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June 2020

Pune

Indian Defence Station, Indian Air Force

Quarter No. 15

We, Homo sapiens have a very convincing and twisted theory of our own regarding many things, with “time” being its main protagonist, time and again. Because if not, why in the world would we see the time in two different lenses? Hum nahi kehte, ki mushkil mein waqt guzarta nahi hai aur khushi ke mauke par waqt theherta nahi hai. But is it seriously like this? Nope, nada. As I said, we just have our set notions about things, which are relentlessly static.

(Don’t we say that time does not seem to pass in the times of gruesome challenges and nor does it stay unmoving, in the times of happiness?)

Okay, now since we are talking about time, how about we also discuss our battles against these persistently circumambulating needles of the clock? Isn’t it ironic that we always fight against time to make our ends meet, but when did we fight against time to relish those successfully met ends? Somehow, no matter what, we always want to achieve our goal but once it is accomplished, do we ever reflect back on our journey? Do we ever give the same amount of importance to what all we learned and how did we evolve, in both the happiest and the exigent form of lemons that were thrown at us? Why can’t we take and make some time to relish the aftermath of our achievements just the way we take pleasure in dwelling in the warmth of bonfire on chilly nights, after the struggle of lighting up the wood and coal?

Karan and Monami were floating in these familiarly untested waters. Because until now, it was two of them, stuck in the prolonged period of lockdown, all by themselves but together. But now as the first week of June began to approach its end, there was an onset of newer and slightly bit more fervid feelings than the last time, in the hearts of the still new in-town Shergill couple.

Both of them were perfectly aware of the fact that the lockdown would soon be unlocked and this awareness became more conscious and acute when the time was no longer caged, albeit terms and conditions applied. It was mutually decided that Karan would leave for Udaipur on the 15th of June, around 8 in the morning to avoid any traffic which is a rare thing, due to Covid protocols, and to spend some good time back at home, before he leaves for the practice camp in NCA on 28th of the same month.

With hardly a few days in their hands, Karan and Monami were trying to make the most of what they had. Because 4th day from now and then they have to be back at what they signed up for, at their national duties with their relationship being shifting to yet another long distance.

Phirse yeh khaali deewaarein he apni khamoshi mein mujhe sunengi, phirse, mujhe is shaanti mein apna shor sunayi dega aur shayad pehli baar, mujhe kisi ka besabri se intezaar rahega… tumhara intezaar rahega, Karan… Monami thought as she casually saw Karan pacing in mindless steps in the balcony whilst mindfully conversing with his team Coach. Her thoughts fell a bit with each decibel with each syllable her mind whispered in last. A wistful curve molded her lips as she averted her eyes, ruefully.

(Yet again these empty walls will listen to me in their silence, yet again, amid this tranquility I will be filled with the clamor that my insides will scream in, and perchance for the first time, my heart will yearn for someone’s presence, it will wait for you, Karan.)

As Monami walked into the kitchen, a frown settled on her visage as she contemplated her thoughts. She closed her eyes as she inhaled deeply… this was a known feeling, but she felt as if it was foreign to her. Perhaps, because she had not experienced it in a long time, a time which was equivalent to a decade. Those familiar waves of flashbacks hit her as she sailed through her boat of memories.

Her eyes opened up wide, a silly curve tugged at her lips, her insides felt jittery and she raised her arms to envelop herself in the cocoon of warmth, the warmth she found herself in; the warmth of the realization. It was a realization that this very goofy and gentlemanly guy she was hitched to had created a rock-solid space in her heart; a place which left a fluttery caress within her every time, even when his name was mentioned.

Love or not, she did not dig deeper into those lanes. What she was sure about was the fact that her man, or as he likes her to say, uska banda, ab uska ghar bhi ban chuka hai. Woh ghar jahan Karan ke alawa ab ussey koi aur nahi gawara tha. Needless to say, this feeling was like a tender stroke of the breeze that let the tresses playfully skim your face and make you feel liberated in its own sense.

(Her man has now become her home; a home where she wanted no one besides Karan.)

Monami turned to face the slab and scratched the side of her forehead with the pad of his forefinger and she stopped her moments as she recollected what she had done and then lightly smacking the back of her head she shook her head and got back at the main task in her hand; to wash the utensils and then clean the kitchen slab.

Just as she kept the rinsed glasses in the basket for draining the remnants of water from the washed dish, two comforting arms wrapped themselves around her waist, embracing her in a back hug.

“Kis vaaste karo ho thhey aiso? Thaane daya nahi aave… apne bechaare pati par? Yu har samay merko akela chhod ke aauno jaroori hai kayi?” Karan tried to complain in her mother tongue and he succeeded too, albeit only a little bit because what he said was a rough scramble of Hindi and Marwari. But this surely brought a beautiful smile to Monami’s lips.

(Why do you do this?  Don’t you feel a little bit of pity for your poor husband? Why is it so necessary for you to leave me alone and go, each time?)

“Nautanki ho ek number ke. Pure ke pure.” Monami chuckled and lightly tilted her head to bump into his jaw.

(You’re a certified drama king; a complete one at that.)

“Haww Monami tum apne pati ko aise bula rahi ho. Maana chhota hoon tumse lekin pati toh phir bhi parmeshwar hota hai na.” Karan stamped on what his wife addressed him with; a drama king, as he pulled slightly back, still keeping a hold on her, and dramatically said.

(Hey! You cannot call your husband like this, Monami! Agreed that I am younger than you but then too, a husband is equivalent to God, isn’t it?)

Monami was having the time of her life as she pulled up a I am done expression and clicked her tongue, she washed and wiped her hands before turning around and finally gave him what he had been demanding for a long. Her attention? Partly yes but at last she narrowed her eyes and pulled his ear.

“Ah, ouch! Monami please no.” Karan almost beseeched.

Monami loosened her already loose hold. “Kaam kya hai tumhe?” Saying so, she yet again playfully tugged on his ear.

(What work do you have?)

“Arrey kaan toh chhod do mera! Tum ek fauji ho, faujiyo ki pakad yunhi badi tez hoti hai. Mai bechara faltu mein mara jaunga.” Karan swayed his head to free his ear and once she did it, he continued, “Mai toh tumhe har baar sirf kehta tha ki badi ho mujhse toh kaan pakad lena mere, tumne toh wakayi pakad liye.” As he saw her raise her arm yet again, he hastily added, “Kaam? Kaam toh kuch khaas nahi yahi tha ki chalo na movie time ho gaya hai.”

(Hey, please leave my ear. You're a soldier and soldiers have a pretty strong grip, I'll be beaten up for no reason!) (I just used to have harmless fun by saying that you are older than me and so you can pull my ears, but you have taken it quite literally.) (Work? Oh it was nothing except that it is the time for our movie.)

“Accha! Aur jo yeh already kaam chal raha hai uska kya?” Monami said as she got back to cleaning the utensils.

((Is it? Then what about the chore I am already working on?)

“Oh ho, isme kya? Yeh toh abhi ho jayega.” Karan waved off and then once Monami looked at him, he said in his usual dramatic tone while stretching his arm in a Shah Rukh Khan style, “Main hoon na!”

(What about it? This will be done in no time.) (I am here, aren’t I?)

[Shah Rukh Khan is a Bollywood actor.]

{Main Hoon Na’s English translation is just so off our vibes.}

“Ho toh ab fatafat yeh karle? Tum apna baad mein kar lena yes sab?” Monami uninterestedly said.

(Now can we do it quickly then? You can continue with whatever you are doing, later on?)

“Aye Aye Captain!” Karan mock saluted and then joined Monami.

There was this routine that was set up since the time Monami was back and that was to watch at least one movie before falling asleep. Karan took it upon himself to make the never a movie buff Monami watch and catch up with some of the great classics or his favorite.

How this began was a story in itself. When Karan was not keeping well, due to his muscle spasms, Monami took the initiative to make sure that Karan was taking his medicines and food, timely and so that he does not feel homesick, she fed him and asked him to show her his set of all time favorite movies whilst eating. And she has to admit that this was indeed something she looked forward to; to spend some quality time with him, enjoying something he loves.

And just like that, the remaining days were spent too. Monami used to be at her defence station from 4 in the morning till 4 in the evening. It was after 4 that whatever amount of time was left was theirs to spend and relish.

Monami and Karan unanimously decided to not get indulged in their phones, apart from the important calls. Because deep in their hearts they knew they’d get ample time to do this but these fleeting moments which were sedulously passing after filling up a beautifully treasured space in their hearts. 

It was the night or the last night until the next few months wherein they are together. There was a surge of a myriad of emotions in them. There was an unsettled onset of a chaotic turbulence that was constantly stirring within them. Yes, they wanted the time to freeze in those fleeting moments of uninterrupted togetherness. But at the same time, their hearts have accepted the fact that this was what belonged to them, their closeness, their companionship, and even more than that the distance and the hide and seek with the time that was solely theirs; theirs to crave each other’s presence, theirs to count these seemingly long days and theirs to cherish and relish the aftermath in the form of their delicate intimacy.

Karan and Monami held onto each other in a tender embrace that spoke volumes. There was no hurry the next day for Monami had taken a half day leave so that she could send Karan off with all the time in the world and also so that she could spend as much time as she could, in his presence.

“Suno?” Karan spoke after a few minutes of silence whilst stroking Monami’s hair.

(Listen?)

“Hmm?”

“Apna khayal rakhna, khaana time pe khaana, thoda Jhansi ki Rani ka avtar kam lena, don’t…” Karan was interrupted in between.

(Look after yourself, eat on time, don’t go all soldier if not needed, don’t…)

“Yeh sab toh tumhe kal bolna chahiye na, toh abhi kyu bol rahe ho? Aur vaise bhi, mai yeh saari cheezon ka dhyaan rakhti hoon.” Monami’s lips puckered in a slight pout as she mumbled while raising her head to look at him.

(Aren’t you supposed to say all this tomorrow? Then why are you telling me this now? Moreover, I always take care of these things.)

Karan felt a wave of affection drench him as he saw the always point and no-nonsense Monami turn into a partner who does not shy away from letting him read her, letting him take a chance, at every chance he wants to take, and someone who becomes a glorious breeze of delicate temptation.

He gently raised his right arm to take hold of her chin and brushed it once before leaning in. He looked into her eyes and after a brief moment, he erased the distance between them and placed a gentle peck on her lips. He let his lips just stay on hers until his soul was satisfied with her proximity and then the air was charged. Monami moved her lips against his, a sign for him to take it a step further.

Karan’s arm which was caressing her hair, trailed downwards and engirdled around her waist to move her from the bed on his lap, to let any unwanted distance stay between them and he drew back. He looked at her with a searing gaze before letting his lips steal the already wavered breaths she was taking; his lips moving against hers at a more fervid pace and his grip tightening its hold on her chin.

Monami felt an assortment of emotions and tingles within her, and it touched all the right chords of her insides. She felt a delectable shiver run down her spine. Karan’s that brief glance ignited a flame of arousal in her. She placed her palms on his shoulder, fisting his tee shirt and another one crawled in the tuft of hair from his nape. Getting bold, she deftly pulled his lower lip between her teeth and gave it a quick little bite, which made him groan.

Karan pulled back and looked into a similar pair of midnight dark orbs, which in every sense was replicating his; the fierceness and the intensity, running wild in them. Karan brushed her cheek with his thumb once before lowering his hand on her bare thigh, courtesy of his shorts which he shamelessly demanded her to adorn. His fingers skimmed their mindless path on her flesh, allowing goosebumps to mark their presence.

Monami inhaled a deep staggering breath as she registered his ministrations but made no attempt to stop him whatsoever. “Karan!” She moaned when it became too much for her to bear and clenched his tee shirt on his shoulder.

Karan got the indication as he ceased his movements and firmly flattened his palm against her skin. He lowered his face and rested his forehead on her shoulder and let out a sigh as he hummed, “Don’t worry. I won’t take it further.” Though his body was on the path of betrayal.

Karan actually meant what he said. He knew that neither of them could afford to dwell deeper into the lengths of intimacy, given they were supposed to be on their own for at least a definite period because then it would be difficult for them only to not lose their self-control. And as it is, none of them wanted to add to their troubles; their long-distance was doing its work just fine.

Monami was in awe of this man, who in very limited time understood the hidden layers of her that she no longer felt to shield her emotions from this man, at least. Not that she was completely open to him, because for that to happen, the journey is still a bit long although, with the pace they both are connecting, the day doesn’t seem far.

With dutiful anticipation of wait, the lingering essence of longing, the tranquility of gratitude, and some deep thoughts, they fell into the abyss of the conversation they were involved in, thanks to the lack of time.

The diffidence of the early morning cloaked the inky night in its colored ambiance sooner than they both wanted. They both spent the rest of the time, basking in each other’s presence and pulled up a brave mask of indifference. Neither of them wanted another one to feel even an additional percent of vulnerability than what was already spiraling in them.

Mutually, with an unspoken concordance did their routine chores together, until the next time. This particular day felt a little more cherished and worthy to them.

Monami was busy in the kitchen making some fresh parathas for Karan for his long car journey that seemed like the safest option to travel in the phase where it was best to avoid the public and also, because she wanted to send some handmade cookies for both their homes and especially the Little Shergill. The best part of this entire ordeal was the fact that Karan was proving to be of great help.

The prattling rain accompanied them in their silent voices, along with the euphonious notes of Kishore Kumar. Like how radio songs were meant to be, this new song was just perfect and in the most suitable accordance with nature.

[Kishore Kumar is a legendary Indian singer.]

Karan closed the box of cookies and sealed it in the plastic bag and the moment he heard the song, he unconsciously looked in Monami’s direction, who was rolling the last-second paratha and a smile spread on his lips.

He washed his hands and wiped them before taking silent steps in her direction and turned the knob of the gas off, before encircling his arm around her tummy and tugging her close to his frame, which earned him a startled gasp.

“Fancy a dance, Mrs. Shergill?” Karan asked in his unusually coarse voice.

Monami jumped up a bit at this sudden intrusion and swept her eyes on her flour-smudged palms before she did the dust clap to remove excess flour in the bowl and placed her elbows on the curve of his.

She looked out of the kitchen window, only to find it dark, and asked, “At this time?”

“Obviously! Ab kahan waqt hum par itna meherbaan hoga?” Karan bumped his head with hers. Then, without giving her any chance, he with her intact in his hold, took two steps back and then swirled her.

(Now time won’t be blessing us with its presence anymore.)

Pehle bhi yun toh barse the baadal,
pehle bhi yun toh bheega tha aanchal,
Abke baras kyu sajan,
Sulag Sulag jaaye mann,
Bheege aaj iss mausam mein,
Lagi kaisi yeh agan?
Rimjhim gire saawan.

The music flowed effortlessly in sync with their hearts and their feet, the words cascading them in a magical euphoria. The unplanned synchronization with a few hits and misses curved up their lips and the way their midnight orbs sought each other after those few seconds of twirls unfurled a lot which no word could ever do justice to. 

Their impromptu dance came to an end with a final twirl and a smooth tug, Monami was back in Karan’s embrace. The man swayed in the most unrushed steps he could muster, with his better half engulfed in the back hug. Gradually, the sways were transitioned into a simple hold, wherein they just held each other, taking in the essence that their partner held. 

Soon in the hustle and bustle of preparing, packing, and dealing with the mixed set of emotions, the wee hours of the forenoon were passed.

It was now the time for Karan to leave the place that had become their sanctuary, their intimate nest. Karan dragged his suitcase, along with the additional little travel bag from their room to the main door. He then walked back in and came after washing his hands and checking the room once more.

“Mona…” Karan began but halted when he saw Monami coming out of the kitchen with a tray in her hands.

Karan’s eyes widened when he saw Monami keeping the tray on the dining table. He looked at the tray and then back at his wife, who was standing behind the chair, near him. “Tum yeh itna sab mujhe abhi khila ke bhejogi? Itni subah? Officer Sahiba, already phula hua hoon aur tum mujhe phugga banane mein koi kasar baaki nahi rakh rahi. Aur toh aur abhi mai ghar jaa raha hoon, meri diet ki band bajne waali hai yeh 2-3 din.”

(Are you going to send me off after making me eat all this; that too this early? Officer Sahiba, I am already puffed up and you are leaving no stone unturned in turning me into a balloon. Moreover, I am going back home and my diet will vanish into thin air in the upcoming 2-3 days.)

Albeit Monami knew that this was not something Karan would have eaten, if not for his cheat day but how could she control herself? It won’t be possible for a long time from now that she’d be able to make something that makes her man happy or have the peace of enjoying the meal with him, or the simple joy which she gets after she sees the unmissable act of her husband, of licking his fingers post his meal.

“Haan baba, I know. But I promise I’ll make sure ki tum gym mein extra calories burn karo. Aur vaise bhi, tum apni biwi se uska haq nahi chheen sakte. And Karan, as it is this is one of our last meals together, if it makes any sense at all?” Monami’s eyebrows scrunched and she paused.

(Yes yes, I know. But I promise I’ll make sure that you spend some extra time in the gym to burn your calories. Furthermore, you cannot snatch the rights from your wife.)

She got entangled in her own words and hence took a five-second halt before continuing. “Any which way, now let’s eat. Shall we? Otherwise you’ll be late.” Her voice lowered by the end and she then dragged her chair back to sir but not before gesturing him to sit too.

“As you say, your highness.” Karan said and did a dramatic bow in front of her before pulling his chair to sit.

They had their breakfast in silence, although it was topped up with some stolen glances and teeny weenie eye locks. Once done, they washed their hands and Karan offered his prayers in the temple.

Monami did a tilak of him, before feeding him some jaggery. Though filled with bamboo-thick silence, the emotions were causing a brimming hurricane within them.

Karan watched with a heavy heart as he saw Monami covering the distance between them. He felt an unwavering shiver of emotions pass through him as Monami reached out for his hands. He gulped thickly when he met her eyes, there was a surfeit of unspoken, unshared sentiments that they refused to give their voice to.

“Karan… I will miss you.” She let out a sigh. “Just know that we are a team, a rock-solid one. And you’ll never be alone when it comes to dealing with things. We’ll always have a partnership. Toh tumhe koi haq nahi hai sab kuch khud se karne ka, samjhe? Now it’s time to get back to the pavilion, Kaptaan Sahab. Keep yourself together and look after my fumbling tumbling husband, okay?”

(You do not have any right to do everything by yourself, capeesh?)

Karan’s lips wore the smile that Monami’s words gave him. He tightened his grip on her, giving it a firm squeeze before pulling her closer, in his personal space. “I understood everything crystal clear, ma’am. And I won’t even dare to forget any of it. But the same applies to you too, hm. Take very good care of my wife who does not miss out on any chance to get hurt.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I want you back the way I am leaving you. Although, a little modification will be good.” His voice turned mischievous as he said his last set of words.

Monami’s eyes narrowed as she stared at him.

Karan leaned his head down, to match her eye level. “Ab thodi flirting, thodi chhedkhaani, thodi boldness, thodi… ouch.” He shrieked with a chortle as he just got a smack on his arm.

(A little flirting, a little teasing, a little boldness, a little… hey!)

“Dhatt, besharam kahike.” Monami shook her head before taking a step forward to hug him.

(Shameless.)

Karan let out a small laugh before planting a small kiss on the crown of her head. “I’ll miss you, too. A lot.” He tightened his hold on her.

As they pulled apart, Monami cupped his cheeks before pulling him a little down. She stood on her tippy toes and dropped an equally tender kiss on his forehead too. She let her fingers caress and set the messy locks that were framing his forehead and kissed his nose before pulling back.

Unable to resist the unfaltering craving, he leaned in, snaked his arm around her waist, and pecked her lips; once, twice, and thrice, and then a little more deep, tugging her so close that even air would shy away from passing in between them. Like always, this time too, Karan had managed to sweep Monami off her feet in the weaving thread of their sweet intimacy.

He pulled back and rested his forehead against her. “Take care, sweetheart.”

“You too.” She whispered back quietly.

One hand in the hold and another with a bag, they entered the lift and then further in front of their building, where the car was parked with a driver in it. Karan withdrew his hand from her grasp and loaded his luggage. He jogged back to her engirdled his arm around her shoulders and pecked her temple. “Bye!”

“Bye.”

Karan settled in the car and opened the window and after sharing a final affirming nod, he asked the driver to start. Once the car started, he peeked out of the car, making her smile. They held each other’s gazes till they could and when it became impossible, with a heavy heart Karan closed the window as well as his eyes, and Monami too, turned her body and inhaled a deep breath, at the feeling of void that just entered them.

“Mera dil kahin door, shayad tumhaare paas he reh gaya!”

(My heart is nowhere near me, perhaps it stayed back with you!)

“Mera ek hissa toh tum apne saath le gaye, Karan!”

(You've taken a part of me with you, Karan!)

The notifications just lightened up the screen of the couple, and it made their lips curve in one of the most serene and beautiful smiles, unseen by any other being.

The road that leads to a known and chosen distance is never easy, because apart from the distance, you are unaware of every other thing, practically. The obstacles, the communication gap, the emotional and physical urge to be with each other, the angst, the aloofness, the void of each other’s presence, the bothersome deal of feelings… and so much more about which no one talks about. This deal is difficult to crack, but when the shortcomings are dealt with in a way that secures the companionship and solidifies the bond, nothing can beat the assuring commitment that comes as a part of their rewarding fruit.

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karan.shergill

❤️💬⏩

19,001,103 likes

karan.shergill Yaadon ki ek baat bahut kharab hai, ki woh yaad bahut aati hai. I miss you already, Mrs. Shergill. ❤️♾️

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sid_g Let me go and give this update to Monu! Ki koi uski yaad mein kitna bechain hai. 🌚🏃‍♂️
 
       ||karan.shergill You are doing no such thing! 😤

vedant_26 Jeej yaar, why so sweet? 🥹
param.shergill dekh rahe ho bhaiya? 🤭
      || param.shergill Haan Ved. Majnu bhai mode on. 😂😂

      || siddique_faizi Ab hume Fomo ho raha hai. Yeh kissa share Kiya jaaye, asap. 😏

      || karan.shergill bhabhiii barkha_shergill 😭 Aapke pati mujhe tang kar rahe hain. Aur vedant_26 tujhe toh milke bata ta hoon, ruk ja tu. 😒

     || barkha_shergill You called it upon yourself, Devarji. But anyway, param.shergill vedant_26 Ab chup kar jao dono.

barkha_shergill Aw! We'll meet her soon! For now, we cannot wait to meet you. ❤️

fanclub.ks This whole conversation 😂😭❤️

karanshergill_army His Mrs. Shergill!😩❤️🤌

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4.7k+ words.

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