"𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖."
~~~
Preeti's POV~
"Preeti can you make five cups of tea, please beta!" Mummy asked entering the kitchen.
"Mummy, you know you don't need to request. Sirf hukum kijiye Sasuma!!" I said and she laughed.
[Just order mother in law.]
"Mujhe apni bahu pe hukum nahi karna. I can't order you, you're no less than a daughter to me." She said caressing my hairs.
[I don't want to order on my daughter in law.]
That's how sweet my mother in law is!
They treat me no less than a daughter. On days I'm late Mummy sends us food and on weekends Papa treats us with his special Chai.
I smiled at her and started preparing the tea. Right now I was at my in laws house as Mummy had some friends coming over and Riya wasn't home to help her.
Since it's a Saturday I was early home. Mummy and Papa were leaving to somewhere in the evening, Akhil had overtime today, so it will be just me and Riya at home.
Akhil!!
The mere thought of him makes me smile like an idiot.
What can I do about that?
Kaam hi nahi karne deta!
[Doesn't let's me work!]
Flashback~
"Pree...!!" Akhil yelled for the third time from the room.
"Aa rahi hun Baba!!" I said entering the room. "What?" I asked frowning .
[Coming!!]
"I can't find my pendrive. Did you see it?" He asked grinning.
Why are you grinning like that?
"It's in the first drawer of the dresser. You kept it there yesterday." I said rolling my eyes.
"Ohh sorry, bhul gaya tha." He smiled sheepishly.
[Ohh sorry, I forgot]
"Akhil I need to cook lunch. Don't even dare to disturb me or else.... "
"Or else... " he asked smirking.
He's been smirking too much these days!!
"Or else.... Sleep on the couch!!" I said sternly and his smirk disappeared.
Haaa!! Sherni se panga!
No chance!!
[Messing with the tigress!]
"You don't mean it do you?" he asked pouting.
Aww... My baby!
Kahan gayi saari khadoosiyat Mr. Agnhiotri!
[Where did all the attitude go Mr. Agnhiotri!]
"Koi shak?" I winked and came back to the kitchen.
[Any doubt?]
"Jaan you can't do this to me. I'm not sleeping on the couch."
He said keeping his chin on my shoulder and hugging me from behind.
I couldn't move or shove his hands as my hands were covered with flour.
"Only if you behave like an obedient husband." I said chuckling.
What else could I say? He's too cute sometimes.
"Thoda mushkil hai, koshish karunga." He pecked my cheek and pulled his hands back.
[It's bit difficult, I'll try.]
Flashback ends~
This new side of him amuses me but also contents me.
I poured the tea in cups and served them to the ladies in the living room.
"Beta you still do a job?" asked one of the elderly ladies.
"Uhh.. Yes Aunty."
"Ab toh shaadi ho gayi hai... Saas Sasur ka khayal rakho. Yeh job wob kyu? " she said.
[Now you're married. Take care of your in laws. Why job?]
Are you serious?
"Because aunty I love to do it and my family doesn't has a problem with it." I said trying not to snap at her.
Kis jamane mein rehete ho Aunty Ji?
[Which era do you live in Aunty?]
"Hmm....Varsha you only tell her. Par waise bhi aajkal ki bahuye sunti kahan hai? "
[But daughter in laws now a days don't listen.]
I was about to answer the lady but Mummy cut me off.
"Sandhya you're absolutely right. Aajkal ki bahuye sunti kahan hai. "
[Now a days daughter in laws don't listen. ]
I looked at mummy dumbfounded.
"Tumhari bahu ko hi dekhlo.Tumhare laakh mana karne ke baad bhi us plot pe investment kiya aur dekho dubba diye na 2 laakh!!"
[See your daughter in law.Though you warned lakh times she still invested on that land. See 2 lakhs are in water now]
I saw the lady getting awkward now.
Sixer mummy!!
"Aur yeh meri bahu bhi nahi sunti meri. Kitni baar bolti hun kaam pe jyada dhyaan do magar nahi. Isse to har do ghante mein mujhe call karke haal puchna hota hai. Bahot pareshaan karti hai. "
[And my daughter in law also don't listen. How many time I've told her to focus on work but no. She has to call me every two hours to check on me. Troubles me alot.]
I bit my inner cheeks to control my laughter so were the other ladies.
Mummy too good!!
Smiling I entered the kitchen and the next moment it widened as my phone pinged with Akhil's message.
*I think you aren't missing me today. No messages and calls since lunch 🥺.
I chuckled and replied back.
No I'm not, are you?
Nahi nahi.... Aadmi to aise hi beech meeting mein biwi ko message karta hai!!😑
[No no... A man texts his wife for no reasons in between a meeting.]
Aww... If you'll miss me so much how will you work overtime, Huh😉?
If I could ... I'll come home this instant woman 😏.
Bss karo... Ab kaam pe dhyaan do!
[Enough and focus on work now]
No no... There is a beautiful junior with us. Uspe dhyaan dunga😬.
[I'll focus on her]
As much as I wished to revert back with an answer my fingers stoped typing. I don't know why but I felt a sudden ping in my heart.
*Ohh hello.... Don't over think madam.
Nothing can distract my work!!
But I didn't smile.
Why do I feel so possessive about him?
*Except you 😉!!
And there goes my heart!!
This man very well knows how to fluster me.
But what was this sudden possessive feeling. I know he didn't mean what he said but still it worried me.
Everything about him bothers me more than it should.
Why do I get this sudden urge of his touch, his presence? I miss him whenever he's at the office.
Spending time with him makes me the happiest. I feel warm and at home with him.
Am-Am I in love?
Uh oh!!
*Emergency* I messaged.
---
"Preeti will you please tell now." Neha
said tensed.
I had messaged Neha, Richa, Riki, Swati Bhabhi and Meera.
Meera and Swati Bhabhi were no less than Neha and Richa to me. So I knew I could share it with them too.
"Uhh.. It's-its a little complicated...I mean I-I.... Ughh... How do you know that you're in love?" I spoke the latter part in one breath.
They all gasped and a smile broke on everyone's face.
"So someone's in love, Huh?" Richa bumped my shoulder.
"I'm not sure if I'm in love. I just want to know what's exactly like falling in love?"
Usko dekhe to dil Usain Bolt ban jata hai, aur kehti hai not sure... Huh!!
[Seeing him your heart becomes Usain Bolt, and saying not sure... Huh!!]
My conscience mocked.
Stupid heart!!
"It's like coming home after a long trip. That's what love is. It's like coming home." Neha said holding my hand.
"You know you're in love if you feel at peace and most comfortable with them yet, your heart beat increases the moment you see them.
Just one smile from them and the entire day is escatic. Their presence means the most and their absence hurts the most. " Swati Bhabhi explained.
"So do you think your situation is the same?" Meera asked raising an eyebrow.
"I-I don't know. I don't know if I can embrace love."
What if I do some blunder?
Moreover what if Akhil doesn't have the same feelings for me.
Din bhar to tere baare mein sochta hai!
Feelings hogi tabhi to sochta hoga na!!
[Entire day he's thinking about you!
He's thinking because he has feelings!!]
Ughh....I'm buying a new conscience!!
"Preeti are you in denial?" Richa asked softly keeping a hand over my shoulder.
"No I'm not. I don't know if Akhil... "
"Think about your feelings right now. We'll figure out about his later." Neharika cut me.
'Whatever phase of life and relationship we'll be in and no matter how things are between us I'll always be there like an ideal friend and partner.'
'There are many this and thats in a relationship Preeti, but what so ever you'll always find me besides you. Forever.'
'You always make me realize that choosing you as my life partner is the best decision of my life.'
'Always!'
'But I promise to be there for you when you're hurt. You don't need to go through it alone.'
'You made me forget all the vocabulary I learnt.'
His words echoed in my mind. How can I not love this man. He's just been perfect!!
I am not in denial and I never was.
It's fine if he doesn't loves me yet! I can love him with whole heart.
My lips twitched up to form a smile and all of them squealed. The people around looked at us as if we've run from a mental asylum.
But I saw Swati Bhabhi and Meera sharing knowing looks.
Kya khichdi pak rahi hai?
[What's cooking?]
"But...Akhil shouldn't know about this. " I said turning serious.
"Why??" they all gasped.
"I'll let him know when the right time comes. Right now just let it go with the flow. Please!!"
They all nodded.
I noticed Riki was constantly checking her phone once in a while.
Suddenly her phone pinged and her eyes lit up.
Hmm....May be I'm not the only one in love!!
"Kuch to hua hai, kuch ho gaya hai... " I started singing and winked at her.
[Something is happening, something has happened...]
"Kya? Kuch nahi hua hai." she said getting nervous.
[What? Nothing has happened.]
"To itna muskura kyu rahi hai?"
[Then why are you smiling so much.]
"I had actually ordered a cake for Maa. It got delivered. That's why I'm happy. Nothing else."
"Ohh... Ashish ke café se order kiya tha kya? " I said making a 'you can't fool me face'.
[Did you order it from Ashish's cafe?]
"Uhhh... I-I think we should leave!!" she was about to get up but I made her sit back.
"Ashish as in, our Ashish?" Swati Bhabhi asked surprised.
I nodded and everyone smiled looking at Riki.
"No Preeu, it's not what you think. We're good friends. No feelings involved." Riki said.
But was I going to believe her?
"Riki I saw it in your eyes. The way they lit when he messaged... Don't think that I didn't notice you during the trip. Riki it's fine to give yourself a second chance." I tried to make her understand.
"I-I'm scared Preeu. My heart has been broken once. I'm not ready to risk it again." She said with moist eyes.
My baby!
I wish I could break her ex fiance's face. That bastard!!
"I don't think anyone is ever ready, but when someone makes you feel alive again it's kind of worth the risk!" Neha assured her.
Riki just nodded in tiny and then her phone ringed. She wiped her tears and smiled as the name displayed 'Ashish'.
She excused herself and we all looked happily at her retarding figure.
"So now are you clear about your feelings Preeu?" Swati Bhabhi asked.
"I'm very very clear Bhabhi!!" I grinned.
I love him!
Yes I do!!
Maine to pehle hi bola tha!!
[I told you!!]
My conscience said proudly.
Haan thike! Jyada udd mat!!
[It's fine! Don't boast too much!!]
We all bid goodbyes and I was walking out of the cafe we were at when I saw Riya standing near a lamp post.
What is she doing here?
It's almost 8:30 in the evening. I thought she might be at home.
But why does she look gloomy?
"Riya... " I called and waved at her. She waved back with a smile and hop walked towards me.
She's still a kid!
"Hi Bhabhi, aap yahan?"
[You here?]
"Yeah just met with my friends. What are you doing here?"
"Same, just met some friends. You're going home na?"
I nodded.
"Fine let's go together." she sighed.
"What happened? You look sad." I asked holding both her shoulders. She clearly looked disturbed.
"Uhh.. Nothing Bhabhi. I'm fine."
No you're not. And I'm going to cheer you up!!
"Riya if you don't mind can we meet my parents first. I haven't met them since two weeks."
"Bhabhi why would I mind?" she said and I nodded.
-
We both reached my home and I rang the doorbell.
Vivaan opened the door and smiled widely.
"Di!! " he hugged me.... No no correction... He actually crushed me!
I giggled and patted his head.
"Chal hat abhi. Andar jaane de." I said and pushed him him aside.
[Now get aside. Let me go in. ]
"Chipkali, tu bhi?" I heard him from behind.
[Lizard, you too? ]
"Not so nice to meet you Chachundar!!" she gave him a tight lipped smile and I stiffened my laugh.
Kids!!
He shook his head and gestured her to come inside, and went to his room.
Papa was sitting on the sofa having his soup and Maa came out from the kitchen wiping her hands.
"Preeu what a surprise!!" Maa hugged me and I seated myself besides Papa.
"How's your health uncle?" Riya asked.
"All fine! How are you?" Papa replied.
"Amazing!!" she grinned.
I thought may be distracting her mind from whatever disturbed her might lighten her mood. And it worked!
"Chipkali video game khelegi?" Vivaan asked coming out of his room.
[Will you play video game?]
"Mein Chachundaro ke sath nahi khelti." she gave him a bored expression.
[I don't play with mole rats.]
"Come on. I know you're afraid that you'll loose!" he wiggled his eyebrows.
Phir shuru hogaye dono!!
*facepalm*
[Again both started!!]
"Don't challenge me Chachundar. Don't forget you were the one who used to loose during college times." Riya glared.
"That was three years back. I'm sure I can beat you in the game now. "
"Ohh really let's see then. Kisme kitna hai dam."
[Who has how much strength.]
"Of course!!" Vivaan smirked.
Tu bhi apne senior se sikh raha hai kya smirk karna!
[Are you also learning to smirk from your senior!]
Riya rolled her eyes and they both went inside the room.
Video game mat udadena bass...!!
[Just don't blast the video game...!!]
---
We left after having dinner and Vivaan was the one dropping us home.
I saw a sudden change in Riya's mood again. She was again gloomy from the dinner time.
Did they both fight?
Cz none of them is talking. They aren't even bickering.
They are silent and that's worrying me.
My phone buzzed and I opened the voice note from Akhil.
*Message me once you reach home. I'll be home after an hour or so. Don't wait for me. Good night Jaan!
I smiled and replied back with a goodnight.
After reaching home I changed and laid on the bed, but I couldn't sleep. I've grown habitual to Akhil's arms.
Jaldi aao mere Khadoos!!
[Come soon my Khadoos!!]
After more than an hour I heard some shuffling in the living room.
He's home!
I felt the bedside beside me sinking. Since I was facing the other side he slowly snacked his arm around my waist. I pulled it under my head and he chuckled.
"Soyi nahi abhi tak?" he whispered.
[You didn't sleep?]
I shaked my head in negative and he put another arm below my waist pulling me closer.
Neha was right.
Love is like coming home!
And for me it was coming to Akhil cz now he was my home!!
**********
Heyooo!!!
Updating earlier than a week cz I have tests starting from Monday.
That's it for today's chapter.
Comment and tell how was it?
What's wrong with Riya🤔? Any idea?
QOTD : Do you like video games?
See ya 🙋♀❣️.