21.

M O K S H

My palms were clammy and I was sweating profusely like a pig even in this air-conditioned room. My mother had partially tricked me into accompanying Lasya on her shopping spree.

Strangely none of the ladies were free who could join along with my wife since she wanted to buy a perfect dress for the D-Day. She didn't want to bother Samyukt this time, so she decided to hunt for an outfit. So I  being the perfect husband that I was, decided to tag along.
Can't slack behind husbandly duties!

But what made everything awkward was today's date, it was the freaking 14th of February aka Valentine's Day. The nuisance of the day, jab saare premi-premikao meh achanak se prem bhav jaag jata hai.

[Translation: When suddenly the feeling of love awakens among all the lovers.]

I didn't understand the concept of celebrating Valentine's even a bit like it was just a glorified day for saying you love someone or confessing.

It would have been us, roaming around and having a gala time, but Lasya was so busy with all the work lined up that I did not want to bother her.

She was always tired and planning something extraordinary would only exhaust her more, so I concluded that I'll take her on a long drive, treat her to something delicious, we will go star gazing and then,
I'll nicely apologize to her.Simple!
Easy pheesy lemon squeezy~

Aur aise pyaar ki kya hi zarurat jiska ikraar karne ko ek particular din ki zarurat ho! Huff!

[Translation: And what is the need of such a love which needs a special day to confess! Huff!]

But the fact was Valentine's and Children's Day were both in sync with a gap of perfect 9 months. Matlab 14 Feb ko booking karo, bich meh shipping hogi aur product 14 November ko aapke yaha deliver. Sounds pretty cool

[Translation: Meaning, book on 14th February, shipping will happen in between and the product will be delivered to you on 14th November.]

I stared at the mall decorated with red hearts, romantic banners, quotes, roses and whatnot with envious eyes. Everyone was confessing their undying love, roaming around while holding hands aur har jagah pyaar ki bawchar ho rhi hai. Ham singles ke liye koi din nhi hota kya?

[Translation: Love is being showered everywhere. Is there no day for us singles?]

I am single, but still not single because I have a wife but we aren't pretty close to being termed as a couple who would do lovely shit together so apparently I am single. I shook my head as I mentally communicated with myself.

I huffed and scrolled through my phone while waiting for Lasya. She was supposed to meet me in the mall after my second half shift, but she was late. I didn't blame her though, Delhi's traffic sucked.

"I'm sorry, I am late", I turned towards the door of the showroom I was sitting in when I heard my wife's voice. "I hope I didn't make you wait for too long", she wore a white shirt with blue denim and white loafers. She looked simple yet elegant.

"No, it's okay", I shook my head and smiled at her. She softly nodded and placed her purse on the couch before sitting beside me. "Aunty and Dadi won't let me leave home before having lunch and then I was stuck in the traffic", she spoke but what caught my attention was 'home'.

In the past, she always referred to it as the Mehrotra mansion or house. But today something changed, it wasn't a mere building to which she had to return anymore, it was home. Home, is a special word, a special safe place filled with warmth and love. With people to share your joys and memories.

Anyone could build something out of bricks and stones but it takes effort and warmth to build a home, a family, your people, fondness and feelings.

I smiled foolishly at her, my heart filling with warmth and peace. She was finally accepting our family and it wouldn't be long before she believed in the concept of 'us'.

Above all, a home is much more than a house. And no one can resist the charms of the great Moksh Mehrotra. smirk!

"Koi baat nhi, you have already talked to the stylist about your preferences before?", I questioned and turned fully towards her. "I did last night", she answered, showing me the text messages. I shrugged and waited for the employees to rush to our aid.

"Reminds me, why aren't you contacting Sam this time? For your outfit obviously", I asked.

"The last time I made him design an outfit, he nearly trapped me inside what feels like tons of fabric and jewellery.
I swear I had a tough time managing and roaming around with so much weight", she sounded horrified, with her eyes open wide as she explained to me the situation.

She looked so cute that I wanted to pull her cheeks and bite them so bad but I resisted the urge.

"So this time I thought to take matters into hand and not to rely on that moron. He just finds ways to get back to me", she muttered under her breath, grumbling a little with pouted lips.

I cleared my unholy thoughts as the irresistible urge to place my lips upon hers was bubbling inside of me.

"Good afternoon Mr and Mrs Mehrotra", one of the employees greeted us, snapping me out of my thoughts. I cleared my throat and pressed my lips embarrassed. "Good evening, I have already talked to the stylist and I wanted something in which I can freely move around...", Lasya greeted her back and they engaged in a conversation.

My eyes automatically shifted to her moving lips and I unblinkingly looked at her. Her lips were full and luscious, coated with a thin layer of gloss they shined under the lights of the shop, looking more appealing.

I looked away immediately when Lasya stared at me. "Is there something specific you wanted to have, since we'll be colour-coordinating", she raised her eyebrows and I blinked nervously. "I am okay with anything", I gulped and nodded furiously.

"You okay? Moksh?", Ladya questioned. "Me? I'm fine, like seriously fine, mujhe kya hona hai? I wasn't thinking about your li- I mean mai thik hu", I bit my tongue as I was bladdering nonsense and chided myself mentally.

[Translation: what will happen to me? I mean I am fine]

The ladies stared at me strangely but ignoring it they walked away before approving my words and walking away. As soon as they left I chugged down a glass of water and ran a hand through my hair.
I was seriously making a fool of myself in front of them. Phew!!

I fanned my burning face when I noticed the security guard giving me a weird look. Shaking my head and passing him an awkward smile I turned my face towards the cloth aisle.
Too much embarrassment for a single day.

Checking the time in my wristwatch I stood on my feet. Something clicked in my mind and I smirked. Swiftly removing my jacket, I loosened my tie a bit and rolled my sleeves up to my elbow ditching the blazer on the couch.

On various occasions, I had caught my life secretly ogling at my hands. Whenever I would have my hands on display she would constantly stare at them. And that's when I noticed that she admired the veins of my hands. It would turn her cheeks into profound red and she would be left immensely flustered.

Matlab aag dono taraf lagi hai.

[Translation: Meaning the fire is on both sides]

Since then I have been wearing sleeves t-shirt and would roll my sleeves to have my wife snack on my veins, she would first feast on them with her eyes, her hazel orbs racking from my fingers to the veins disappearing under the fabric, then she would gulp slowly and after some time blink her lashes blushing furiously.

It isn't illegal to indirectly seduce your wife! And if it is, then I'm a criminal! Smooth like butter, like a criminal undercover.

As much as I enjoyed the site of her checking me out, I was waiting for the day to show her what lay beneath the layer of fabric, she would be impressed, wouldn't she?

I walked towards the clothes aisle and surfed through the clothes, choosing one for my wife. Even though I am not taking her on a date I don't need a specific occasion to gift her something, right?

Squinting my eyes, I racked my eyeballs through every piece of clothing but nothing was of my interest. Some clothes lacked my desired fabric, some didn't have proper stitching according to my liking, some were too basic and lacked that spark some were too flashy for a date, nothing was Lasya-worthy.

I swear I wasn't picky but this store doesn't have anything that I like, I don't know why Lasya even chose them. Shaking my head, I skipped to another rack.

Throwing my hands dramatically in the air I gave up the idea of finding something Lasya-worthy, it was a task I swear. Rather than wasting time, I'll have Samkyut design something for Lasya myself, something that would resemble her. Even though she wore neutral colours she still looked like an angel in them.

"Moksh?", I turned around at her voice and I swear I felt everything stopped around me.

Lasya stood in front of me looking as breath-taking as ever. Dressed in a light champagne gown with a thigh-high slit hugging her curves perfectly. A sweetheart neckline that highlighted her collarbone and exposed cleavage, and shimmery detachable bicep sleeves that ended till her elbow.

The dress was strapless and wrapped her like a glove, and Lasya's personality made the dress look more elegant and regal. The exposure of skin wasn't a bother for me, because one my wife gets to wear whatever the fvck she desires and two, I have worked hard enough in the gym to throw a fist of two. I will bury every bastard and bitch who will oppose her, and break every finger with raises against her.
I won't stand any nonsense related to my wife.

"Beautiful", I whispered under my breath as I racked my eyes on her frame. She looked no less angelic than she was. The dress looked like it was made for her. Even if she carried that poker expression on her face, she was still a cute frowning cat to me. And I love cats!

"Huh?", a throaty voice escaped my lips and I blinked several times to snap out of the daze. "I was asking if the dress is okay. Like the neckline and all? It's appropriate right?", Lasya sounded doubtful as she adjusted the dress near her chest area. I took a deep breath and cleared my mind, trying to not look like a creep and being caught checking my wife, before answering.

"You can wear whatever you want Lasya, no one's stopping you and if you are worrying about the fingers that would rise against you, then please don't, I will make sure they won't have enough fingers thereafter", I assured with an encouraging smile and Lasya nodded satisfactorily with a faint red hue on her cheeks. "Moreover I am pretty open-minded you know", I winked at her.

"Fir toh tumhara dimag bahar gir jata hoga na", she whispered batting her lashes innocently. The smile on my face dropped and I passed her a scornful smile. "very funny", I twisted my lips and narrowed my eyes at her. Bas mood kharab karna bata do maharani-ji ko!

[Translation: Then your brain would fall out, wouldn't it?

She only knows how to ruin the moment]

Lasya sniggered at my reaction and shaking her head walked towards the changing room before checking her out for the last time in the mirror. I scowled at her retreating figure and rolled my eyes.
I bet a day will come when this woman will let me peacefully flirt with my wife.

Suddenly a top caught my attention and I briskly walked towards the rack. I lifted the hanger and examined the piece of clothing. It was a white off-shoulder knitted top with full sleeves. It was simple, and elegant and would keep her warm.
Perfect and casual. Not too much or too little, just like Lasya, my wife!

With a full-blown smile, I searched for an employee and finally found one. "Can you please give it to my wife and ask her to change into it, please?", I raised my eyebrows in anticipation of the giddy feeling in my heart. "Sure, sir", she smiled warmly before taking the dress from my hold and walking towards the same changing room Lasya went to.

I rubbed my palms in excitement and stood near the couch waiting. My nerves grew impatient and I wondered if she'd wear it or refuse. I should have requested her myself, what if she won't be comfortable changing into it?

I have hardly seen her wearing something revealing.
Aish!! I am going nuts with all the overthinking.

"Please send the dress a day prior with perfect alterations", I grabbed Lasya's purse from the couch, and my blazer and walked towards the billing counter to get rid of my overthinking brain and I was honestly too afraid of seeing her not wearing something I chose.

"Moksh? Kaha Jaa rhe hai?", I halted in my steps and cursed mentally. Clicking my tongue, I turned around with a sheepish smile. "Kahi nhi, mai toh bas-", I was at a loss of words when I saw her wearing the same top I chose.

[Translation: Where are you going?

Nowhere, maybe that's it]

She had her hair done in a ponytail and a question mark on her face. Her innocent eyes blinked looking at me puzzled and her pale face a bit red from the cold temperature.

The top was a perfect fit and made her look more youthful. But what made her stand out was the nuptial chain resting proudly on her cleavage.

A sense of pride filled me and I felt something coy inside of me when I noticed the nuptial chain. It made me feel that I belonged to her just the way she belonged to me.

"Billing karne ja raha tha", I completed my sentence and she gave me an "Are you sure look. I closed my mouth which was gaping like a fish admiring her. "I-I mean you discuss the final deal and I'll look into the billing", I stammered a bit and bit my tongue before taking a deep breath and speaking fluently.

[Translation: was going to billing]

Lasya nodded unsure and resumed her conversation. I paid the bill and hurried out of the store. Once outside I took a deep breath of relief and wiped the sweat on my forehead. I didn't think that she'd accept my gift but I was proved wrong, she did consider it.

I hit the back of my head at my foolishness and just visualized her in the dress. She looked pretty though.

Still daydreaming I walked down the elevator and went towards the car. Unlocking it, I kept her bag in the backseat and took my place in the driver's seat. Having Lasya as my passenger princess makes me feel complete.

Not soon after Lasya emerged in the parking lot while talking with someone on her phone.
After our previous visit to the mall and the ruckus they caused, she had made sure to not ever leave her phone back in the purse again.

"Yeah, I want you in the new office the day after tomorrow and if not, you are welcome to submit your resignation letter", she threatened in a cold voice and sat inside, strapping her seatbelt.

Even with the coldness in her voice I still can't stop myself from feeling hot in her presence. Her serious expressions and cold voice were a massive turn-on to me.

"You know I chose the white colour intentionally for you", I spoke once she ended her call and kept her phone on the dashboard. Lasya gave me a questioning look.

I straightened myself on my seat while we drove out of the mall and onto the main road.

"With your hair down and subtle makeup, you look pretty and it's your favourite colour", she raised an eyebrow doubtfully at my compliment. I cleared my throat, feeling intimidated by her stare.

"So your concept is?", she questioned and I noticed the small corner of her lip, struggling to turn upward. "isn't it obvious?", I interjected changing the gear, my fingers itched to keep my palm on her thighs, yet I controlled the urge.

I swear my wife was making me a despo for her.

"so you mean to say that I'm looking pretty?", she asked unsure and a small smile threatened to form on my face but I held it back. I smirked internally and tightened my grip on the steering wheel. It's revenge time wifey.

"Yeah, just like a virgin chudail-I mean l-like an a-angel", I bit back my tongue when she stared at me with her dangerous hazel eyes. I know for a matter of fact that she wasn't going to let it pass.

"I'm sorry, it was a slip of the tongue", I clenched my teeth and looked at her with a fearful expression yet focused on the road and vice-versa.

"Let's just go, focus on driving", Lasya gave me a look that screamed 'dumb-fvck-bastard' and rolled her eyes annoyed.

"Don't roll your eyes at me, biwi", my voice turned hard and I turned my head towards her. "Why? Will you pluck them out? Try me", she challenged back and I clicked my tongue and shook my head.

"no! I'll have you begging for more at my mercy with your toes rolling back in pleasure", I so wanted to tell her this to her face but held back the urge.

I didn't want to be beheaded so soon by my wife, meri toh nai-nai shaadi hui hai, koi awlaad bhi nhi hai.
NO! NO! Mai bohot jawan hu abhi tak toh marne ke liye.

[Translation: I am newly married and don't have any children.
No! No! I am still too young to die.]

"This isn't the turn to our home", Lasya said when I missed the turn. "We are going somewhere", I answered back while focusing on the road.

"Ok, I get it, this time you're surely planning to make me kiss my pathetic life goodbye or bury me alive somewhere", she threw her hands in the air dramatically and scowled at me.

'the only one kissing the life out of you is me, and I'm the only one who's going to be deeply buried inside you, alive, me and me only, your husband!'

"You are seriously crazy", I shook my head at her assumptions and smiled softly. "Yeah, at least being crazy is far better than being Moksh Mehrotra", she grinned sarcastically and the smile on my face dropped while I gave her a nasty look.

"Chup karne ka kya logi tum?", I questioned. "Your entire existence", she answered batting her lashes innocently making me scowl at her.

[Translation: what will you take to keep quiet?]

I continued driving and an hour later we finally arrived at the place. By the time we reached it, it was already dark. Lasya stepped down first and I followed swiftly after. I checked the time on my watch and saw it was 7:30 in the evening.

"This place is just, wow", Lasya's eyes twinkled with amazement as she stared at the place. "I know right", I replied and kept my phone on silent before sliding it back into my pocket. I deserve some alone time with my wife.

I had brought her to a hillside area. It was vacant and silent with no one around. Since it wasn't time for dinner yet, I decided to spend some time here before we left for dinner.

The place was lush green and one could see the beautiful view of the night city. Cricket's hummed in the background making the environment soothing. Lasya roamed the whole area like an excited child, looking at everything in fascination.

She looked like a free bird whose curtailed freedom had finally ended and she was given a chance to enjoy the life out of the prison she was caged in. She looked carefree and a soul with life.

A full-blown smile stretched on her face, it was the first time I had seen her smile so freely and it put me at ease that I was somewhere the reason for it.

It was the smile I wanted to grace her face, the smile that lighted her hazel orbs with a spark, making her look enchanting. Her whole face was illuminated with the moonlight as she looked around in awe.

I slowly walked towards her with my hands in my pockets and stood on a hand distance away from her.
Soon I am going to end this distance between too.

"Lasya?", she turned towards me with her face laced with adoration. "Yes", she seemed happy and I chuckled at her excitement.

"I have something to say", I spoke and she turned confused. "You aren't going on your knees and confessing your undying love for me, are you?", she questioned amused and I just shook my head.

"Nah, usko abhi wakt hai", I answered. "For now, I want to apologise", I added taking a step ahead and I was glad she didn't step back like before.

[Translation: nope! It still has time]

"I know I have been nothing but a d¡ck to you from day one of our marriage, I am aware that I caused pretty much a scene on our reception night which disturbed you and was the reason for your silent treatment", realisation dawned upon her and she turned stiff at the mention of that night making me feel more guilty than I already was

"I am so ashamed of the ruckus I created, I have been a jerk and I'm honestly sorry for it. My actions are completely unacceptable and no justification could rectify what I did", my heart pricked with needles when the spark in her eyes extinguished and was replaced by the same cold facade

"I was not in my senses nor could I explain my actions but I want you to know I am guilty of everything, I know you suffered too, silently but you did and I am embarrassed for it"

"You don't deserve such behaviour from anyone, let alone me and I'm willingly ready to do anything, go to any extent to fix it", I gulped the lump forming in my throat and blinked my lashes. My eyes burned from controlling my tears as I didn't get to break down.

"I know you might not feel the same way, and I respect whatever conclusion you come to and your decision but please also know that I care for you and I'm so sorry. Even though the word is so small for my blunder, I am still sorry. I am ready to go on my knees, but please don't hate me, you mean a lot to me Lasya, don't think of leaving me, please. I won't be able to take it", I begged honestly, pouring out my heart filled with all the emotions in front of her.

I took her cold palms in my hands and stared at her hopefully as a traitor tear escaped my eye and I sniffed an unbearable sob.
While Lasya looked at me strangely, almost emotionless.