Hey you all!

I hope you'll are keeping well. Apologies for the super long delay! I hope you guys like the chapter.

Shower all your love!

Happy reading.

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November 2020

Udaipur

Shergill's

You know there's something majestic about the fragrance of festivals. It is all about relishing the joy, rejoicing in the moment and savoring every bit with every bite of it. Perchance, the vibe is so dazzlingly contagious that you cannot help but delve in the deeper roots of its twinkling exuberance, charming vibe, a myriad of memories whilst walking on the lane and some banters that results into unfiltered happiness.

Festival of lights, aka Diwali is one of The Big Indian Festival which brings in a lot of light and togetherness. And in euphoric times like these, cherry on the top is an addition in the household; addition of a new family member.

As much gratifying as it is for the person to be a part of a new family, the breeze of nostalgia and lip biting, eyes scrunching moment of 'kaash' hits you just immediately as you miss being a part of the followed tradition, which you were accustomed to, for years. And the fact that your presence will be subtracted from where it was fixed since the beginning serves as a bittersweet reminder of embracing newness in your life and tugging on the older accustomeds.

(If only!)

Aur sach he toh hai, kuch thaamne ke liye kuch na kuch toh chhodna he padta hai, nahi toh uss dorahe pe khudko khada paoge jahan se na toh kadam aage ke liye aur naa he peeche ke liye uth payenge.

(And isn't it true? In order to hold onto something, we have to let go of another or else we'll find ourselves on crossroads wherein it'll be difficult for us to take a step forward or backwards.)

Monami felt herself encompassed in the similar strokes of feelings. She could feel the excitement and newness in her to be a part of the festival with her new family, at the same time she could not help but remember her routine, when seldom she was at her home, with her parents and sibling.

But as a profound soldier who was also very well known to her emotions as a human, Monami easily adapted herself to the change and along with others, she took it upon herself to make the best out of her first Diwali with them.

The Shergill household was bubbling with the shenanigans of familiar chaos that festivity brings in, the energy that radiates the houseful of chaotic people and a whole lot of guffawing chatters.

Though the festival is not uncommon, but the presence of a new addition in the family, both Shergill and Mahajan was obvious to the point that the youngest Shergill couple were wandering from one relative to another, in order to tick off the cue of their known ones and also to be spared from the unwanted jibes and interruptions amid the pleasant vibe.

And as delighted both the families were, one reason was also the fact that all of them got to celebrate together, for constant in the row, since more than half of the times neither of two would be even in town to dwell in the tranquil arms of familiar warmth and togetherness.

Unlike every year, Siddique's couldn't join the Shergill's owing to Faizi's tour and Koel staying with Zeenat at home to avoid increasing any health issues for Zeenat, since she was already under the weather.

Monami tapped her phone to keep the display from fading, as she concentrated on making the flower rangoli outside their little temple.

"You know what Monami?" Barkha who was cleaning the temple said, breaking the silence.

"Ji?"

"Iss baar kyuki tum ho na, bohot aaraam mil gaya hai mujhe... varna toh bilkul he fursat nahi milti. Not that I'm complaining, but being the only lady in the all male household sucks..." Barkha chuckled at last.

(This time now that you are here, I'm very relaxed. Otherwise, I hardly get any breath.)

"Kya bhabhi aap bhi. Mai toh bilkul he last moment pe aayi hoon... vaise, jaise mehmaan aate hain. Saari safai, arrangements...saari mehnat toh sab aap he ka hai." Monami said, with guilt in her heart of not being able to be there, and missing out on so many things.

(It is nothing like that, bhabhi. I've literally come like guests... at the last moment. It's all your hard work, from cleaning everything to the arrangements.)

Though the things were not in her hands, yet Monami felt a needle of guilt poke her. She was a part of someone's family, with some responsibilities yet she was playing her part temporarily. No doubt she carried out all her commitments earnestly, but with a lot on the end of the missing-out plate.

Reflecting on these feelings in an universal light, isn't it the same for all the people out there, who are away from their homes, on national duty or a duty that demands their presence with- a solidified belief on their shoulders to represent and protect its countrymen and without- giving two flying fucks for their personal self and space.

This moment for us may be a moment of no greater significance but for those souls and their people who hold on to the limited time they get, it is more than a moment or a realization. It is the thread they literally grip onto, to exist and at times, to barely survive.

Barkha's moments ceased when she heard Monami. Yes, she too, in some moments felt that her sister in law was hardly at home, like any other human would. But she also understood very well that at this point of time an even in future, if circumstances demand, Monami would be their country's first and then of anyone else's, even herself. So clearly, it was not a fault, it was a choice and too an esteemed one.

"Oho! Ab aisa kuch bhi nahi hai... hum ek parivar hain aur parivar mein mera ya tumhara kuch nahi hota. It's always us." Barkha turned towards Monami and said. She then collected the wiping cloth and other unnecessary stuff in her hands before getting up to make her way out. She stepped out of the temple and kept everything she was holding on the dining table and trudged towards the common wash basin in the living room to wash her hands.

(Oho! It's nothing like that. We are a family and there is no yours or mine in a family.)

Barkha came back in the living room and stood behind Monami. She slouched a little and encircled her right arm across Monami's shoulder, engulfing her in a light hug. Monami was a little taken aback and with a lot of hesitation, she held the elder lady's upper arm.

"We'll always have each other's back, okay." Barkha softly said.

Monami's lips curved up in a soft smile as she nodded her head and after collecting her emotions, she whispered, "Pakka! Humesha."

(For sure. Always.)

"Bohot sundar rangoli banayi hai tumne...kitni baaki hai?" Barkha asked, standing straight.

(You've made such a beautiful rangoli... how much more is left?)

"Bas yeh teen petals." Monami craned her head up and told.

(Only three more petals.)

"Okay, you do this and I'll just go and wrap up my stuff and then see what other Shergill's are doing. Hm?" Barkha said.

"Haanji." Monami said and got back on her work.

A few seconds after Barkha went; Monami heard a shuffle of two little feet. She raised her head to see baby jumping down from the last stair with a little bunny teddy in her hand.

"Chachiii." Baby exclaimed in glee as she found her new favorite person doing something beautiful with flowers.

Monami's lips stretched in an effortless smile as she dusted off her fingers before extending her arm for the little girl. "Come here." Saying so, she pulled baby in her lap.

"Aap kya bana rahe ho flowers se?" Baby inquired curiously.

(What are you making with these flowers?)

"Mai rangoli bana rahi hoon." Monami draped both her arms around her little figure and swayed them a little as she asked after keeping her chin on her tiny head, "Kaisi lagi aapko?"

(I'm making rangoli.) (What do you think? How is it?)

"Yeh toh bohot acchi hai." Baby chirped but then with a confused countenance she looked at the elder lady. "Lekin rangoli toh colors se banate hain naa?"

(This is beautiful.) (But don't we make rangoli from colors?)

"Haan banate hain na, lekin flowers se bhi bana sakte hain. Toh iss baar humne iss'sey bana di." Monami gently used her fingers to comb the little one's baby hair on her forehead and then she asked, "Aap help karoge mujhe yeh do petals ko fill karne mein?"

(Yes, we do make it. But we can make one with the flowers as well, so we went ahead with it.) (Will you help me fill these two petals?)

"Haaannn." Came her excited reply.

Monami carefully placed the little girl on the floor beside her and kept aside her teddy, as per the instructions and guided her to fill the petals.

This was the scene that welcomed Param, as he came back with the fresh garlands for the evening pooja.

"I see two pretty Shergill's are busy making the living room more pretty!" Param spoke, as he walked in. There was an unsaid affirmation and a gradual bond, which both Param and Monami shared with each other. Steadily, their bond was more of a sibling and in fact good friends.

"Hi Bhaiya, all done?" Monami raised her head and regarded him with a smile.

"Haanji, everything's set." He kneeled down on the opposite side of rangoli and finally looked at his daughter who was looking at him with a twinkle in her eye and white flower petals in her fingers. "Arrey yeh kya, aap chachi ko help kar rahe ho? Very good baby, you're doing it so well." He appreciated.

(Wow baby, I see you are helping chachi in making rangoli.)

"Yes papa." Baby replied gleefully.

Monami caressed her hair as she looked at Param and said, "Mujhe toh lagta hai Bhaiya ki ab se har baar mujhe Baby ki help chahiye hogi, nahi toh mai itne acche se bana he nahi paungi." Monami praised baby's efforts as she knew that when the right values along with the right amount of appreciation are given to kids, they grow with more kindness and zeal to do more.

(It seems like every time I make rangoli from now on, I would need Baby's help or else I wouldn't be able to make it this well.)

"You will help me na, sweetheart?" Monami asked affectionately.

"Yess chachi. Dekho na papa, chachi ne kaha ki mai unko yeh pretty rangoli bana ne mein help aur help karu." Baby chirped as she giggled in delight and looked forward to the opinion of her father.

(Did you see papa? Chachi asked me to help her make this pretty rangoli.)

"Yes kiddo! And my little girl will always help right?" Param asked sweetly.

"Yes papa!" Baby affirmed.

Amid their interactions, the rangoli was done and Monami wiped baby's nimble fingers clean and arranged the little out of line flowers again. Meanwhile the hardly pulled in silence was interrupted by little chatters of Barkha and Karan, as they descended the stairs with the taller guy's one arm flung across his sister in law's shoulder and the other carrying an empty bucket.

Param, not taking to step back from taking a dig at his younger brother, spurted in between and loud enough for walking-down-the stairs- duo to hear.

"Vaise Monami, help toh tumhari humari baby he kar sakti hai kyuki uske chachu se toh kuch hone se raha aur agar hua bhi, toh woh karne se raha." Pulling up a fake disapproving expression, he further added, "We are extremely sorry for not telling you this beforehand. Humare Sahabzaade thode naazuk se hain, kaam unhe zara thaka se dete hain."

(But Monami, either way, it's baby who'll be able to help you out because her uncle is hopeless to do anything and even if he could, he would rather take a back seat.) (Our mighty prince here is delicate. Work tires him out.)

Karan frowned on getting his name dragged and tarnished in between, out of nowhere and for no good reason, that too in front of his all-things-good wife. It's not that she wasn't, but at the same time he was not exactly the one how his brother described him to be. And his bhaiya was not a saint to scribble over his build up image, when the chance was served to him on a golden platter.

Monami did not understand how Karan's name came up in the conversation and as she looked up, she understood the gist. She bit back her lip to hold the chuckle that threatened to escape. Though it was a bit of her character to enjoy laughing at someone's expanse or to even throw the person under the bus like this, but come on, it was her husband in question who never left any stone unturned to tease the hell out of her.

"Ab bhaiya jo ho gaya so hogaya, kya he karsakte hain. Ab mujhe jhelna toh padega he." She let out a sigh.

(What's done is done now, Bhaiya. Nothing can change that. I'll have to endure him, anyway.)

"Arrey Arrey bas karo. Faltu ka mere bacche ko pareshaan kar rahe ho." Barkha intervened, approaching them and scolding the two people out of the trio. As Baby was doing nothing but laughing at the parts she was getting, because according to her, her troublemaker chachu deserved it.

(Okay, now hush. You're troubling my child unnecessarily.)

Karan's visage had a 360 degree turnover of expressions from sulking to that of a triumph. His bhabhi at his side was enough to shut everyone up, because clearly, the teasing bird was a spoilsport, when the tables were turned.

However, before he could even relish the joy of his victory, Barkha snatched his short-lived moment of happiness by joining hands with his opponents.

"Ab Karan thehra ghar ka chhota beta, thoda zyada laadla toh theek hai na. Kya he hogaya agar kaam karte huey jaldi thak jaata hai? I mean jab bhi karta hai." Barkha innocuously said before letting out a small laugh.

(See the point is that Karan is the youngest son of the family, hence, him being the most pampered one is also inevitable. And so what happened; if he gets tired easily whilst doing some work? I mean whenever he does.)

"Haan na chachi, chachu na kabhi kabhi toh apne socks bhi shoes se nahi nikalte aur shoes bhi apni place pe nahi rakhte. Aur kabhi kabhi toh nahate bhi..." Baby who innocently started to give in a little detail was abruptly interrupted by Karan, as he picked her up, lest she ends up leaking out the details that were up until hidden.

(Yes chachi, you know that chachu at times does not even take his socks out of his shoes and you know, he does not even place his shoes back at their place. And many times, his bathing is also...)

"BABYY!!!Bas beta. Masti nahi." Karan hurried in his words and actions. He was already flustered and his family members, each and every family member were just pouring oil in fire.

(Okay kiddo, you've had enough fun.)

Perhaps this was the moment everyone else was waiting for, that they made no further delay before breaking into boisterous laughter. And this was the scene that welcomed Atul, as he stepped out of his room after his afternoon break.

Atul was a little under the weather for the last few days and had to complete his medicine course, which was due until today. Obviously, he had felt much better earlier, but then he was ought to abide by the strict instructions imposed by everyone at home, so that he could enjoy the festival in the best of his spirits.

As he saw his children laughing, his hand subconsciously went in his pocket to fetch out his wallet. Opening it, he saw an old passport size photo of a lady, staring back at him with the evident twinkle in her eye, in the transparent shield of his wallet. Along with the picture, there were two little ghunghroos of the payal and a small bindi, that served as a token of her memories that were still as fresh in his mind.

(Belles of anklets.)

It is not easy for someone to get easy with the idea of staying without someone, for an entirety of life after walking alongside each other for a time period that is equal to the whole. Atul did miss his wife, his partner, the mother of his children, his Devika and the Atul he was with Devika and the joyous moments often made her absence prominent.

Wiping away his traitor tear, he smiled somberly and wished, "Happy Diwali, Divi." He traced his finger on her photo and closed his wallet before putting it back in his pocket and shook his head to shake off the sudden emptiness that gripped him.

Atul made his way towards the three laughing, one whining and one sulking Shergill. He patted Karan's shoulder and asked to no one in particular, "Kya baat hai bhai? Aaj mandali kaise jami hui hai, iss time par?"

(What's up people? How come you'll are chattering here, at this time?)

"Papa dekho na, sab maze le rahe hain mere. Tang kar rahe hain mujhe." Karan cribbed childishly.

(Everyone is having fun at my expanse, papa. All of them are troubling me.)

"Oh, haan phir theek hai. Kyuki beta ji... jaisi karni, vaisi bharni." Atul mock patted his cheek, making everyone in the room guffaw and this time Karan too.

(Oh, then it is fine, because my dear child, haven't you heard? What you sow, you reap.)

"Aur kya papa! Humare chhote sahabzaade ka bachpan he khatam nahi hua hai abhi tak." Param said bemused.

(I agree with Papa! Our little prince hasn't grown up from his childhood yet.)

Atul snickered and then as a good father, who was not biased, pulled Param's leg too. "Aalsi toh bade sahabzade bhi utne he hain, beta ji. Bas meri betiyan he jaane kaise sambhaal rahi hai tum dono ko."

(The elder prince here, is no less in laziness, son. I don't know how my daughters are tackling them.)

Barkha chuckled and Monami just stood there, smiling all the way. She felt herself embracing these bunch of Shergill's a little more fiercely than before and at the same time, missing the almost equally chaotic trio back at Mahajan's.

"Yeh khaali baalti se kya kar raha tha tu?" Atul asked as he just noticed the empty bucket in a loose grip of Karan.

(What are you doing with this empty bucket?)

As if waiting for the opportunity to get the scores equal, Karan finally got his moment. With a smug look on his face, he said, "Yeh jo aap log mujhe nakaara saabit karne pe tule huey ho na, woh bhi khaas kar meri biwi ke saamne, usko galat thehra raha hoon. Aaj, enjoy karne ki jagah kaam kiya hai maine. I hung the drenched clothes to dry in the sun, folded back the dried ones, and swept the terrace and the rooms." He paused and with a sweet nod in mockery, he closed his eyes and titled his forehead a little before raising it up. "So overall, now everything is dust free, as the festival demands."

(I was just busy in proving all your schemes of labeling me useless, especially in front of my wife, baseless. Instead of enjoying today, I was getting the work done.)

As Karan specifically quoted about his wife, everyone's gaze for a couple of seconds was directed at the said person, making her flush in embarrassment. She could neither meet anyone else's eyes nor her husband's.

"Haan chhote, aur yeh sab tune kyu kiya aaj who bhi bata de, teri biwi ko." Param feigned seriousness and put emphasis on teri biwi.

(Yes Karan, and please tell the reason as well, behind all your labor today to your wife.)

This turned Monami a little more flushed. At the same stance, she could not help but adore her husband a little more. He was such a humble soul, a well raised gentleman. His carefree, childish side had a tiny bit more space in her heart than any other. He was a wave of refreshing congeniality in her life.

"Papa, Bhabhi! Dekhlo Bhaiya ko. I always do these chores, whenever I'm home, during festivals." Karan said indignantly. "But Bhaiya only knows how to snitch on me." He twisted his lips in displeasure.

(Papa, bhabhi! See, how Bhaiya is behaving!)

Well what Karan said, was not wrong. There was only one house-help at their home to clean their home and wash utensils. And since festivities deserved to be enjoyed, they were given an off too. And over all these years, it was an unsaid rule between the boys to look after the chores, so that Barkha could focus on other works and Atul was out of talk, anyway.

Before Param bagged the job and Karan's career started running smoothly on the 22 yard green pitch, the high end luxuries were something they couldn't afford. The Shergill brothers were raised in an environment wherein they were taught to respect the money they earn and not to waste uselessly.

It was not that Atul didn't earn well, he did, but Devika made sure to save enough, knowing about the possibilities of uncertainties associated with his work.

There was nothing that was compromised on any aspect; they were just raised in the manner that they wouldn't find it hard to leave their confines of the comfort.

And the result of her upbringing was literally shining; it's just her absence that she couldn't witness it. Moreover, everyone has their own flaws and the little imperfection of the Shergill brothers was their inability to cook but that was okay!

"Aur kya! Mera Khotteya itna Khotteya vhi nahi hai" Atul said in his thick Punjabi accent as he ruffled Karan's hair. "Accha ab sabhi jane ready hone jayein? Taaki time pe ready bhi ho jaayein aur phir diye bhi lagane hai aur time par pooja bhi karni hai." He glanced at the time and said.

(Come on now, my bratty kid isn't that much of a brat now.)(Fine now, shall we go and get ready? So that we'll be ready on time and then we have to light up the diya and we have to do the Diwali Pooja as well.)

"Aur phir patakhe bhi phodne hainnnnn." Baby jumped in excitement.

(And then we have to burst the firecrackers as well.)

Everyone chuckled at tiny Shergill's excitement and unmissable exuberance.

"Chalo na mumma, papa!" Baby tugged at Barkha and Param's hand.

(Let's go, mumma and papa.)

"Baby, wait..." Barkha couldn't even finish as baby was now no longer in the mood to let go of her mother.

"Bhabhi aap jao araam se, diyo mein baati aur tel daal kar main rakh dungi. Bas phir aake hume unhe lagana he hoga." Monami said and blinked in assurance.

(It's okay bhabhi, you relax and go. I'll put the lamp wick and pour oil in the diyas. We'll just have to light them up, once we come after getting ready.)

{Diya is a little earthen pot that we use during to festival as a source of lamp, with the lamp wick in it.}

"Haan bhabhi, I'll help her out!" Karan declared sincerely, without a further ado.

(Yes bhabhi.)

Barkha smiled in gratitude and moved with Param and baby, in between. And before Atul could say something, Monami interrupted softly, "Papa, you'll have your juice and fruits and then please get ready, that's all."

Atul shook his head. "Tum officer field pe he acchi ho, ghar par toh darr lagta hai." He chuckled as he affectionately uttered the question, caressing her head. "Kabhi toh kuch karne diya karo?"

(You're good at being an officer, when you're in the field, because when this side comes at home, people get scared of you.)(Let me do something, at least.)

Monami's cheeks burned in embarrassment."Aisa kuch nahi hai, papa!" She muttered quietly and then continued with a tender voice, "Papa, you've worked all your life, it's high time you take some time out for yourself and just relax!"

(It's nothing like that, papa!)

Monami was a caring human being and when this side surfaced, it just affected Karan in a different way and more when he witnessed this with the people close to him. It just pulled him more towards her.

"No doubt aapki bahu bohot strict hai, lekin filhaal sahi keh rahi hai." Karan teased Monami first, as he finally got a little moment which earned him narrowed eyes and then said to his father. He further added, "Aur main hoon, hum milke kar denge."

(No doubt that your daughter-in-law is very strict, but for now, she is correct.) (And I'm here, we'll do this together.)

Atul could only smack at Karan's head, but the smile on his lips could not be missed. He silently blessed them and took the tray that Monami fetched from the kitchen with his late afternoon meal and went away.

Monami watched as Atul went and then elbowed Karan's waist curve, catching him off guard and making him whimper dramatically. "Ouch Monami! Kya kiya iss naacheez ne jo tum kar rahi ho yeh haseen sitam?"

(What did this poor guy do to endure your sweet torture?)

"Papa ki bahu tumhe kuch zyada he strict nahi lagti?" Monami pursed her lips and said in a clipped tone and then without giving him a chance, she went in the kitchen, knowing they have limited time in their hands.

(Don't you find your father's daughter-in-law strict?)

Mischief gleamed in Karan's eyes as a smirk tugged up at the corner of his lips. He found her rambling sweet, because it's rare that she rants or does something that is so Un-Monami like.

He hurried in his steps and caught up with her. Throwing his arm around her shoulders carelessly, his fingers gripped her supper arm as he tugged her closer, erasing the remains of the distance.

"Strict toh hai he, lekin sexy uss sey zyada hai." He husked out in her ear, making her close her eyes and stop dead in her track. Taking advantage of the situation, he leaned in more and made sure that his lips touched her ear shell with each syllable he spoke, "Ab yeh toh unke saamne nahi keh sakta tha na?"

(She is strict, but she is sexier.) (Now I could not say this in front of him, could I?)

This was probably the first time that Karan had used an explicit term to denote her, highlighting the fact that he indeed found her sexually attractive and appealing.

"Karan!" She parted her lips to be stern enough to ask him to whisk away, but it rather came out as a moan.

"Hm?" His body appreciated the proximity they were endowed with and then to give in to his fueling emotions, he slowly, opened his mouth, not removing his lips from her skin, and bit her ear; his hands channeling her to move further close and her nimble fingers fisting his tee at his waist.

Monami, who was totally unprepared, was jolted in the world of mystical awakening that left her both bewitched and disarmed. This in turn, fumbled with some unnamed and unhinged strings in his heart, watching her become so undone with his minimal of actions, although, there was no difference in the scene, when it came to him.

Dwelling further in the spiral of heated events, Karan's lips moved from her ear after yet another bite and that seemed to break the trance she was in.

"Karan!" She attempted again.

"Hmm?" He lazily hummed.

"Chhodo...mujhe." She voiced what each cell of her body was protesting for. She took hold of her emotions and pulled back, to look at him. "Hum kitchen mein hain, koi bhi aa jayega." Her voice was quieter than the inhales of deep breath.

(We are in kitchen, anyone can come.)

"Toh? Pati- patni hain hum, haq hai humara." Karan gruffly said his voice was heavy with the laden emotions.

(So what? We have all the rights, we're husband and wife.)

"Hu- Hume fatafat diye ka kaam karke ready bhi hona hai." Her tone did not rise above a whisper.

(Le-Leave... me.) (We've to get ready after finishing off with the work of diyas.)

Begrudgingly, Karan followed what she said and to keep a check on his high emotions, he internally agreed that it was best if he maintains a little distance, but at the same time he did not want her to completely let go of the bubble their encounter created.

"Main baati, aur baaki cheeze daal deti hoon, tum tel daal dena." Monami said, breaking Karan's monologue.

(I'll place the lamp wick and other things and then you pour oil in them.)

"Huh? Haan."

(Okay.)

Quietly, amid the silence that was occasionally disrupted with the shuffling of spoon, plate, diya and the containers of oil, gram and popcorn, that Monami was putting in the diyas .

After getting done with their work, they both washed their hands and made their way to their room.

As soon as Karan reached, a second after Monami, he held her hand to halt her further moments and then turning his body a little, he bolted the door of their room with his other hand.

"Yun toh humesha only a few words, and no funny business mood mein rehti ho, toh aaj kya hua, hm?" Karan pulled her back, making her sandwiched between him and the door.

(You stay in the mood of only a few words and no funny business, always then what happened today?)

"Huh?" Monami barely uttered, with her tampered breath. With utmost difficulty, she controlled her raging emotions downstairs and now, all of this happened in a blink of an eye.

Karan took a step, invading the space between her feet for his foot leg to comfortably fit in. He put his left hand a few inches above her hand whilst his right one, still holding her left wrist and brushing his thumb across the space. He leaned in, his breath sharing the same space as hers and blew on her face, making her already fluttering eyes close in the sensations she was feeling.

"Aaj bade mazey aa rahe the mujh par haste huey, hm?" Whispering above her lips in a husky voice, he closed his eyes as he traced his nose along the curve of her cheek.

(You were enjoying a lot while laughing at my expanse, isn't it?)

"Umm?" She hummed, tucking her lip in between her teeth.

Karan pulled back after peppering a few lazy kisses on her jaw and below, messing up the always prim and proper one! Cautious, as to not to overstep the boundaries, he held back his slipping his emotions before he lost control.

"Pyaari lagti ho muskurate huey, aur uss'sey bhi zyada jab khilkhilate huey hasti ho." He dropped an affectionate peck on her forehead, making her open her eyes after the bliss she just felt. He pulled his hand back from the wall and caressed her cheek with the back of her fingers.

(You look beautiful when you smile and even more exquisite when you laugh heartily.)

"Lekin jab meri wajah se hasti ho na? Tab toh baat he aur hai. Tab tum thodi apni zyada lagti ho. Mai toh chahta hoon ki jitney ho sake utne bahane doon tumhe apni khadoosiyat chhodne ke liye." He chuckled, as her visage wore a frown hearing him address her as Khadoos, although what remained unwavering was the scarlet of her cheeks.

(But when I am the reason behind your smile? It's different! At that moment, you seem a bit more mine. I genuinely want you to give you countless reasons to drop your grumpiness.)

(Grumpy.)

Unable to do anything else to calm herself down, Monami took a step forward and encircled her arm around his torso, resting her head against his in-synchronous-beat-with-her, heart. Her lips curved up in a heart-warming smile, as she felt Karan swaying them in his homely embrace.

After a few minutes of tranquility amid the days of chaos and hassle, they finally found themselves breathing the scent of each other, which grazed them with a feeling of stillness in this never still world. They pulled apart with an understanding and Monami whispered, "I'll take a bath and then you go."

Karan nodded and when Monami went in, he just slumped on the bed with a sigh and closed his eyes, revisiting his memories of the day. It was just perfect. Then, after some time, he unlocked his phone and responded back to the Diwali wishes and posted a quick story on his social media accounts.

A few minutes later, Monami entered the room in the bathrobe, with her attire in her hands as she asked Karan to go for a bath. Though captivated by her soothing presence, he had to follow the orders.

Monami thanked Barkha a thousand times, for fixing a vanity mirror in the room, in March before the lockdown or it would have been utter inconvenience for her to get ready at the same time as Karan. For draping a saree without a mirror was as good as a khayaali pulao.

(Imagination.)

Monami decked herself in her wedding lehenga and wore the jewellery, after unpinning her hair. She was just fixing her veil across the waist, when Karan entered the room, wearing the pants of his wedding Kurta.

Obviously, somehow they were expected to be groomed up as they were at their wedding, as to celebrate the festival that was revered a lot in India.

Karan was left in awe, as he watched his wife, looking like a sight for the sore eyes, as stunning as she did on their wedding day, all those months back! His eyes imbibed her dolled up self as they travelled from her head to toe and then back again, gluing on hers.

Monami was left with her breath caught in her throat, as she saw her husband caressing her with his midnight orbs. His toned shoulders made her blush, as it flexed when he donned the Kurta, swiftly lifting his hands and glanced back in her eyes.

With lingering appreciation eddying memories when they wore the same attire for the very first time, they exchanged an unspoken moment of soulful understanding.

Monami turned, to have a look at Karan without any object and wordlessly stepped closer to him. His hands, on their own snaked around her waist, drawing her close. Until she was in his vicinity to breathe, until she inhaled the same scent as him and until she was close to his soul's content.

Karan wanted to lean in further and be consumed by the warmth she was offering. He wanted to test the waters by taking a step further than just kissing, right at this moment. His eyes, hooded with the gearing desire, as they flickered between her lips and equally dazed orbs.

"Can I please kiss you?" He requested, with as much poise as he could.

Monami nodded her head, as she inaudibly muttered a yes.

Not waiting for any further affirmation, Karan slowly parted his lips and leaned in. He paused for a second before grooving his eager ones on her, tenderly; much to the contrary feelings.

What started as a slow rhythmic symphony of lips, changed into a blazed one as Monami's fingers traveled from his chest to his pulse point on neck and Karan was no saint to not give in to his needs. He acted purely on his instincts and the reaction was similar. Everything else was blurred around them and what ignited was, the passion; unabashed, the fire; consuming, the heat; maddening, the desire; unwavering and their souls; interwoven in the tapestry of soulful intimacy.

Reluctantly, they pulled apart and rested their foreheads against each other. They did not want to row the boat they had to stop midway.

"We should get ready." Monami sluggishly uttered amid her heavy breaths and hazy mind.

Karan could only let out a throaty hum.

Monami pulled back and then pulled Karan down by his neck, as she kissed his forehead sweetly. "Happy Diwali, Karan."

A smile settled on Karan's lips as he returned the same gesture, making her smile with all her heart.

Sometimes, we need days and objects to wander back in the happiest of our memories, or the ones that hold the power to leave behind a remarkable presence, that couldn't be erased and undone. These snippets are somehow so unnervingly breathing, that you cannot help but relive those flashbacks, time and again.

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6.1k+ words.

Hey everyone!
I hope you'll liked the chapter! I was back at writing after a long time. So I genuinely want to know how it came out to be?

Vaise kuch bhi kahi, Munda toh sohna hai sadda! Haina? Aur kudi bhi utni he pyaari! Don't you all think?

P.S~ I want a Karan Shergill in my life. 🤧

Thank you for the constant support and love! Forever grateful!

Please vote and comment! They make my day and boost my my inspiration! ❤️

Much love,
Nehal.