[Please do Vote âï¸ after reading if you want next chapter :" Anyways Let's start the story]
AUTHOR,S POV
" Innayat didn't you like the food? " Rahima spoke out in dinner table causing Innayat snapped out of her swirling thoughts.
" No, Ma I.. am eating this, " Innayat responded with strained smile, taking the bite of kachori while Rahima blinked her eyes in confusion seeing her acting strange.
Divyansh,s lips twisted into smirk, his hands occupied in pouring mango juice in her glass making her gulp, being fluttered profoundly " Eat well, " he remarked.
She didn't bothered to spare single glance at him instead gave another small smile to Rahima in assurance, continuing eating her meal.
Suddenly an idea popped inside her head so resting her spoon on plate she asked " Ma, we were about to see family album. "
" Oh, It's inside Bua sa's cupboard. We can bring it from her room, let's see it after finishing our dinner, " Rahima concluded and a grin made it,s way on Innayat,s face and she gave looks to Divyansh who was staring back at her with utter disbelief.
After dinner, everyone went back into their respective rooms whereas Rahima, Divyansh and Innayat remained in living room watching the family album of Rathores.
Bua dadi went to bed early after consuming her medication therefore she wasn't sitting with them.
" You see this boy wearing specs, this is my Ekaksh, he used to visit only for holidays. My baby is all grown up now, " Rahima remarked, admiring young Ekaksh who was probably in his teen years reading book underneath the shade of tree.
" Ekaksh Bhai was shy in childhood?" Innayat asked presuming the introvert nature of child in picture.
" Indeed he was introvert. From the very beginning, Ekaksh wasn't very open to everyone, would also get flustered within a single compliment. I guess certain someone's rudeness rubbed off my sweet baby otherwise he never knew how to be sarcastic, " Rahima gagged lettingout the mockery directed towards Divyansh, making sure to keep her peripheral attention on him while saying each word.
" Well no need to thank me Mom, " Divyansh who leaned on the opposite couch interjected nonchalantly.
Rahima scoffed at his antics and choosed to ignore him royally.
" Now Can we go sleep? " Divyansh asked in allusion to Innayat who looked at Rahima naively.
" You can go if you want but she want to see album, " Rahima replied on her behalf.
" Yes Ansh, I want to see album, " hearing Innayat,s witty reply, Divyansh poked his inner cheek yet sat silently without any protest.
"And here comes this naughty child Trivesh, he was always up to trouble. There were no single day in this haveli when he didn't broke something with his tennis skills.One day he got fever of spider-man so he roamed around with white threads tied to his wrist and mask declaring he would help everyone, " Rahima narrated with a weary sigh.
" Hahaha it is soo naive of him, " Innayat guffawed seeing six year slender Trivesh wearing spider-man boxers and mask.
" Yeah it was fun until your husband made him bring spiders on dinner table as he told him that eating them will turn him into real spider-man, " Rahima shooked her head in exasperation while frivolously glaring at Divyansh who sat on his spot, unfazed.
" Not my fault that he lacks humor along with brain, " He dismissed her accusation with a shrug.
On the following slip-in page, Innayat saw one pic of Divyansh. He was very small and looking adorable while floating in duck tube inside swimming pool. Her mind pondered on little Rehan whom she came to cherishing in first meet and a little infant version of Divyansh came in front of her eyes.
A tiny corner of her heart instantly warmed and motherly feel began buding merely by envision of carrying their child someday.
" Ma, What type of mischief Ansh used to do? " Innayat asked with piqued curiosity with soft smile tugged on her lips.
" Mischief? And that too this rude brat? Innu beta, he was someone who refused to play Kabaddi with fellow kids just because he didn't find it entertaining enough to get germs from mud, " Rahima effused with a shake of her head.
" Then what he used to play? " Innayat asked with thinned eyebrows.
" Chess and jigsaw puzzles. We've lots of jigsaw puzzles and various sizes Chess board in our attic. He refuse to give up until he defeat everyone. And his anger oh my Goddess, he gets everything by hook or crook, " Rahima elucidated while flipping to next page.
" But he looks such a adorable baby in pictures," Innayat professed, thumb creasing his baby pic in which he was sleeping in cradle.
" Yeah I agree he used to look cute. But his mood used to be more rotten than old man in his eighties, " Rahima spoke with grimace face.
" I was convinced at that point of time that my son doesn't belong to human species until he made Ekaksh his best friend. Finally Reflecting any existing trival triats, " Rahima added gleefully meanwhile Divyansh rolled his eyes.
" Regardless of how Divyansh was, he never humiliated us by doing unethical behavior. Somehow he was anything but never a spoiled brat, just different than other kids who always made us proud so his behavior was bearable enough, " Rahima murmured praising him and Divyansh who till now rose up from his seat, walked over them.
Innayat tried her best to avoid looking at him however to her surprise this time he went towards his mom instead of Innayat.
" Mom Can I sleep? " Divyansh asked, causing Rahima frowned in confusion.
" When did I stopped you? Go and sleep, " Rahima blurted out shrugging her shoulders.
He merely nodded his head without any word while Innayat and Rahima directed their focus back to the album.
Before anyone could react, Divyansh hoisted Innayat in his arms like a caveman causing her to let out yelp of astonishment.
" Then Good night and see you tommorow, " Saying this he stormed towards their assigned room leaving Rahima with amused expression. On the way, he ignored Innayat,s small struggles to freed herself.
Moving into their room, he turned the handle putting lock then threw her on four-poster bed, a creak auidable from wood because of sudden weight. Innayat attempted to get up but Divyansh hovered over her body preventing her from slipping away.
"So you were saying something about my bones. Mind repeating it, " Divyansh condescended by raising an eyebrow.
" I said nothing. You may have misheard, show me proof because our law relies on proofs, " She grumbled, countering back.
" Oh really? " Divyansh exclaimed then started tickling her stomach making her shrink and wiggle on bed while laughing like a fish.
" All right now let's change we've to sleep, " Divyansh concluded, eventually stopped tickling her.
" Sleep? Aren't we going to do it? " Innayat blurted out, sitting upright on bed.
" Going to do what? " Divyansh retorted back promptly.
" You know what I mean, " Innayat responded hesitantly.
" No, Sugar I don't know what you mean. Why not say it clearly, " Divyansh was determined to teased her.
"T-That you know what we did on your birthday, " She let out with stammering, fidgeting her fingers.
" We cut cake on my birthday. We also did alot of things. Mind telling me which specific actions of ours you pointing at, " Divyansh rebutted, tilting his head reflecting confused expression.
" Forget it!! If you are not doing it, " She scowled in frustration, rose up, getting down from bed and was about to leave the sight. However, Divyansh within a spun took her by waist, lifting her in air.
" If my wife want, then we are doing it, " He announced walking back to bed, while Innayat,s giggle resonated in entire room.
Next day Innayat was stirring with spatula the halwa placed on stove. It was her first rasoi and she had almost forgot it if weren't for Rahima who knocked on their room early in morning. Rahima informed her that she had already placed food ordered by her in lower cabinet therefore only three dishes on stove Innayat needed to be watchful, rest is done.
"Ansh I can't eat right now. There is lot of concentration I need here and please wear shirt atleast " Innayat balbered her hands busy in moving the utensil.
Divyansh who was being shirtless in broad daylight ignored her words instead insisted " Baccha, please have a little bit you have been already tired from last night "
"Please go away what if someone saw you here.That will be embarrassing, " Innayat jabbered.
Divyansh didn,t complied her orders and forwarded a morsel in front of her mouth.
Innayat whined "Ansh~"
Divyansh with his neutral expression asserted "Sugar You've to finish atleast this plate. I wanted you to rest today but you forced me to agree with this stupid kitchen ritual. "
Innayat pursed her lips then muttered "It's not stupid and keep it low what if someone heard you."
Divyansh sneered "Then let them hear it.I was about to tell Mom to let you rest since I already made yo-
Innayag placed her palm on him to stop his unfiltered mouth, she was mortified as hell "Ansh~"
Divyansh smirked beforing removing her palm from his lips "So my baby wife is shy after our deed. But Your husband is planning alot to do with you "
Innayat hit his chest exclaiming sharply "Duffer!!!!"
" Correction, Your Duffer " Divyansh retorted back with lingering smirk.
" Ansh " She got serious expression out of sudden and Divyansh hummed in response.
" Umm... I was wondering if we can try for a child? I mean one child is enough. What do you think? " She stated hesitantly.
Divyansh was taken aback by her words. He was pleased with their relationship and never thought further about kids. His brain never lingered on that side since his dislike of infants never allowed it. After their forts time, they made sure to take precautions since she had to indulge after pills which could be harmful for her health.
However, like any other women, her wife also desires for child. But they couldn't have child just like that since Divyansh knew that he would've to work hard on that aspect as he never felt any affection towards kid nor find them adorable.
Seeing him quiet without any expression made Innayat,s heart drop and she looked down at her feets.
Sensing her sadness Divyansh instantly lifted her chin " Sugar, We will have children but it's too early to discuss about it. "
" Then Can we think about it next year, "Innayat earnestly asked with hopefulness, putting him in dilemma , neverthless for time being he decided to give answer suits her happiness.
" Okay, we will think about it, " He replied and her eyes instantly regained their normal glimmer.
" Now please wear shirt before anyone comes, " Innayat again implored him.
"Well, we are alone as Everyone is outside. All of the elderly ladies went to Kuldevi,s temple for Pooja and man went to visit dam project sight- " Divyansh articulated, but was cut off amid sentence.
" Bhabhi I am dying of hunger!!! " Trivesh,s voice pierced the serenity between couple. He was dashing inside from the glass door leading to backyard.
Divyansh closed his eyes and snarled " Sorry how can I forget one insect is left here with us. "
Divyansh quickly broke the hug from her as she smacked her elbow back, signaling him to release her.
" Bhabhi-Â Ahhhhhh Bhai What are you doing here naked. Have some shame Bhai there are younger kids in this house what they will learn from you, " Trivesh as always spluttered in exaggeration.
" Look Ansh, even Trivesh is telling you. Go and change before someone else say same, " Innayat chided to Divyansh.
" Which kid you are talking about?? " Divyansh poked his tongue in the inner corner whereas Trivesh tilted his head innocently and pointed at himself with sincerity.
"Last time I checked they don't considered half ass drunkhead as " kid " and talking about being younger then after seven years you would be known as uncle, "Â Divyansh asserted meanwhile Innayat was busy counting the age of Trivesh after seven years.
" I am ignoring you since my Bhabhi is here. Bhabhi!!!!!- Noooo I don't want to go with youuu, " before Trivesh could touch Innayat, Divyansh as usual dragged Trivesh from back of his neck.
" She is busy in cooking, Rabid dog. You come and help me in Thailand file, " Divyansh gave a devilish smile to Trivesh who swallowed in fear.
" Child labour is crime if you know, " Trivesh shot back persistent to save himself from boring work.
"Our Work doesn't need your mental age through I approve the statement of your IQ being lower than six. Prove your Chronological age of toddler in court then we might debate on this, but for now, you are my laborer, " Divyansh condemned nonchantly
After sometime everyone came back from their errands and gathered on the dining table for the food cooked for Innayat,s first rasoi. When everyone took their place and maid served food, Innayat was getting anxious from inside.
" No, thank you, I am fine with my salad and black coffee, " answerd Divyansh who was seated beside Innayat.
Anuradha looked at Divyansh with knitted eyebrows and disapproval " Why Divyansh? it,s your wife,s first rasoi. You must eat food made by her."
As she gave this statement, Innayat licked her bottom lips glancing at Rahima who was seated unconcerned on her seat.
" Logically, this is not her first rasoi and I am having one cup of kheer. Can't compromise my health, " Divyansh emphasized and Anuradha noticed that before anyone's doing he had already placed a cup of kheer near coffee mug.
Divyansh knew that only kheer were cooked by his wife so he doesn't want to trouble his taste buds with other cuisine items. Anuradha didn't pursuaded him further and began eating from her plate.
Everyone began eating the food, everyone's expression were of delightful except Maithili, Prathana and Anjali who were shocked.
" I must say this food is commendable Been ni sa, " Anuradha praised her
" Yes, Bhabhi sa you are brilliant cook, " Bhavya also complemented her pleased with breakfast.
" Why I never knew your this hidden talent Sugar- Ackkkkkk I mean Bhabhi, " Trivesh was kicked by Divyansh under the table.
" Come here, " Anuradha called Innayat and she rose up from her seat walked towards her side. Anuradha patted her head in blessing and forwarded a yellow shagun envelop.
Innayat stepped back, denying the money but Anuradha forced her to take it.
" Stupid child, never say no to shagun, " Anuradha urged her with authority.
" Thank you Bua dadi sa, " Innayat knelt and touched her feets. As everyone finished food and went for their own works.
" Innayat, come here, " Astonishgly Maithili called Innayat. Innayat was reluctant, but her expression were more receiving than last time.
Divyansh who was striding towards staircase halted on his steps seeing Meethli and Innayat together. He turned his heel, walked over them and stood next to Innayat, apprehension being evident in his demeanor.
Maithili looked at Divyansh and sighed wearily " Don't be soo alert of me I am not as bad as you think. "
" No, Mami ji Ansh just wanted me to come with- " Her slurred words trailed off as Meethli put her palm in front of her, indicating she doesn't need any explanation.
" Your husband is one of the famous entity not only in business world but also among relatives as a child who got big ego and zero courtesy, " Meethli asserted grimly.
Innayat felt defensive of her husband yet politely declined " Mami ji, my husband is way too courteous to people who respect him in return and I admit, he sometimes behave a little bit rude but it is merely a reaction of an action. "
Innayat,s tone was mild yet her words held confidence contrary to prior phrases of her. Divyansh was over the cloud, it's not like Maithili,s word had affect on him infact he doesn't care about what others say behind his back. But her wife being offended on his behalf was damn hot.
" I guess you are oblivious of his nature. Well I wanted to give you shagun from my side. Never thought you could make such a delicious marwadi cuisine, " Maithili held rs 1000 shagun envelop infront of her and Innayat accepted it, bent down to take her blessings.
Maithili patted her hand stating earnestly " May God bless you with child. "
Innayat stood up giving a polite smile and Maithli simply nodded maintaining her stern expression, walking out of the living room to prepare for wedding.
" Ansh, money for ice cream!!!," She leaped excitedly in front of her husband.
Divyansh looked at her with only amusement. Well now who would make her understand that her husband could buy whole factory for her but he wouldn't, because already she eats alot of ice cream so restrictions are necessary.
(Â IN THE EVENING )
The mandap was setup pointing towards stars in starry night in the center of pond which was divided into quarters with passageways from all four sides. There were huge pillars decorated with flowers amid the water with seating areas.
The iron railing of the passageway were coiled with fairy lights. There was time in Baarat to arrive and from food to lightening, everything was ready. Innumerable tendrils of red roses and tiny mirrors hanging from mandap slope.
Large canopies of tents were built in garden for guests to sit during meal.
Group of banjaras were there to do ghoomar and music. Entrance were lightened with fire lanterns and colorful umbrellas along with bouquet of flowers orchestrated vertically.
Divyansh was conversing to one of his accquintance Mr Mahajan, who turns out to be guest in the wedding.
They were engaged in their talks when his gaze went behind Mr Mahajan and stuck there for quiet a few minutes while his lips moving for corroborate of the discussion.
Divyansh after seeing Innayat in ballerina pink poshak in traditional ornaments lost his voice, being mesmerized by her appearance. Her kurta was embroidered and thin golden nath was adorning her nose.
A golden chocker with white pearls around her neck while her dupatta is golden laced and a small kundan Borla on top of her forehead with sundoor making her look revishing.
Innayat was about to approach him but then seeing him having talk with someone she decided to fetch sweets meanwhile he would be done with his conversation.
She turned her feets, passing from both of them while Divyansh's eyes trailed behind her.
" Mr Suryavanshi? Do you real think it's good idea? " Mr Mahajan questioned
" Hmm, " Divyansh didn't paid much heed to what Mr Mahajan just said.
Mr Mahajan,s eyes dilated in surprise as he rephrased " So, would you be alright making Miss Purnika, face for your app. "
Divyansh got instant shock hearing him, Purnika was model for skincare brand who had zero knowledge about trading therefore making her face for it,s learning course could never stumble in his brain.
He rebutted in monotone " Not at all, we need someone whose image has some authenticity and professional credibility. A model would be too common and ufit for this job. Now If you excuse me. "
He left Mr Mahajan aside who remained there being bewildered. Divyansh casted his eyes around, searching for his wife.
" She was there few moments ago," He mumbled to himself but then he finally spotted a familiar poshak near white table.
Divyansh narrowed his eyes seeing a long veil covering her from face till midriff as he stepped near her he realized her hand sneakily going inside the veil.
His lips twitched into broad smile, his inside filled with amusement finding his wife munching sweets like a thief.
Divyansh took stealthy steps towards her, embracing her from the back. She fliched and moved her shrouded head towards him abruptly.
Him still having smile took the end of the Veil and rather than removing it, he shoved his face inside the dupatta covering both of them. Innayat,s eyebrows were frowned in questioning manner.
"You wanted a baby right? Is that offer still available, " Divyansh whispered in jested tone while not averting his hazel orbs from her khol eyes.
" Are you making fun of me? Continue teasing me and I wouldn't talk to you, " She whispered while pouting.
He grinned, forwarded motichur ladoo in front of her lips, saw her eyes gleaming at the sight of sweets, she bited it right away, drowning in it,s sweetness.
" But why you are eating under the veil? " Divyansh questioned taking gulab jamun from platter on table, placing the piece in her mouth.
" Because everyone is suppose to eat after Baarat's welcome. I was about to pick sweets with some kids when an old aunty ordered us not to eat anything but there is so many sweets, what could go wrong if I ate few pieces sneakily, " She summarised while nibling barfi.
" Really?? You should've tell me, no one will stop my wife from eating until I am here, " Divyansh affirmed while trying to remove the veil but she immediately opposed him.
" Let it be, It would be mortifing to see an adult woman,s husband arguing because people don't let his wife eat sweet. They will make fun and say I am such a kid. Anyways, I am having fun like this hehehehe no one would stare at me while eating, " She giggled
Divyansh released a low chuckle at her silliness because people who will pass by would definitely stare but for whole another reason.
" Bhabhi " They heard Bhavya,s voice few meters away and Innayat quickly removed the veil from Divyansh, gulping down hastily.
" Oh no, Bhavya needed my help in poshak but you made me occupied in our talk, " She spluttered while walking behind him where Bhavya was looking for her in plain Kurti and black bottom.
Divyansh remained there with aggravated expression, he couldn't bare her diffused attention. It's good thing that they doesn't live in joint family otherwise he would've been burned in jealousy because of everyone.
TO BE CONTINUED
â This chapter was getting lengthy so had to divide it into chapters
â Nobody, literally me: Regretting and thinking how my body could've utilize the blood which it lost in periods in better ways.
â Editing took alot of life. Next time I am going to put more efforts during writing
â Byeee gotta study;)