chapter 15

Pari exhaled in relief as she hopped down from the bike, adjusting her pallu while taking in the bustling market scene. The air was thick with the aroma of fresh produce, sizzling street food, and the chatter of vendors competing for customers.She turned to Vikrant, who was in the process of locking his bike, and asked,"Why did we come all the way here? There's a market near our house. Wouldn't that have been easier?"Vikrant casually slung the helmet over his elbow" This one is bigger. You'll find fresher vegetables here."Pari frowned. "Really? Then why do people even go to the other market if the vegetables aren't fresh?"Vikrant blinked, caught off guard by her question. His mind scrambled for an excuse."Because they're stupid. Now let's go."She narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing something off, but shrugged and began walking. The moment she took a step forward, she felt the warmth of fingers curling around her wrist.Her breath hitched slightly as she looked down at their joined hands, then up at Vikrant. He was holding her hand but avoiding her gaze, his focus deliberately set ahead.A small, knowing smile ghosted over her lips. He was flustered.He, Vikrant Rathore, who always carried himself with intimidating confidence, was holding her hand like it was the most natural thing to do, yet acting like he wasn't doing it at all.Pari bit the inside of her cheek, suppressing the urge to tease him. Instead, she let it slide, pretending she didn't notice the subtle tightening of his grip whenever the crowd around them grew denser.The market was alive with noise, vendors calling out their prices, customers haggling, and children running around holding their mothers' sarees. The scent of fresh coriander mixed with the tangy aroma of raw mangoes, and somewhere in the background, a vendor fried samosas, the crackling sound blending with the hum of conversations.He guided her toward a vegetable stall and only released her wrist when she bent down to inspect the tomatoes. The moment his fingers left her skin, a strange sense of absence settled over him. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, as if that could erase the feeling of her warmth.She carefully selected the best ones, handing them to the vendor. She was about to reach for the basket when Vikrant picked it up instead.Pari blinked. "You don't have to-""Just shop, Pari." His tone was casual, but there was no room for argument.She stared at him for a second longer before turning away, hiding the small smile that threatened to break free.As they moved through the market, stopping at different stalls, she noticed a pattern: he wouldn't let her carry anything. If she picked up something, he would take it from her without a word.Pari was busy checking fresh coriander, carefully picking the best bunch, when Vikrant, standing a few steps away, glanced up from his phone call. His eyes instinctively found her, only to narrow in suspicion at the sight of two men lingering too close.One of them nudged his friend with a smirk before deliberately brushing against Pari's shoulder.She stiffened, her fingers momentarily freezing over the coriander. The man immediately muttered an insincere apology, acting as if it was unintentional. Pari didn't react, she simply took a step to the side, putting some distance between them." Bhaiya, how much?"She asked the vendor. The two men exchanged amused glances, chuckling under their breath. They were about to try again.Before they could, Vikrant was suddenly there, stepping between them with an unspoken authority that made the air around them shift. His broad frame blocked their view of Pari entirely, shielding her from their presence.Pari the familiar warmth, the silent protection.The men faltered, their smirks vanishing. A single look from Vikrant had them swallowing nervously. They didn't dare say a word. Within seconds, they turned on their heels and disappeared into the crowd.Vikrant didn't move, his gaze following them until they were out of sight." Chalein?"( Shall we go?)He hummed in response, his tone neutral, and walked beside her as she resumed shopping.But his mind wasn't as calm as his exterior.Without breaking stride, he slipped his phone out of his pocket and typed a message.Two men. One in a pink shirt, the other in off-white. Both are drunk. Send me their pictures for confirmation. Grab them and make sure they understand exactly what it means to mess with my wife.With a single tap, he sent the message.Then, as if nothing had happened, he gently took hold of Pari's hand once again.He caught the sight of a pani-puri stall and saw so many people going there to eat, mostly women.He looked at his wife and asked." Pani-puri khana hai?"( Do you want to eat Pani-puri?)" Hn?"She looked at him and stopped walking when he did." Wanna eat that?"He pointed at the stall. She glanced at it. Her eyes followed his gesture. Of course, she wanted to. But in front of him? The thought made her hesitate." No-"" Let's go."He didn't let her finish, effortlessly cutting her off as he led her toward the stall.She sighed but didn't argue. If it was about pani-puri, she could tolerate his habit of interrupting her every single time..The stall was crowded, and they had to wait for their turn. Pari stood quietly, hands clasped in front of her, while Vikrant scanned the area.Pari took a bowl for herself and looked at her husband." Won't you eat it?"He just shook his head negatively." Madam, meetha ya teekha?"( Madam, sweet or spicy?)The man asked. Pari, without a single thought, said." Mix."Vikrant smiled softly and crossed his arms around the chest. The vendor swiftly dunked a crisp puri into the spiced water, filling it with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors before placing it in Pari's bowl.She picked it up carefully, taking a bite. She blinked in satisfaction.Vikrant, standing beside her with his arms still crossed, smiled at her reaction. She looked so effortlessly innocent, so lost in the taste of something as simple as pani-puri."Good?" he asked, tilting his head.She hummed, too busy chewing to respond properly. The vendor prepared the next one, and she eagerly took it. But this time, she noticed Vikrant's steady gaze on her.She quickly stuffed it into her mouth, hoping he wouldn't notice the sudden warmth creeping up her neck.One after another, she finished the puris until only one remained in the bowl. She picked it up but paused, glancing at Vikrant.He caught her staring. " What?"She hesitated for a second before extending her hand toward him, the last puri balanced between her fingers. Okay, he had no intention to eat it but.. if she'll feed it, he won't refuse.Slowly, he leaned in and took the bite straight from her fingers. His lips barely brushed against them, sending an unexpected shiver up her spine.She stiffened. He noticed. And he took his time chewing it. She quickly withdrew her hand, wiping her fingers against her pallu, trying to ignore the warmth spreading across her cheeks.He paid the vendor before again grabbing her wrist and leading her out of the stall." Is there something else left to buy?"He asked, hoping a positive answer but-" No. We've bought everything."" Oh," he murmured." Wait- I forgot to buy milk for kheer."And his eyes sparkled as soon as she uttered the above words. A little moment with her is enough to lighten his world." Let's go then," he said and they made their way to the nearby dairy.They stopped in front of a small dairy shop, glancing at the shelves lined with milk packets.The shopkeeper handed the milk packet to Vikrant, who took it without a word and turned to Pari." Done?"She nodded by tilting her head side by side.As they made their way back toward his bike, the evening breeze carried a hint of coolness, and Pari tucked her hair behind her ear to keep it from flying into her face.Vikrant observed her silently, the faint glow of streetlights casting a golden hue over her features. It was such a simple moment- walking back home after buying groceries, but for him, it felt significant.Because every moment with her, no matter how ordinary, was precious. She took the grocery bags from him as he sat on the bike and put on his helmet. Then she sat on the bike, placing her one hand on his shoulder and holding the bag with another hand. As soon as she did, he started the bike, the low hum of the engine filling the air.The traffic was heavy, a sea of honking cars and blinding headlights stretching before them. Vikrant slowed the bike, weaving carefully through the congested road. Pari, caught up in the motion, barely realized when her body swayed slightly forward. Without a thought, she rested her cheek against his broad back.Vikrant, on the other hand, noticed the very second she leaned into him. A jolt ran through his body, but he forced himself to keep his focus on the road. His grip on the handlebars tightened, his heart hammering against his ribs.He rode a little slower, taking his time through the traffic. Letting her stay right there, against him, for just a little longer.Suddenly, the bike came to a halt, jerking slightly as Vikrant put his foot down to balance. Pari sat up straight, blinking in confusion." What happened?"She got down and he removed his helmet before saying, " do you want ice-cream?"She blinked and glanced at the ice-cream stall." No-"" Wait for me."Before she could protest, he hung his helmet on the bike's handle and walked off toward the stall.Pari sighed, her lips pressing into a thin line. He had a habit of interrupting her, deciding things on his own without waiting for her answer. She adjusted the bag on the seat and turned her attention to him. He was speaking to the vendor, pointing at different flavors, his brows slightly furrowed as if making a very serious decision.For a fleeting moment, his eyes flickered toward her, catching her staring. He turned back to the vendor, murmured something, and handed over the cash.A moment later, the man passed him a small, sealed pack. Vikrant took it, giving a nod of approval before walking back toward her.As she tore it open, the rich aroma of kulfi hit her nostrils- a blend of saffron, cardamom, and thickened milk." You like it?"He asked and she smiled, " I love it."Something flickered in his gaze- satisfaction, maybe. He leaned against the bike, his stance casual yet firm. "Then eat."She nodded slightly and put the kulfi into her mouth, letting the cool, creamy texture melt on her tongue. It was perfect. She took another bite before hesitating. Her gaze flickered toward him, and she couldn't quite explain why she held out the kulfi toward him.Before he could say something, she pulled it back.He frowned and she said, " par ye to jhoothi hai hamari-"( But I have tasted it-)Her words died in her throat when he suddenly reached out, his fingers wrapping around her wrist with a firm yet gentle grip. Her breath hitched as he slowly brought the kulfi closer to his mouth, his intense gaze locking onto hers.For a few seconds, he just stared at her, his grip unwavering. Then, without breaking eye contact, he leaned in and took a bite.Pari felt her throat go dry as his lips wrapped around the kulfi, the warmth of his breath grazing her fingers. His tongue flicked over the cold treat, savoring it before he pulled back, chewing slowly, deliberately.He didn't release her wrist.He didn't blink.And he definitely didn't miss the way her cheeks flushed. Pari swallowed, gripping the kulfi tighter as she quickly looked away, pretending to focus on her next bite.But her hands trembled. And her heart? It was no longer hers to control.He smiled with a hint of tease." Maa kehti hai baatne se pyar badhta hai," he said.( Maa says love increases if we share.)Pari's fingers tightened around the kulfi stick, her heart skipping a beat at his words. She felt the warmth of a blush creeping up her cheeks, betraying her.Not trusting herself to respond, she quickly put the kulfi in her mouth, hoping the cold sweetness would cool down the heat rising inside her.But Vikrant saw it all- the slight tremble in her hand, the way her lashes lowered to avoid his gaze, and the shy smile she tried to hide behind the frozen treat.His own smile deepened as he leaned back slightly, satisfied.After finishing her kulfi, she gracefully tossed the stick into the dustbin before making her way back to the bike. This time, without any hesitation she put her hand on her husband's shoulder.Smile did not remove from her lips as she recalled some precious moments which she can proudly secure in her journal.A soft smile lingered on her lips as she recalled the moments from earlier- each one a memory she could proudly etch into the pages of her journal. The teasing glint in his eyes, the way he had held her wrist, the shared kulfi, and the unspoken warmth between them.As Vikrant started the bike, feeling her gentle touch on his shoulder, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. She was getting comfortable- slowly, but surely. And he wasn't going to do anything to stop it.She put her cheek against his back and amid the loud hum of road, her thoughts wondered somewhere-Could all of this, this newfound warmth and fragile happiness, exist without him? Could she have ever survived if another man had bought her, if her life had taken a different, darker turn? The very idea made her heart ache with a bittersweet intensity.Her mind drifted back to memories of a past she scarcely remembered- a time of loneliness, of being traded like a commodity, where hope was a rare and nearly forgotten luxury. And now, with him by her side, everything has changed. His presence was a constant shelter, a promise of a better tomorrow.Her smile widened.She just hopes he doesn't turn out bad. She won't be able to join the broken pieces if she ever faced betrayal by him.After reaching home, Pari made her way to the kitchen, tucked her pallu in the front band of her saree and began her one of favourite work. Cooking.Vikrant sat with his mother and indulged herself in a casual conversation.Pari came out of the kitchen with a bowl of kheer and a spoon. She stopped momentarily as she saw Vikrant laying on the couch with head on his mother's lap. Akansha, very tenderly brushed his hair. Both looked so adorable that Pari chose not to disturb them.She wanted Akansha to taste the sweetness of Kheer. Anyway,She returned to the kitchen and resumed her work. By 9 PM, Pari had finally finished cooking. She wiped her hands on the edge of her dupatta and stepped out of the kitchen." Dinner is ready?"Mother- son duo, who were now watching television, looked at her." You two should come and eat. I will fry fresh, hot puri for you two."Akansha nodded in approval, while Vikrant silently switched off the television and got up. They made their way to the dining table, where Pari carefully served them-steaming aloo ki sabzi, a bowl of fragrant kheer, and two golden puris on each plate." You too should eat with us, Pari."" No, maa. Puri doesn't taste good when it's cold. I'll eat later."Akansha let out a soft sigh but didn't push further. Pari turned on her heels and headed back to the kitchen, leaving Vikrant watching her retreating figure for a moment longer than necessary before focusing back on his plate.Pari continued with her task. She fed them both to their fill and later started washing the dirty utensils. Vikrant, after tugging his mother on the bed, came to the kitchen." You are not eating yet?"" I will, after doing dishes."She told him, her back still facing him.He checked the puri on the plate but found nothing." You have not fried puris for you yet?"He asked." Uhm, no. I will just after doing this," she said, still occupied by the task of dishes.Pari was still rinsing a plate when she heard an unexpected sound- the flick of the gas stove being turned on. Her hands paused under the running water, her brows furrowed in confusion.She turned her head slightly, just enough to catch a glimpse of Vikrant rolling up his sleeves. Before she could process what was happening, he had already uncovered the bowl of dough and picked up the rolling pin." What are you doing?"She turned around fully, water dripping from her fingertips." Frying puris for you," he replied.She blinked, watching in disbelief as he placed a small ball of dough on the rolling board and pressed the rolling pin against it. His movements were precise." You don't have to," she said." It's not difficult, is it?"He uttered and continued his work. Pari opened her mouth to argue, but he was already reaching for the hot oil with a puri in hand. Her heart jumped as he carefully dropped it in, stepping back slightly when the oil sizzled." Careful with the oil," she said to him as if he was some child and won't be able to do a simple task." I have not cooked before, doesn't mean I'll burn the kitchen."Her lips twitched, but she masked her smile by turning back to the sink, shaking her head. Meanwhile, Vikrant focused on puffing the puri, determined to make sure his wife ate properly, even if it meant stepping into completely unfamiliar territory.When Pari finished her work, she wiped her hands with a towel and walked over to Vikrant, who was standing near the counter, his back turned to her. She narrowed her eyes slightly when she noticed his stiff posture." Show me," she said to him.Vikrant, however, didn't move. Instead, he pretended to focus on serving food, subtly angling his body to shield the plate from her view." Have you burnt it?"Suspicious, she moved around him before he could stop her. And the moment her eyes landed on the plate, she blinked.There were our puris, each with a shape that could only be described as... unique. One was oddly oval, another had uneven edges, and the last two were puffed up but slightly lopsided.A soft giggle escaped her lips.Vikrant clicked his tongue, shifting uncomfortably. "I haven't cooked before. Doesn't mean I won't do something imperfect."Pari bit the inside of her cheek, trying to suppress her laughter, but the sight was too endearing. "No, no, they're... artistic," she said, amusement dancing in her eyes." Just come to the bedroom and eat the food."He said and left the kitchen with her plate. She stared at his back with a smile. This was Vikrant, her husband, the man who never had to lift a finger in the kitchen, yet here he was, making oddly shaped puris just so she wouldn't get to do more tasks.And suddenly, those imperfect puris felt more special than anything else she had ever eaten.⋆༺✷༻⋆To be continue..Share you views in the comment.Read in scrollstack as early access ( Paid)Scrollstack Id- SSneha7