6.

L A S Y A

I felt like a zombie. I couldn't catch a wink of sleep last night. After my pati parmeshwar [translation: husband dearest] had managed to give me a free shower and I taking revenge by drenching him too he had stormed out of the room like a raging Bull.

But on an honest note, he looked sexy and hot with the cream colour kurta sticking to his body like a second skin giving me the outline of his toned body and that death glare.

After he defended me I thought he was a gentleman and we would at least behave a bit cordial with each other but no.
I take my words back, he was just so annoying. How dare he pour water on me. And the audacity of him to even try to sleep leaving me drenched in the cold water, no not happening!

After he'd marched out of the room in the middle of the night I had changed into the bathrobe because my t-shirt was wet and it was freezing outside. I didn't have any clothes with me right now and didn't want to disturb anyone because they were too tired with everything.

Last night passed in a blur and here I was standing in front of the vanity mirror freshly showered. My suitcase finally arrived in the early hours of the morning along with my phone. I mentally thanked Sam for adding traditional fits along with my other outfits and according to my preferred colour, I might add. I could imagine both Prit and Sam arguing over the colours and clothes making me internally chuckle.

I stared at myself in the mirror, there were eye bags under my eyes and I looked paler, the normal glow was absent on my face and I looked more like a ghost because of all the exhaustion and lack of sleep, all thanks to my dear husband. Sigh

Quickly changing into a simple off-white colour embroidered anarkali suit with full sleeves and pinned the net dupatta on my shoulder securely.

I did minimum makeup enough to cover the dullness of my face wore the earrings, strapped my watch and applied perfume. My gaze travelled to my nuptial chain and a warm feeling enveloped my heart.

With slight shivery fingers, I caressed the small diamond that lay proudly on my upper chest glistening as the light fell on it.

A weird feeling travelled through my nerves and a sense of connection followed. It was strange yet overwhelming.

I was a married woman now, in the whole 28 years of my existence I'd never dreamt of marriage or relationships, I would lie if I didn't have any dreams, I did but I never wasted my time thinking about them more than a minute.

If someone had told me a few days back that I would be getting married, I would have laughed at their faces but here we are.
The circumstances I got married were weird but I knew if I wanted Raina to be safe and sound, I needed to be in this marriage until I ensured everything was under my control.

The Mehrotras weren't so easy to deal with, they were dangerous and terrifying. I'd seen a mere trailer yesterday but it was enough for me to realise that they weren't someone to mess with especially Dadaji.

If I wanted to execute my plan, I needed to be under Mehrotra's wings because I knew till I was related to them no one would have the audacity to go against me. For that, I needed to win the trust of Dadaji.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when someone knocked on the door. Opening the door I noticed Ziya standing there with a broad smile, she looked as fresh as the morning dew.

"Good morning bhabhi", I passed her an awkward smile, it was all new for me to be addressed as a sister-in-law. But alas I guess this was all fate.

"Good morning Ziya", I wished

"Don't take me wrong but Bhabhi your skin tone is really white, you feel like Kristen Stewart from Twilight, are you sure you aren't a vampire?", she scanned my face and I chuckled at her remark

"No, I was human the last time I checked, wanna check for proof?", I joked and saw her expression turning embarrassed

"I'm sorry, it's just I've been re-watching the Twilight saga lately so it's all over my mind", she pouted rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly

"It's okay! Let's go downstairs?", I smiled at her trying to ease the air to which she nodded and guided me towards the dining area

Since last night I hadn't caught any glimpse of Moksh, I wondered how or where he was. Hell, what would I do if someone questioned me about his whereabouts? Lasya tu toh gyi!

[Translation: Lasya, you're gone!]

In the dining area, the maids were busy arranging the breakfast table and slowly all the family members started arriving.

Anxiety crept into my veins and I broke into a cold sweat. After last night I hadn't had any encounters with anyone except Ziya and I felt fiddly with the thought of dealing with them. I covered my shivering fingers with my dupatta and walked towards my mother-in-law.

"Good morning Aunty", I wished and forced a small smile only for it to come out making me look like a clown

"Good morning beta", she replied and caressed my forehead lovingly. "I didn't know your preference for breakfast so I asked the maids to prepare light pancakes for you, I hope you're okay with that?", the softness of her tone had tears pricked my eyes and my lower lip wobbled. No one had cared about my meals after Nani and him.

"I-I wa-want to apologise for my mistake aunty, I hope one day you'll forgive me", my voice broke as I felt a lump forming in my throat because of the clogged-up emotions

"I know you might have your reasons beta and no one is holding you responsible for anything. And remember that whatever happens, we will always have your back, especially me, hm?", her eyes softened and she wiped the stray tear that escaped my eyes, I nodded and fisted my fingers. I felt so small and wronged in front of her. I had cheated on this family and they have been nothing but sweet with me. I feel so bad right now.

"I hope one day you'll trust me enough to share the reason behind this decision of yours and also address me as your mother", she cupped my face lovingly and I bit on the inside of my cheek to hold the dam of tears as they blurred my vision.
My mother-in-law affectionately patted my face and excused herself as everyone started coming down for breakfast.

Never in my life, someone had been so affectionate towards me rather than Nani and my friends. I had always cared for a mother's love and warmth and now experiencing the emotions felt so precious.

I covered my head with the dupatta in front of the elders, my Nani had raised me well. Her morals and ethics had taught me to be a responsible person and respect my elders and I didn't want anyone to raise fingers on her upbringing.

I stepped towards my grandmother-in-law and bent to touch her feet. "Good morning dadi ji"

"Good morning beta, aur yeh ji na laga, mai toh abhi bhi jawan hu. Buddhe toh tere Dadaji hai, unko ji bol", she joked patting my head as if blessing me. Everyone laughed at her comment

[Translation: Good morning, my child. And don't put thi 'ji' while addressing me, it makes me feel like I've aged so much. This grandfather of yours, refer to him as an old man not me.]

"Haye kitni soni kudi hai, dekh Vidya kitni khubsurat Bahu hai hamari, ek dam hoor jaisi, kisi ki Nazar na lage", Dadi admired caressing my face and rounded her hands around my head before cracking her knuckles to cast the evil eye off.

[Translation: Hey, how beautiful she is, look Vidya how beautiful our daughter-in-law is, she is just like a heroine, no one should cast evil eyes on her.]

"Ishe kaun hi nazar lagayega, nazar toh isne hamari khushiyon ko lagai hai", Radhika bua spat looking at me as if someone had pissed in her morning tea

[Translation: Who will look at her with bad eyes, she's the one who has ruined our happiness]

"Behave, Radhika", dadi warned glaring at her while she just shrugged and took her seat. "Puttar tu na iski baaton per dhyan mat de, chal aaja nashta karte hai", Dadi smiled assuringly at me and signalled me towards the chairs. On the table were placed various breakfast items along with juice and tea, aaloo parathas filled with ghee, poha and whatnot. The Mehrotras were a typical Punjabi family.

[Translation: my child, don't pay attention to her words, come and have breakfast. ]

I stood confused in my place. My eyes furrowed as I was busy contemplating where to sit when a deep musky scent surrounded me. Moksh

"Good morning everyone", he wished followed by a chorus of everyone reciprocating him. His tone was deep and he sat down on the right side of the head chair where Dadaji sat. Beside his seat, Vivaan the younger twin was busy eating his bowl of cereal.

Moksh's deep brown eyes met mine and a shiver ran down my spine because of his menacing gaze. He scanned me from top to bottom before turning his plate and starting with his breakfast.

"Bhabhi here", Ziya's voice brought me out of my reverie and I walked towards the seat she signalled

I sat beside her and to my bad luck, the demon sat just ahead of me glaring at me. I passed back his glare and focused on filling my plate.

"Shouldn't you be wearing some colours, Lasya, since supposedly you're the eldest daughter-in-law, oh sorry I forgot to add replaced?", Radhika bua commented and I heard her daughter sniggering from beside her

"Replaced or not, she's my wife and I give no one the authority to comment on the choice of her clothing, she gets to wear what she wants and do whatever her heart desires", Moksh's voice boomed in the room and everything turned silent, his tone was dominating and his glare was directed towards bua who looked irritated and focused on her plate

And once again I was left with a conflicted mind. I just couldn't figure out this man's mood swings at all. At one moment he always stands like a shield protecting me, taking a stand for me and on the other hand annoys the hell out of me. I swear yeh aadmi mujhe pagal kar denga!

[Translation: I swear this guy will drive me crazy]

I glazed at Moksh from under my lashes but he refused to even spare me a look and was busy with his salad. The lively atmosphere had suddenly dropped to grim while everyone decided to be silent with the occasional clicking of metal and culinary.

"Lasya beta,aapko raat meh achche se nind toh aayi na? Koi dikkat toh nhi hui?", I was busy picking at my food when my mother-in-law decided to break the ice and initiate a conversation

[Translation: Dear, did you sleep well at night? there was no problem, right?]

"Kaha! Aapka beta sone denga tab na, puri raat sone nhi Diya, pura bistar gila kar diya", I mumbled under my breath forgetting that someone sat beside me and could hear me. I instantly bit my lips when I realised the blunder I created. Ziya choked on the water she was drinking and coughed hysterically catching everyone's attention.

[Translation: your son didn't let me sleep a wink at night, the bed was completely wet]

"I-I mean haa acchi nind aayi", I replied rubbing Ziya's back and helped her drink the water carefully. I signalled her with my eyes not to speak anything because I knew she heard me as she was trying her best to control her laughter. Everyone passed us weird looks but resumed their meals.

[Translation: I mean, yes, I slept well]

"Bhabhi aisa kya kar diya mere Bhai, I mean aapke pati neh? Aapke neck per toh marks bhi nhi hai", Ziya whispered and now it was my time to choke on my spit as she passed me a secretive smirk.

[Translation: Sister-in-law, what has my brother done?, I mean your husband? You don't even have marks on your neck.]

"You seriously need to stop watching all those dramas, they are corrupting your mind, kid", I warned looking at her horrified

"Rather than choking on food why don't you both decide to choke to death and let us peacefully have our breakfast", Moksh rolled his eyes at us but his remark was specially directed towards me

"Yeah keep rolling those eyes and maybe you'll find a brain back there", I retorted sarcastically passing him an extra sweet smile only for him to wince

Lasya:1, Moksh:0

"I love it when someone gets mean to Moksh bhai and leaves him tongue-tied. I'm on team Bhabhi's side", Vihaan the other twin earlier by an hour commented with a loop side grin and winked at me to which I winked back

I never had a sibling relationship with anyone or even had a joint family to make memories with since I'd always been in Mumbai. Sam and Prit's family accepted me as their own and welcomed me with open arms but there was still a void inside me which was yet to be filled.

Back in Mumbai I would always return to an empty apartment and be surrounded by loneliness while having my meals in silence. I'd no one to talk to and share anything with after Nani. My best friends were busy with their work but we would meet almost every day yet something was missing.

But being surrounded by all these loving and positive people, who were all smiley and full of life made me feel that there's a lot in life to look up to. Radhika bua was still sore but I knew she would come around soon.

"Lasya puttar aaj sham tak mehndi artist aa jayegi, tu na apna schedule free karle aur mehndi lagwa lena. Nai dulhan ke yu haath sune sune achche nhi lagte", Dadi smiled and I stared at my bare hands biting my lips

[Translation:Lasya dear, the mehendi artist will come by this evening, you free your schedule and get mehendi applied. The hands of a new bride should not be void of colours.]

"Ji dadi", I agreed. "Oy khotte de puttar, tujhe kaha tha na shaadi ka chuda teri votti ke liye mangwana, order de diya tu ne?", she asked Moksh and I coughed the way she addressed me as his wife. I was still not over the fact that I was not single any more but someone's wife.

[Translation: Oh son of a monkey, I told you to order wedding bangles for your wife, did you place the order?]

"Ha na dadi, aur yeh na aap mujhe khotte de puttar na kaha karo, Dad isn't a donkey", Moksh whined but his last sentence earned him a smack from Dadaji making everyone laugh. He glared at everyone especially me but I sniggered more.

[Translation: Yes, Grandma, and don't call me a son of a fool. My Dad isn't a donkey.]

"Koi baat nhi, tere bacche aane de unhe kahenge", Dadaji added making me go all red. At times I hated my fair colour because I could feel my cheeks burning and now doubt I was red like a tomato. It was Moksh's chance to smirk as he passed me a smugged look, chuckling at my expense.

[Translation:No problem, let your children come and then we'll tease them]

Time skipped and it was now evening. I sat on the cushioned stool while the henna artist was busy carving my hand with artistic henna strokes and designs. As much as I loved the smell and colour of henna I hated the back ache it came up with. My back was stiff from sitting for hours, I was first accompanied by the ladies except Bua and her daughter. Soon after they left in the pretext of arranging tomorrow's reception party and now it was only me and Ziya. We talked and got to know a lot about each other.

Ziya was doing her degree in fashion design as she shared her interest and fascination with the graceful world of needles and threads. I made a mental note to share the information with Sam, I knew he would prove as a great mentor for her.

"And then there was this girl back in high school who would spread rumours behind my back saying I was a brat and money obsessed since I was a Mehrotra and how egoistic I am.....", Ziya told me with an angry pout. I melted at her innocent eyes, the girl was just so pure and innocent. She reminded me so much of Raina, both we same yet different. I knew as a matter of fact that I was going to share a deep and precious bond with her hereafter.

"If people are talking behind your back just fart", I added making her and the henna artist laugh at my comment. I swear my sense of humour was broken and I solely blamed Sam for it.

"You're so funny bhabhi, lemme add this to my notes so that I can use it later", Ziya laughed and continued typing on her phone

A chill ran down my spine when I felt a warm breath fanning my neck and goosebumps erupted on my arms. It was the same musky earthly scent that always managed to intoxicate my senses. Moksh!

He smelled of strong musk and cinnamon, the fragrance was mixed to utmost perfection and it smelled heavenly.

"Hope I'm not disturbing you", he whispered throatly and I closed my eyes because of the sensations that passed through my body. "Yes you are", He royally ignored my words and Ziya jumped in the middle trying to ensure peace.

"No Bhai! Bhabhi and I were just chilling", she answered. "I hope I haven't bored you bhabhi, but if I did, then sorry because you have to bear it forever. Gotta go, I still haven't selected the perfect outfit for tomorrow, bye", she stood up and partially ran as if her tail was on fire. I knew the brat did that intentionally. Traitor!

"So whatcha doing?", Moksh's voice pulled me out of my thoughts as he sat beside me leaving a safe distance between us much to my relief. I wasn't someone who liked a skin ship, I was more of a touch-me-not type of person. Some incidents from the past had left deep scars behind which hadn't healed.

"Mujra kar rhi hu, saath karonge?", he twisted his lips as a bitter expression marked his face because of my remark. Well, I love crawling under his skin, years of living Sam had taught me enough skills on how to get on people's nerves.

[Translation: I am dancing, want to dance along to?]

"Aapke saath toh phele ham hamare, chote-chote, pyaare-pyaare bacche karnege", I heard him whispering under his breath and a deep blush made its way on my face. I bit onto my lower lip to control the profound blush spreading more.

[Translation: first I'm going to have our small children with you]

"Kisi baat ka seedhe se jawab nhi de sakti kya aap kabhi?", he questioned irked at my aloofness. "Mai seedhe logo ko hi seedha jawab deti hu", I smiled blinking my eyes innocently at him. I knew he was trying his best to keep his temper in check and I mentally smirked at his expense. Suits you better!

[Translation: Can't you ever give a straight answer to something?

: I give the right answer to the right people]

"Aapse toh muh lagna hi bekar hai", he clicked his tone completely irritated. "Toh mat lago", my reply riled him up so much that I swear I could see him going red in anger. I bit my lips trying to control the laughter, even the henna artist looked interested in our banter.

[Translation: it's useless to talk to you

: then don't]

"Where have you written my name though?", he ignored my witty words pushing past the clouds of rage, the same mischievous glint returning to his deep brown eyes making him look more youthful and handsome. Even though we were of the same age, I swear he looked more young and not a day above 23 if not less.

"Kyu?", I questioned and a shiver ran down my body when he moved closer and rounded his arm around my shoulder. My neck heated up and my cheeks burned as a profound blush coated my face with our proximity. I was never so close to any male species, I'd hugged Ish, Sam, Prit and Dhruv but not in that sense. Moksh made me feel giddy and emotions that I didn't want to feel, not yet.

[Translation: why?]

"Kyu se aapka kya matlab hai? Gharwali ho meri, pati hu mai aapka aur mera naam na likho aisa toh ho hi nhi sakta", he gasped looking at me as if I'd told him Santa Claus wasn't real. My whole face burned with crimson hues and I swear I resembled a freaking tomato.

[Translation: What do you mean by why? You are my wife, I'm your husband, it's not possible that you wouldn't have written my name of your palm]

"Mujhe toh pata hi nhi tha", I smiled gritting my teeth in frustration and shrugged his arms off my shoulder. "Ma'am please don't move", the henna artist requested and continued working on the design

[Translation: I didn't know that]

Moksh ignored my every word and partially snatched the henna cone from the artist's hold leaving both of us baffled. He abruptly turned me towards him and gripped the cone between his fingers.

He wrote his name with utmost focus on the space on my left ring finger looked satisfied with his work and passed me a proud smile. His deep brown eyes held a spark, an innocence so deep that it shook to the core.

"Until I make you wear the ring and officially announce to the world that I'm your husband, bear with my name on your finger? I hope you won't mind?", his words managed to evoke havoc inside my heart. I felt turbulence once the intensity of his words sank into my system. He hadn't said I was his wife, he had claimed that he was my husband.

As foolish as it might sound, his words created a difference, he was aware that something was holding me back so he wanted the world to know that he was my husband before I accepted the fact of being his wife.

He was different, Moksh was different and I could feel the walls I'd built around myself brick by brick crumbling under his magic.