire her more, the voice of my best friend reached my ears.

“Dhruv, maine toh kar diya tu jaa kya khada hai” I noticed him, walking towards me and keeping his wallet in the pocket of his jeans.

Taking a deep breath to calm myself , I took steps forward while my hands took the wallet out of my pocket and opened it to take a part of a bundle.

I raised my right hand and encircled over her head, while a smile found an ownership on my lips. I gave it to the group who were singing and they accepted it.

“Dhruv keth jaye . ” My mumma stopped  me before I could go away from her. My mumma stopped my wife and kept my hand in hers.

(Where are you going? )

"Shivu jija, make your shy brother dance today with his Rainbow ” My friend encouraged,standing a little away.

“Vihaan, turn on the speaker and play the song” Shivu jija ordered , making us stand in front of everyone.

She lowered the gaze ,I held her hands but I could see her pretty smile, shining from the ghunghat.

“Teri ore song laga raha hu apni biwi ki ore jaa bhai” My friend announced and played the song.

“Don't be shy, pati hu aapka ” I said slowly, keeping her one hand on my shoulder and I held her another hand.

Holding her by back, I pulled her towards me and she widened looking at my actions.

“Wohooooooooo, Dhruv badal gaya” I heard my family members cheering and clapping .

We started dancing but I didn't move my eyes from her. One by one, everyone came with the aim to remove the evil eyes from us by doing nyochawar.

“Ye Dhruv banna ke chehre par glow dekh rahe ho” Jijosa teased , joining them .

I didn't answer anyone's questions or to be honest, I didn't want to do it because I want to live this moment with my wife which we dreamt from the day we confessed our feelings.

Her eyes tried gazing at me, while the nath on her nose was the highlight of her entire look. Today we are going to Udaipur for pagphera rasam and after five days we are going to Delhi.

Is this a dream? If yes, then I don't want to wake up. From wishing to have her by my side to making it a reality, we both have travelled together to reach this destination. No, this isn't a destination, it's a next phase of our life .

Life is a beautiful journey where I am blessed to find her as my best friend, soulmate , my partner and I can't wait to witness her achieving her life goals especially in her professional life.

The song ended and  we removed our hands from each other. We have to leave Udaipur aa it's already 11am and we have to return by tonight. Vihaan will accompany us along with my cousin and Garv has already left for Mumbai yesterday.

Time skip

“Vihaan bhaiya, why is your sister so silent? ” My cousin Rishi asked who was sitting next to Vihaan who was too concentrated while driving.

“Aisa kuch nahi hai bas woh Tuje jaante nahi hai na ” He turned his face as soon as he heard me answering.

“It hasn't been one week but see our Professor answering on behalf of his wife,” Vihaan teased, looking at me through the front of the mirror.

“Hello,Avantika ” I noticed her speaking as soon as she received a call while her left hand raised the wind shield.

I noticed her informing her sister we will reach within 10 minutes. Her left hand held her phone while the right one painted with a dark colour mehandi design was busy adjusting the odhna over her face.

I wanted to ask her whether she is happy to meet her family. I know the answer will be yes. The joy clearly visible in her eyes is proof of the excitement level.

“Dhruv”  My best friend said, distracting me ,making me turn my face tk answer him.

“Ha Vihaan ”

“Delhi ke tickets book huye? ”

“Yeah. We are going after five days ” I informed while I could hear her voice speaking with her sister.

“Geet, when will Avantika leave for Delhi? ” He continued asking as soon as she hung up the call.

“Maybe after two days ” She answered, placing her phone in the handbag .

Before we could talk further, we had already reached her home. I got out of the car and opened the gate, offered her my hand standing near her side.

She shook her head saying no but still I stood offering. She accepted placing her hand, getting out but her sisters already noticed us.

“Oho, nazar na lage Mr & Mrs. Deora '' They said, welcoming us.

“Prof. DP, I have sent you my assignment in your mail, ”Avantika informed, taking her sister's handbag from the car seat.

Avantika is my student and she has a non major elective paper in Modern English literature. She asked me to grant her permission to submit it late as she will be busy with wedding preparations.

I noticed her mumma along with other ladies waiting on the main gate to welcome us. She stood next to me and her mumma wholeheartedly welcomed us with the tilak .

After 30 minutes

Geet's  Pov

“Avantika aur Kavya mera night dress kaha chupaya tha ” I asked , staring at them but I didn't receive any response as they sat being least bothered by my words.

“Then what did you wear last night? ” My sister Kavya asked, her eyes were waiting eagerly for me to inform them .

“Don't change the topic. I need my night dress.” I said, raising a little pitch in my voice and I noticed Avantika leaving the room.

“Sharam nahi hai iske andar. Tum dono ke kaaran , tum dono ke kaaran ” I said, stressing my words which were frustrated at my sisters actions  but Before I could complete it,  I heard Mumma's voice approaching my room.

“Geet Jamaisa toh khana kha rahe hai tu kya kar rahi hai idhar ”

I  left the scolding session in the middle and headed towards the downstairs. I sat on the chair while he was having his food along with Vihaan.

“Geet beta, mann lag raha hai na? ” The words of Aapsa passed through my ears and I turned to see him coming from the guest room.

I stood from my chair and ran to meet him. I didn't meet as soon as I arrived as he got busy with work.

“I missed you aapsa ” I said, hugging him but I tried not to cry.

“Aa gai beta, I missed you too” He said and I could see my sisters being jealous.

“Muje bhi shaadi karni hai ab toh. Muje bhi chahiye aisa treatment ” Kavya said, joining us in the hug.

“Shaadi ? Itna bhi easy nahi hai. Khud ke ghar mehmaan bankr aana ” The words came out of my mouth without any effort, but I sensed my eyes turning into tears. I wiped my eyes and smiled back to look at my family members.

They didn't answer or say a word while I diverted the topic into Kavya and her princess treatment.

We all sat on the dining table and began eating one by one.My parents along with Kavya will leave for Hyderabad after three days.

I missed them so much in these two days. I know his family is good but I would always feel  homesick and will miss my family.

We were done eating and I have to leave in the next one hour.

After one hour

Sitting on the sofa of the living room, I noticed my mumma handing over an envelope as a shagun which he kept denying.

“Shagun hai mana mat kijiye. ” My mumma requested, giving him again. I could see them standing in the guest room.

“Take this ” A cover of black colour displayed in front of my eyes, which was held by my sister Avantika and Kavya was standing beside her.

“I won't take this” I denied as I won't trust them this time. What if they repeated the same plan again?

“Avu jija ” Kavya signed, taking the responsibility of making me believe gesturing to move away. She took the bag from her, took out a packet - two packets. She opened it and showed me the night dresses which I have actually ordered.

“See this, we are keeping inside of this cover.” She showed her actions and carefully  handed me the cover. I raised from my place to hug them as I have to leave now.

“Don't forget to call us whenever you get time ” Kavya hugged and ordered me while Avantika stood folding her hands across.

“Won't you say anything to me? ” I raised my eyebrows seeing  her actions.

“Meet you soon in Delhi. ” She took a step and hugged me.

I met mumma and aapsa one by one. I really don't want to leave them but there is no choice left. I have to go back to Sirohi but aapsa informed me that he will ask him to send me to hyderabad to meet us once I get settled in my job in Delhi.

I waved back at them with a smile while Dhruv stood holding the car gate so I could get inside.

I settled myself inside meeting my family members once again by hugging and promising them that I will meet them sooner.

“Call kar dena pahcukr ” Mumma said, looking at me and then moved her eyes to look at Vihaan “Beta tum toh ruk jaate ”

“Jald aaunga aapse milne” He replied, wearing his seat belt. He turned the car on and Avantika closed the car gate while I looked outside only to witness my family standing outside of the main gate.

I know their smiles are hiding their inner thoughts. I am aware they aren't ready to send me back but they did because of the obligations formed by the customs and traditions.

“Are you okay? ” He asked ,who sat next to me while I nodded as I don't want to speak with anyone.

“Sure? ”He asked to confirm with me once again. I nodded again, taking my mobile out of the purse and unlocking it.  I kept scrolling here and there without raising my head,to be precise I don't want to know what's happening around me.

Time skip

Dhruv's pov

We left from Udaipur around 6pm in the evening and we are just 10 minutes away from my place. From the time we left, she neither spoke a word nor did she look around with the same happiness she had when we were on our way to Udaipur.

The dullness on her face clearly highlighted due to back to back rituals but thankfully it's almost completed.

Her eyelids were falling down, maybe she was sleepy. She would be obviously as she didn't find a single moment to rest in the entire day.

We reached home and got outside of the car after parking it. My best friend headed towards his room where he is staying and my sister accompanied her to our room which is on the first floor.

Time skip

After 30 minutes

I was climbing the stairs as I stayed downstairs because my parents wanted to discuss the payments which are left to be paid during the wedding. I informed them I will clear all the accounts by tomorrow or mostly before going back to Delhi.

I reached my room and the door was closed but I was wrong when I tried to open. I entered the room only to see her sleeping peacefully on the sofa. Maybe she fell asleep while waiting for me.

I had already changed into comfortable clothes so I think I should shift her to the bed. I walked slowly without making any noise so that her sleep didn't get disturbed. I have never picked her in my arms all my life.

I bent a little, slowly removing hair partially falling on her face. I kissed her forehead softly and raised to lift her in my arms keeping in mind she doesn't wake up.

Safely, I took her and turned towards the bed so I could reach there .Her eyes were closed while her head tilted, touching  my shirt with the right side of her forehead.

I made her lay down on the bed, removing the clip from her hair otherwise she might end up hurting herself while sleeping. I placed a pillow below her head, adjusting her hair. I turned off the light in the room.

I laid down on my side and took the blanket but before I could cover her with it , her sleepy eyes opened. I covered ourselves successfully but I moved closer to hug her and make her sleep.

“Dhruv ” Her sleepy voice can melt me anytime.

“Shhhh, so jao. ” I patted her back as if she was a child. But she has a childish side which no one is aware of except me. I am lucky to experience her inner child when she wants me to fulfill her wish.

The darkness in the room didn't let me see her face but I could feel her by her touch. The warmness she holds. She snuggled into my shirt holding it tighter by her grip.

“Good night Geetanjali. ” I wished into her ears in the lowest volume of my voice and I closed my eyes to sleep as I was tired too.

After few days

Geet's pov

“Bindani, ban gaya khana? ”  Mumma asked, entering the kitchen. Today is my first rasoi and I am making kheer for everyone .Also,  this evening we are leaving for Delhi.

I nodded while stirring it in the kheer which I prepared specially for today. I was asked to make a dessert or sweet alone.

“Aap jao apni packing karo baki mai dekh lungi? Mumma asked , taking the bowl from my hand before I could serve it.

“Nahi mai kar lungi. ” I resisted as I don't want her to do it on my behalf.

“Sach mai keh rahi hu aap jao aur saaman check karlo”

I headed towards our room, opened the gate to step inside. He was busy wearing his shirt while his hands were buttoning it.

“Aa gai aap. Acha aapko button lagana aata hai. Chalo lagao” He said in a hurry, standing in front of me while his hair was yet to dry.

“Dusra shirt nahi pehen sakte ” I said because putting the button over the shirt worn by him is directly proportional to the fact that my hands will tremble.

“Twinning karni hai muje ” He informed me and I looked at him and then at mine. It's the orange colour which we are wearing today.

I checked the shelves to get a needle and thread so I could sew it. I opened the draws one by one but I couldn't find it.

“Jaan, bhukh lagi hai. Jaldi kijiye ” I turned my head as I was surprised how he could call me Jaan. I never heard this from his side.

“Jaan? ”

“Aap Meri Jaan ” The reply was filled with his flirtation, and what had happened to him . Did he get a license to flirt with me?

“Stop flirting Dhruv ”  I said, while I searched for the needle and thread

“I won't. I do have an official license to do it” How did he hear that I said the word license in my mind.

“Biwiji late ho raha hai” He called again showing his watch, his eyes were mischievous.

“Don't you get tired of flirting with me? ” I said, taking the needle and thread out of the box, walked and stood looking into his eyes.

He pulled me closer, wrapping his hands over my back .

“Geetanjali, button lagao na please ” He requested, smiling innocently.

I started sewing the button avoiding eye contact because if I found my eyes meeting his, then I won't be able to complete it soon.

“Laga doge aap” He said, acting as if he got hurt from the needle.

“Dramebaaz ho aap. Kaha chupake rakha tha Dramebaaz Dhruv ?” I said, while my hands were checking the button.

“Ab jo bhi hu aapka hi hu na. ” He replied, leaning and touching his forehead with mine.

“Koi dekh lega ”I said, trying to pushing him away.

“Dekh bhi liya toh kya hua biwi ho aap ”

“Sharam nahi aati ”

He shook his head instantly as if he had waited his whole life to reply to my question.

“Delhi mai toh koi nahi hoga waha kese kahoge koi dekh lega ”

“Mai jaati hu Mumma wait kar rahe hai. ” I removed myself ,tickling him near the neck .

I left the room and I heard him giggling.

Evening 7pm

Dhruv's Pov

“Ha, mai pahcukr call ya text kar dungi” She was busy talking over the call sitting opposite of mine  on the side lower berth of the train .

We are in second class ac coach and we will reach Delhi by tomorrow morning around 9am. She hung up the call, sat pulling up her sleeves of her kurti a little.

“Why did you wear this churidar? ” I asked because she had chosen a different outfit before but she changed at the last moment.

“I planned to wear a rajputi suit before but then mumma said that I won't be comfortable during the journey. Though I denied at first, she convinced me to wear this red one which I am wearing now ” She started speaking but her head movement was on the verge of being a pendulum.

“Biwiji, you will end up getting a sprain in your neck ” As soon as I reminded her of the result of her constant to and fro movement, she stopped, started a bit and took a deep breath.

Is she preparing to give me a reply in her way?

“That's true. I shouldn't do this " A short answer from her side, I can't believe this.

“Finally I will get a chance to see your home in Delhi ” She said, removing her clip from her long wavy hair and making a bun.

“No, Our home.”  I corrected which resulted in her smiling while her eyes moved from my face to look outside of the window.

“It's already dark. What are you going to see? ” I asked as the days are shorter due to the winter.

She didn't answer but I snapped my fingers to bring her back to attention .

“Mr. Jealous Deora, what do you want me to do? Should my eyes focus only on you? ” She asked, with a fake smirk.

“Yes, I want to be your first sight as soon as you wake up and I should be your last before you fall asleep in the night ” I replied using a cheesy line and she nodded hearing my words.

“Don't apply your book lines over me Author Deora in order to impress me ”

"Don't forget my book lines are actually inspired by you, I imagine you while writing each word. ”I replied and smiled only to find her blushing and hiding her face in her hands.

“Don't make me blush Dhruv, ” She said, looking out the window.

“That's my duty Mrs.Deora”

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Avina ❤