Hey folks!

Here is a chapter full of MoRan!

I hope you all like it.

Happy reading.🌻

|•|•|

March 2020

Pune

Indian Defence Station, Indian Air Force.

Comfort; comfort is something we all seek and crave when we are dealing with our most vulnerable self. Comfort can be a place, a person, food, chaos, peace, anything and nothing. It is an essence that lets us be us. It is like a rope of hope, in the gloomiest of the days and the utmost level of contentment, in the untroubled and delightful of the days. Solace is what we long for, when we want to lose ourselves away from the turbulence and pandemonium of the world, a world that is keeping us eluded from the road of easement.

Monami like every other human wanted that comfort too; she wanted to be soaked in that familiar warmth which she named as home. She was practically bedridden until the next two weeks and that was driving her in an impatient mess of madness. Two days went by and yet she had a number of days to pass, that left her with quite a lackadaisical feeling. She was not used to being this alone, feeling literally like a loner. Earlier too, when she was unfortunately caught up in an accident, she was permitted to travel and so she was in the company of her family. But now, it was not safe to travel due to an increase in the cases of corona virus and also, her limbs were in very much pain to let her body allow travelling.

Monami was on a video call with Vedant, Sidharth and Sanjana; they were deliberately keeping her awake to wish her birthday at sharp 12:00. Albeit Monami was used to celebrate or rather spend her birthdays, away from her family, her people never used to make her feel so. They’d force her to cut the cake which was sent painstakingly by them and just enjoy as much as they could, with the help of technology.

Usually, Monami would receive the cake somewhere around 10, but now when there are hardly 10 minutes remaining for the clock to hit 12 and change the date from 21st to 22nd March. She thought dejectedly that may be the reason was the Janta Curfew that was supposed to be imposed from 7:00 am- 9:00 pm; though this curfew won’t tamper with her plans since she was already restricted for more than a few necessary body moments. But what didn’t went unnoticed was the way this paltan on the call was behaving. They at times were doing some really incomprehensible movements with their eyes and Sanjana was time and again looking at the clock.

(Public Curfew.) (Group.)

Cut to 11:58, she heard a doorbell and confusion settled on her features, but before she could even think more about it, she was caught even more off guard when all the three people asked her to go and check.

“Kya kar rahi hai Monu? Go and open the gate.” Sanjana borderline screamed.

(What are you doing, Monu?)

“Haan di, aise kya dekh rahe ho? Sanju di ki baat maano.” Vedant hurried.

(Yes di, what are you even looking at? Follow what Sanju di said.)

“Monu bro, kisi ko bhi itni der gate pe khada nahi rakhte, manners bhoolti jaa rahi hai. Cha lab jaa bhi.” Sidharth added more than necessary and even got a smack on his head from his wife.

(Monu bro, it seems like you are forgetting your manners, we do not keep anyone standing at the door. Now go, quickly.)

Monami reluctantly followed their orders and went towards her door and opened it, while the friends began their countdown from 10. What she couldn’t understand was why the hell they were even counting now, since she was going to attend someone. She decreased the phone volume and opened the gate and just as she saw the person in front of her, she was gobsmacked.

It was Karan, with a bag on his shoulders and a ploy bag in his right hand along with a bouquet in his left hand, standing with a charming smile on his lips. She was still taking all this in, when she heard a 3, 2 and 1 and she was engulfed in a bear hug by her husband.

They asked Karan to ring up the bell at 11:58 because they knew that it would take time to convince their soldier to attend to someone at the door, at this time.

“Happy birthday, Mrs. Shergill.” Karan whispered sweetly in her ears and placed a tender kiss on her temple before pulling away.

Monami came out of her trance at this and looked at her husband who gestured her towards her phone because she was not completely out from her state of surprise, the loud scream of her birthday greeting imbalanced her phone a little from her palm. After exhaling a forced breath, she noticed that there were all the members of her family present there.

“Happyyy birthdayyy chachiii, lots of cakes and chocolates to you!” Baby excitedly squealed, making the birthday girl chuckle! Karan smiled too; there was an evident vibrant excitement in the air.

Karan placed the bouquet and the cake  on the ottoman in the living room and entered his wife's home, after latching the door behind him after he caught the look Monami sent him, bit dazedly. He aligned his bags and suitcase and his cricket kit neatly in the corner and then skidded into the kitchen, as he recalled from their video calls.

“Happy birthday, Kaminiiiii.” Sidharth excitedly chirped but got a whack on his head from his wife and Monami reprimanded him too, he looked at his wife who made him aware about the presence of a kid with them.

One by one, all of them wished her, and Monami was really touched, though not together yet everyone made sure to make her feel special right from the beginning of her day and Karan’s yet to sink in presence, added more stars.

They all had a conversation while Karan was having a grin settled on his lips along with occasional frowns when he searched for the plate and the spoons, in the kitchen. He carefully placed the creamed, lip smacking dessert on the plate and skedaddled towards the living room, near his wife.

He placed the plate on the table and took his place close to his wife on the sofa. Their closeness hit Monami when she felt his sides, touching hers. Before she could register, Karan casually turned her phone in his direction while leaning a bit and said, “It’s time to cut the cake guys.”

After that, Monami cut the cake and as per everyone’s orders, Karan fed her a huge piece and he applied some cream on her nose. The call did not last for more than a couple of minutes as they mutually wanted to give the couple some time, especially when Karan had specifically gone there for the same purpose.

Once the call ended and silence comfortably took its place, the couple let their eyes roam everywhere except for their spouse but they made sure to take a look or a two, sneakily. Exhaling, Karan softly held her palm that was clutching the sofa in between their thighs and it also grabbed her attention towards him. Monami raised her eyes from their entangled hands to his eyes and needless to say, she couldn’t get herself to blink when he was looking at her so softly, with his gaze full of affection.

Without averting his orbs from her, Karan gently freed her hand and brushed his long fingers along the length of her forearm, before grasping her elbow in a firm yet gentle hold and tugging her little. Monami by now knew that with her husband by side, she should be prepared for the unprepared, always. Her heart beats went wild as her body went close to his, without an ounce of self control.

They could feel each other’s heavy breaths on each other and with an equally racing heart; Karan raised his right hand and cupped her cheek, making her lean a little, subconsciously. Karan let his thumb graze her cheek and whispered, “Happy birthday Monami, I hope all your wishes come true.”

He leaned in, on his left side and she closed her eyes, as she felt him way too close to her, since his warm breath hit her cheek, covering them in a darker shade of red and before she could understand, he leaned a bit more until his lips touched her cheek and planted a kiss on it. He let his mushes rest there for a while before pulling back and placing a similar peck on her temple, he pulled back completely.

When Karan leaned a bit back, his eyes were greeted with the sight he recently fell in love with, his wife, with her eyes closed and her cheeks radiating a different glow. She bloomed like a flower, like an elegant red rose.

Karan let her take her time and slowly withdrew his fingers, freeing her from his hold. Monami opened her eyes and with trembling fingers, she tucked her dark strands behind her ear before fluttering her eyelids to meet his eyes. He passed her a sweet comforting smile and then turning his body he cut a small piece of the cake and held it in front of her. Monami gave him a look of pleading, looking like an innocent kid, so as to refuse him as her mouth was already way too sweet. “Karan, tumne itna bada khilaya na already, please ab aur nahi.”

(Karan you already fed me a big bite, not anymore, please.)

“Lekin woh toh sab ki taraf se tha na, yeh toh mai khila raha hoon.” Karan blinked his eyes more than required, to make him look more innocent.

(But that was from everyone else, I’m the one who’s feeding you this one.)

“Tum bhi toh...” Monami began but never got a chance to complete.

(But you too...)

“Matlab ab mai bhi tumhare liye baaki sab mein shaamil ho gaya?” Karan laid a trap of his words.

(It means that now I’m similar to you like everyone else?)

“Arrey lekin mai...” Monami tried to defend herself.

(However I was just...)

“Tumne toh apne naye navele pati ko bhi sabhi jaisa bata diya. This was not expected from you, Monami.” Karan shook his head showing his fake disappointment, having a lot of fun at her expense.

(You’ve just labelled your brand new husband like everyone else.)

Monami now clearly understood his teasing and narrowed her eyes at him, who after having a glimpse at her expressions, broke into a series of chuckles. Then, after realising something, a look of confusion etched on her features, as she asked, “Karan, tum yahan kaise? I mean, tumhara toh match hai na parso?”

(How come you are here, Karan? I mean isn’t it your match, day after tomorrow?)

“I’m not playing the second one, Monami. I’ll leave day after tomorrow, on 24th, in the evening.” Karan shared his plans.

“But Karan, how can you miss so many matches? I don’t want to be the reason which is holding you back.” Monami did not like the fact that she is the reason he is not playing.

“Hey, look at me.” Karan took hold of her palm in between his and then continued, “I’m here, because I wanted to be. Mujhe vaise bhi tab tak tassalli nahi milti jab tak mai tumse khud nahi milta. Moreover, I was planning to visit you today. And I for a fact know very well, Officer Sahiba that you won’t be the force which will be holding me back, it will rather be the opposite, you’ll let me soar high and high.” Karan tightened his hold on her and explained her reasons, so that she does not feel guilty.

(As it is, I wouldn’t have felt any better until I meet you.)

Monami just smiled at him, touched by his gesture. This guy surely knew how to make efforts and how to treat the person who is special to you.

After spending some minutes in comfortable silence, Monami realised something and  pulled her palm back as she stood up to place the cake back in the fridge and also to fetch him a glass of water.

As Monami trudged towards the kitchen, Karan rested his head back on the head rest of Sofa and closed his eyes to shred off the pangs of tiredness he felt. But just as quickly he remembered the bouquet that was forgotten and was kept on the table and he hurriedly took hold of, hiding on his back, before making a beeline towards the kitchen.

Just as he reached the entrance, he saw that Monami was just turning in his direction with a glass in her hand. Kaptaan Sahab’s Officer Sahiba, raised her brows, walking in his direction.

“Mai yeh dena toh bhool he gaya tha, yeh tumhare liye.” Karan forwarded the bouquet of Camellia to her. He specifically chose the Camellia because he wanted to show her his affection and admiration through them, to the lady in front of him.

(I forgot to give you these; these are for you.)

Monami simpered and took the nosegay from his hands and offered him the glass of water. While drinking, Karan saw Monami picking out a jug from one of the shelves and filling in the water, before gently putting the flowers in them. This made him smile; she wanted to keep them with her, till she could.

Monami turned back after she was done and she saw Karan rinsing his glass before dabbing his hands on the towel. She suddenly felt underdressed in front of him. He was looking like a definition of smart even in the simple sage green cargo joggers and a classic white t-shirt and here she was, dressed in an oversized t-shirt and loose pyjama pants.

But seeing him in front of her, on her birthday and more than that when she was already craving for a company, flamed a bubble of full fledged happiness within her. When Karan turned, he was met with his wife’s intent gaze that was fixed at him. He raised his eyebrow in question, to which, Monami subtly shook her head before taking tiny steps in his direction. Karan was confused and Monami was a bit nervous, but one thing was common, their racing heart beats.

Once Monami knew that she was where she needed to be, she slowly upped her feet, standing on her tippy toes she circled her arms around Karan, engulfing him in a hug. Though she embraced him, it was her, who wanted to get caged in his secure warmth.

Karan was so unrehearsed when Monami hugged him, this was definitely unexpected from her end, but he was euphoric when his wife initiated this. Once his senses came back to him, he raised his arms and embraced her back, firmly, making their bodily contact more strong. This time too, he placed his one palm on the back of her head, making her feel that soft hearted care.

Monami slightly adjusted her frame across his, and when she did so, her shallow breath hit his skin, somewhere on his pulse point and he felt the sensations he had never felt before, to such an extent, in her proximity. He felt himself getting turned on, he was thankful for the loose pants he was wearing or else, this would have been way too embarrassing and bashful. He heaved a deep sigh and closed his eyes sinking in the feel of having her in his arms.

Pulling away with a small smile on their lips, they both made their way towards the room in the quarters and after getting freshened up, Karan joined Monami on the bed. It was comparatively small and hence their sides were brushing each other. Monami was texting her mother when she felt the bed dip from the side and she turned her phone off, giving her attention to him.

“Tumhe pata hai tum bohot acche time pea aye ho.”Monami began.

(You know, you came at the very right time.)

“Accha, tum mujhe itna miss kar rahi thi ya phir kyuki tumhara birthday hai ya phir dono?” Karan interrupted Monami in between, teasing her by wiggling his eyebrows and a smirk etched on his lips.

(Oh is it? Were you missing me so much or is it because it’s your birthday or perhaps both the reasons?)

“Karannnn.” Monami whined, making him chuckle.

“Okay, okay! Tell me, what is it?” Karan unconsciously pulled her cheeks, making her a bit flustered.

“Uh.” She cleared her throat before continuing, “Actually, mumma se baat ho rahi thi toh unhone bataya ki kal as in 23rd ko Gangaur ki Teej hai. And since it is first after we got married, we’ll get to celebrate together.” Monami’s eyes glittered with happiness.

(Actually, I was talking to Mom and she told me that tomorrow as in, on 23rd it is Gangaur Teej.)

Karan scratched the pad of his forefinger on his eyebrow, “Gangaur ki teej? Although I’ve heard about it, but I don’t know what exactly is it.”

Monami then explained him about the fast which she’ll be observing and how it is supposed to be done. She told him about the rituals and the story as to why this festival plays such a prominent role in Rajasthan and in the life of Marwaris.

Karan felt a new welcoming sensation in him along with belongingness. He felt curious as well as excited to know about the differences his wife will bring along with her. His father was right, when he said that your spouse won’t be just a person, she’ll be a companion, a breeze of newness, a source of inspiration, greatest friend and the absolute critic, all wrapped in one and that he should be able to play all these roles in her life too.

The couple called it a day, in some time, given the tiredness of the journey which Karan was feeling and most importantly, Monami was ordered to rest and look after herself really well.

The next forenoon rolled in pretty quickly, concealing the darkness and the calm that night brings with itself. Since Monami was on her medication, she was soundly asleep when Karan got up. His morning couldn’t have been better, was the first thought of his day when he woke up and his eyes were greeted with the sight of his wife, lulled in her dreamland. Karan woke up a bit earlier than he was supposed to, to do some work. Not knowing when he’ll get another chance like this, he adjusted his frame and dropped a sweet peck on Monami’s temple before skipping out of the bed.

Karan did his morning business and skidded in the kitchen and got done with what he wanted to and then finished his fitness regime, at least as much as he could, in the gallery of his Officer Sahiba’s home. Wiping his face and lowering the headphones from his ears to his neck, he made his way towards the bedroom and saw that Monami was up and with her meditation, since she could not do anything more than what she was recommended. He again went into the living room and picked something from his bag and hid it behind his back, before standing at the threshold, admiring her and then smiled at her, when she opened her eyes, earning one back.

Karan went inside the room and caressed her hair randomly; making her look at him a little flustered and confused and then he pulled back his hand that was on his back. Monami’s  eyes travelled along the movements of his hand and she looked at Karan quizzically, who gestured her to open the newspaper wrapper and she did as asked. Her confusion was replaced by gleam when she saw that it was an indoor plant that was lying in there. She looked back at him with a wide grin that made its presence on him as well and said, “This is so beautiful, thank you.”

“This is just the beginning, Mrs. Shergill.” Karan charmingly smiled and then went in for a bath.

Once he was out, feeling like a freshly squeezed lemon, thanks to the citrus body wash, he asked his wife about where he should hand the wet clothes and then after doing so he prayed that Monami would go in soon, and his prayers didn’t went unheard.

Karan sprang in action as soon as Monami went in. He went outside in the kitchen and then video called his Bhabhi to ask for the recipe of pancakes after he took out the packets he carried with himself, to be on a safer and a quicker side.

“Wow Mr Shergill, I never thought I’ll be witnessing this day. To see you cook!” Barkha teased.

“Bhabhi please, I do it for you as well when I can.” Karan justified, proving his point.

“Of course dear sir, you do. After creating a lot of ruckus, that is.” Param scoffed.

“Arrey... ab aap kyu uthey huey ho? Mujhe pareshaan karne ke liye?” Karan narrowed his eyes at his brother who appeared on screen.

(Hey, now why are you up; to trouble me?)

“Oh nahi puttar, hume toh tujhe bas teri biwi ke liye kuch karte dekh accha lag raha. Changa hai, khotteya kuch toh seekha.”Atul was happy but at the same time, he could not resist himself from teasing his son.

(Oh no son, we are just happy to see you make these little efforts for your wife. It’s good to see that this brat is trying.)

Karan frowned and he was about to defend himself when Barkha spoke, “Okay now. Karan, focus on the work before Monami comes out and your planning fails before coming into action.”

Karan quickly did, as he was asked to and then after a little struggle to find the pan, he made the pancakes and made a banana strawberry smoothie. He quickly hung up the call, but not before muttering a quick thank you and a flying kiss.

When Monami came out, after taking her sweet time, she was a bit surprised to see Karan waiting outside the door and as soon as he saw her, he brought his palm in front of her, indicating her to hold it and then once she did, he guided them to the living room where he had set the birthday special breakfast for her.

Monami smiled at him, with tears in her eyes as it was after way too long that she was with her family on her day, and when Karan was making so many efforts, how was she supposed to stay composed? So she did, what her heart said, she leaned into his side and took him in a side hug, making him smile before curling his hand around her and kissing her crown.

During the breakfast, Monami received a video call from her family and she had a heart talk with them along with Karan. She never failed to acknowledge the efforts Karan made for her, earning her some teasing.

“Kya baat hai di, lagta hai jeej ne aapko apni dictionary dedi hai, tabhi itna khul ke bol rahe ho.” Vedant teased Monami on her account of not speaking much.

(Wow di, it seems as if brother in law has given you his dictionary that is why you’re being so vocal with your words.)

“Yeh baat toh tune bilkul sahi kahi Ved, humari Monu ne aaj tak kisi ke baare mein itni baat nahi ki jitni yeh Karan ke baare mein kar rahi hai.” Deepak too made the hay while the sun shines and then he pointed a question at his son in law, who until now was enjoying seeing his wife getting teased at his expense. “Bhai Karan, tumne aisa kya jaadu kiya hai in chand dino mein, yeh toh hume bhi batao.” He sighed dramatically.

(You’re absolutely correct, Ved. Our Monu who has never bothered to talk this much about another person till date, is willingly talking about Karan.) (Karan, what magic have you cast on her in these limited days?)

With wide eyes and, the couple unintentionally spoke up in unison, “Papa!”

Everyone on the other end chuckled and then Juhi said, “I wish you both more happiness and love, by each passing day. Enjoy this phase as much as you can and try to keep it alive till you can.”  

After some more chit chat, they decided to leave the couple alone till they get disturbed by yet another call. Monami and Karan were happy with how the things were transpiring between them.

Monami was happy to show Karan a part of her life, this close. She was even more jubilant to spend her day with him, away from the chaos of the world. She would rather take the undivided attention, his incessant teasing and anything and everything that he has to offer than to deal with the crowd and use the words as a medium to communicate, which was not the case with them. Kyuki unke beech, unki khamoshi bhi baat karti hai.

(It’s because between them, their silences speak with each other, too.)

|~|~|~|~|

4.2k+ words.

I'm extremely sorry for the delay in the chapter! But as a compensation, I've updated the longest chapter till date.

So how was the chapter?

Isn't Karan a sweetheart?

I would be sincerely  thankful if you show some kindness in form of votes and comments! And please refrain saying update soon, it is only possible once a week and I try to do justice to it. I'm sorry if I'm being rude.

Please shower all your love and support, in votes and comments and share it too!

Much love,
Nehal.