Even after a long and tiring day at work, Shivaay with weariness etched on his face trudged through the bustling city streets yearning for the solace of his humble abode, his home. The weight of exhaustion was a heavy burden on his shoulders but his determination to spend quality time with his beloved wife, Annika propelled him forward.
As the late afternoon sun began its descent towards the horizon casting a warm golden hue on the path ahead, Shivaay quickened his pace. He longed to reach his home before the clock struck five eager to surprise Annika with a spontaneous movie night. With every stride, his anticipation grew, a flicker of excitement igniting within his weary bones.
Finally Shivaay arrived at the familiar doorstep, his heart pounding with a mixture of fatigue and exhilaration. He fumbled for his keys in his coat pocket, a testament to the fatigue that threatened to consume him- which he refused to give up.
The door creaked open, revealing a warmly lit hallway that provided respite from the chaos of the outside world.
Inside the house, exuded a sense of calmness and serenity, a harmonious refuge that welcomed him home. The gentle aroma of freshly brewed coffee- his to go option- wafted through the air an enchanting symphony of comfort that tingled his senses. Shivaay kicked off his worn-out shoes, placing them on the shoe rack that sat adjutant to the door, sighing in relief as his tired feet sank into the plush depths of the cold tiled floor.
To his surprise, Annika adorned in her college attire- white wide legged denim paired with a black crop top- emerged from the living room, a look of incredulity etched on her lovely features. Her eyes widened with amazement as she took in the sight of Shivaay, her husband who was supposed to come by late evening, standing before her.
Clearly his early arrival had caught her by surprise and sent a cascade of curiosity rippling through her thoughts.
Bewildered Annika's voice trembled with curiosity as she queried "Shivaay how did you manage to return home so soon? I thought you would be caught up with work until late evening."
A gentle smile escaped Shivaay's lips his eyes gleaming with affection. He reached out and gently caressed Annika's cheek savoring the softness of her skin beneath his fingertips. "Socha ke kuch time biwi ke sath spend kar lo. Nahi toh biwi gussa ho jati hein."
[Trans- I thought that it is nice spending time with wife. Or else the wife wouldn't be happy.]
"Sach boliye na." Annika whined, slapping lightly on his biceps.
[Trans- Speak truth.]
"Sacchi yaar. Aap ne kaha tha ke Aaj aap college ke baad free ho, so I wanted to stay with you." He whispered his voice laced with tenderness. "Aur socha ke mein apne biwi ko dinner ke liye, apna cooking skills deka du."
[Trans- Truth ya. You had told me that you are mostly free after college, so I wanted to stay with you.]
[Trans- And thought it would be rather nice to showcase my cooking skills to my wife.]
The mention of dinner preferences prompted a flicker of excitement to dance in Annika’s eyes.
Shivaay gestured towards their bedroom urging Annika to freshen up and don light clothes. "My lady, don't worry about preparing dinner or calling maa and telling your happenings. Or worst complaint about me to her. Aap bus apne pati ka khayal rakhiye."
[Trans- You just have to take care of your husband's wellbeing.]
Annika's lips curved into a smile mirroring Shivaay's excitement and anticipation.
"Aur kaise khayal rakhna hein?" Annika raised her brows asking, perhaps more of teasing him.
[Trans- And how should I take care of him and his wellbeing.]
"Apke pati, apne patni ko khush dekh kar he khush ho jate hein." He told with his flirty smile. "Just be yourself. Kaafi hain."
[Trans- You husband only wishes to see his wife happy and sound.]
[Trans- That's enough.]
She squeezed his hand gently silently acknowledging the effort he had put into creating this beautiful escape from their mundane routines.
"Go fast and make sure to be back in the next half an hour." Shivaay urged Annika to have a nice relaxing shower and be back to him.
With a renewed sense of vigor and anticipation Annika glided towards the bedroom her blossoming laughter resonating through the house.
In their modest and minimalist home Shivaay busied himself readying the bedroom. He piled up a couple of blankets towards the end of the bed, and then placed his laptop on it. He, then, dimmed the lights creating an ambiance of intimacy and tranquility. Piles of freshly buttered popcorn cascaded into a large bowl, releasing a tantalizing aroma that hinted at the decadent evening ahead.
Shivaay double-checked his ott platform, ensuring that their chosen cinematic masterpiece was loaded and ready for their viewing pleasure.
As Annika emerged from their non-attached bathroom from the living room to their bedroom, an ethereal vision swathed in warmth and comfort, Shivaay's breath hitched in adoration.
She wore a cozy white wide neck tee with beige coloured loose pyjamas that had pokla dots of black colour. Her eyes sparkled with joy her hair cascading down her shoulders in soft waves. Shivaay was struck by the realization that no screen could compare to the allure of his wife's presence.
She is cute!
With eager anticipation Shivaay took Annika's hand leading her towards, their bed a.k.a. cinematic haven. The room emanated with a palpable energy a vibrant synergy between anticipation and love. As they settled onto the medium sized however very cozy bed with their entwined fingers resting atop a shared pillow, then Shivaay pressed play button.
"Jab we met? Seriously Shivaay! You could have opted for some crime and thriller movie."
"You aren't vibing with me yaar. It's romantic movie night." Shivaay argued back with her.
"But I have watched it a million times. So you have, I guess. It's predictable. You should have played that Tamil movie, Ratsaan. That's so beautiful made."
"Aree yaar kon movie date pe woh suspense thriller dekta hein. And moreover this is vibing with my vibes."
[Trans- Aree, dude who watches that movie during a movie date.]
"Shiv-"
"Watch this with me or I will-"
"Or? What Shivaay ji?" Annika watched him grumbling and tried teasing him only wishing to see him blush.
"Or I will kiss you!" Flustered and nervous, Shivaay blabbered.
"Achha come. Let's kiss." Initiating the touch, Annika leaned over his shoulder and grabbed hold of his round neck collared tee.
[Trans- Okay,]
Placing his left palm over her lipglossed lips, Shivaay stopped her for a moment, and tried his hand in threatenings. "How dare you do something like this with your professor. I neve-"
"Ex-professor." Annika corrected him, as she pushed his palm from her face.
"Yes! Yes! Former professor but still! Don't you know how guru is treated. He is like a god to students. Next parents! How dare you try to get close with me, your guru. Sharam nahi aati kya?"
[Trans- aren't you ashamed?]
"Sharam kyu! Pasand aagye isliye pati bana liya. And about being to the level of god and parents, let this student show you how to worship." Seductively Annika, moved her fingers beneath his tee, caressing his skin.
[Trans- And why should I? I liked you so I made you my husband.]
"Accha?" Shivaay whimpered under her touch, "let's complete the movie and then continue this. What say?"
[Trans- Is it?'
With Annika's seducing and bold attempts the movie was quickly pushed to the darkest corner of their minds, fading away like a distant memory. Annika, a woman with an allure that captivated those around her, seized the opportunity to take the lead in their passionate embrace.
Her eyes brimming with mischief and desire locked onto Shivaay's as she confidently reached out and grabbed his nape. The electricity in the air intensified as she pulled him closer their bodies gravitating towards each other like magnets. With a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins she pressed her lips against his with an intensity that left no doubt about her intentions.
Annika was a force to be reckoned with – headstrong and unapologetically confident. An ambivert in nature she possessed the ability to command attention in any room she entered. Shivaay on the other hand was a shy and introverted soul who often needed a gentle push to step out of his comfort zone. In this delicate dance of passion it was Annika who took on the role of the catalyst encouraging Shivaay.
Their plush medium sized bed adorned with soft blankets and soft pillows was momentarily abandoned as they sought a change of scenery for their movie night. The laptop once perched precariously on the bed was carefully moved aside to make room for their passionate exchange. The room itself seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of recognizing the profound connection between these two souls.
As their lips molded together in a fervent dance time seemed to stand still. The outside world faded away replaced by the intoxicating energy that pulsed between them. Their embrace encapsulated not only physical desire but also a profound emotional connection strengthening the bond they shared as husband and wife.
With Annika's bold and assertive approach Shivaay felt a surge of liberation. He surrendered himself to the moment relishing in the blissful abandonment of inhibition. In this instance they defied societal expectations and embraced their own unique love story.
And so with the movie forgotten and the laptop moved to the periphery Annika and Shivaay embarked on a voyage of passion.
"Abhi sharam nahi aati kya?" Annika asked with her exhilarating breath as Shivaay peppered kisses down the nape. His hands were still groping her breast and perhaps at times fondling her pebbled like nipples.
[Trans- Aren't you ashamed now?]
"Nahi." Shivaay breathed out. Annika let out a moan as Shivaay, her husband of seven months bit over her skin, junction, between her neck and shoulder. "Biwi ke samne kaise sharam."
[Trans- No.]
[Trans- What is shame in front of the wife.]
"I don't have any clothes which covers my neck Shivaay!" Annika shouted, realising that his bites and kisses might leave traces of hickeys.
"Use my red turtle neck shirt." Advised Shivaay. "Tomorrow!]
In the aftermath as they lay tangled in each other's arms the room was infused with a tranquil satisfaction. The forgotten movie remained a mere backdrop to the intensity of their union as they basked in the afterglow of their intimate encounter.
"We should often try watching movies!" Suggested Shivaay.
"When we shared bed for the first time you were too shy to look into my eyes. Aren't you shy now?" Annika asked.
His hands slowly reached its destination, and began circling and massaging. "Ahh! Shivaay! Not again!"
"You tell me if I'm shy or not?" Shivaay continued working on her clitoris with his fingers, as he wondered.
"You are a devil!"
"Thank you my lady!"
Wrapped in the warm envelope, time became a mere whisper, slipping away unnoticed as the movie unfolded.
__🖤__
Three days later
"I will be right back." Shivaay said as he pocketed his fingers in search of a cigrate and a lighter. "Need a smoke."
As Shivaay walked out of the court hall his mind filled with the weight of the impending final argument, he couldn't resist the temptation to seek solace in the familiar embrace of a cigarette.
His nerves were frayed and the craving for nicotine intensified with each passing moment.
While standing at the tea stall, contemplating his decision, Annika's perceptive gaze caught sight of his restlessness.
With a firm conviction to support her husband's well-being, she walked over to him her steps filled with determination. A soft touch on his arm caught his attention and he turned to find her standing there holding out a bar of chocolate.
"Shivaay," she said in a gentle yet firm tone."I know you're feeling nervous but you and I both know that smoking won't do you any good. Instead of reaching for a cigarette why not have this chocolate? It will provide you with comfort and release some of the stress you're feeling."
Shivaay stared at her for a moment contemplating her words. "You want me to be diagnosed with diabetes?" He asked jokingly.
"Diabetes is better than filling your lungs with by products of petroleum." Annika smiled, reaching out the cigarette that Shivaay was holding between his index and middle finger.
"That's mine!" As a relex action, Shivaay extended his arms to catch hold of his possession. "Annika I'm tensed and I need it."
"Have chocolate."
"I have a case! I don't wanna mess up with this. If I do, that Raj will not only deny my fee but also my reputation in this field will go down."
"Try chocolate today! It's soft, velvety and silky smooth. Try it, na. this will release happy hormons and help you calm hold, I promise. If it doesn't help you I will do as you say. For a day. What say!"
"Only for a day?"
"What about a week?"
He recognized the concern and love reflected in her eyes the unwavering support she always offered. With a heartfelt smile he accepted the chocolate from her outstretched hand.
"You always know just what I need," he whispered grateful for her understanding. As he unwrapped the chocolate the sweet aroma filled the air instantly lifting his spirits.
They stood there at the tea stall sharing a quiet moment amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. With each bite of the chocolate Shivaay felt his tension dissipate replaced by a sense of tranquility. Annika stood beside him her presence a soothing balm to his unease.
In that moment as they savored the simple joy of this shared connection their conversation flowed effortlessly.
"Raj is also crooked as Leila blames. I just hope the judge sees through this." Shivaay shared his concerns about how Raj had threatened a court official to work in his favour.
"But Shivaay what about that precedent case you were searching that day. I remember you being so happy later." Annika remembered the scene where Shivaay was overjoyed and suddenly pecked her cheek. Ahhh! That was a wonderful night that she can never forget.
Probably that was the first ever intimacy they shared.
"I will bring that up today. Watch it out." Shivaay told her in serious told. Seeing her blush so much, he frowned, "Why are you blushing so much. Or are you under the weather."
"Blushing? No way!"
"Your cheeks are reddened and you aren't matching my eyes." Shivaay raised his brows watching are fiddle with her fingers.
Struggling to flip the direction, Annika brought up her study matter. To her amusement, it worked.
"Aniket sir had texted me this morning."
"Yeah? What did he say?"
"He told me to attend some oreintations moot before going to participate. I hope I can do it."
"You will do it. Just take care of the addressing. Have a watchful eyes and strong mind while observing today's case. I might call Leila Morrison on witness box to get some answers later, so pay attention."
"Can I get Leila Morrison's autograph? Please!" Annika asked with a puppy face. Leila Morrison was a rising and promising actress and like everyone Annika was a fan of her film choices and acting.
"Nope."
When Shivaay declined her request, Annika grumbled and thought of various ways to get her autograph.
Later they spoke about the case discussing the intricacies of the legal proceedings and how Shivaay had prepared diligently for the final argument.
Annika's words of encouragement and belief in his abilities echoed in his mind bolstering Shivaay's confidence.
With a renewed sense of determination and the reassuring support of his loving wife Shivaay returned to the court hall ready to face the challenges that awaited him. As he walked through the doors he glanced back at Annika a silent promise of gratitude and love exchanged between them.
__🖤__
During the next court date, that is today Shivaay meticulously presented the newfound evidence and witness testimonies that revealed the wife's, Leila Morrison, infidelity. Text messages and photographs were brought forth exposing her secret relationships outside of the marriage. The courtroom was filled with gasps and murmurs as the plaintiff's character was called into question.
As the evidence stacked against the plaintiff the judge's initial satisfaction with the plaintiff's arguments seemed to fade. The judge started to question the credibility of the evidence presented against Shivaay and began scrutinizing the plaintiff's advocate for not disclosing this crucial information earlier.
"Your honour I would like to have my argument very short and crisp, since the plaintiff l's advocate has already extended for a couple of sessions. So let this counsel be simple."As Shivaay began to speak his voice clear and assertive the courtroom fell silent hanging onto his every word.
"In the previous hearing Ms Leila Morrison told how she forced my client, Mr Raj Singh to a psychiatrist. Also, it was shared that Mr Raj was dealing with his previous trauma and was understanding medications. Just to clear the air and be crystal clear on this, I plead your honour to allow Ms Leila Morrison to remind us the backdrop."
"Agreed. Proceed." The judge nodded in postive.
Soon Leila Morrison was asked take her place in the witness box and plege on the holy moment.
"Ms Morrison, please answer to my questions. If you don't know please say 'No' but don't drag the sentence."
"Yes."
"When did you Mr Raj and you get acquainted with each other?"
"2021. On the Eve of Chr-"
"Just to the question. Nothing more , nothing less." Shivaay firmly told. "Did you know that Mr Raj was dealing with the previous relationship crisis and got traumatic experience. He was taking medication before meeting you. The Annexure P, is his medical report."
"I did know." Leila mumble in her fearful voice.
"Please remember this I will be back on that later." Shivaay mumbled as he passed the document to the court officer asking him to them forward to the Judge. " For about six to eight months he had not visited his consultant. And coincidentally that overlaps with the time you met him and then within few weeks you married him in the court wedding. Any comments?"
"No comments!"
"Okay. Thank you Ms Leila Morrison for coordinating with me. You may get down now."
He presented his arguments with precision and eloquence drawing upon his vast knowledge and sharp analytical skills. With each passing moment his confidence grew and he found himself immersed in the art of persuasive rhetoric.
"You honour I just have one small doubt probably this may seem silly but I need to uncover the same." Shivaay paused for a moment, and began. "I'm genuinely interested in knowing why Ms Leila Morrison married Mr Raj,my client, dispite knowing that he was seeking medication. After connecting dots and lines, it would rather lead us to one and only answer which indicates that Ms Morrison was more or less interested in his properties and wealth and not his love or simply affections."
Time seemed to fly by as Shivaay fueled by his passion for justice and guided by his wife's unwavering belief in him exuded a presence that commanded the attention of everyone present. As he eloquently defended his client his words resonated with strength and conviction.
Shivaay took the opportunity to build upon this doubt highlighting the plaintiff's previous failures to disclose her affairs and painting her as someone who was willing to manipulate the truth for personal gain.
The judge now visibly intrigued by the turn of events sought further clarification from both sides
Finally after hours of rigorous debate Shivaay concluded his defense with a resounding and well-articulated argument. The courtroom erupted with silent applause and admiration at his remarkable performance. Even the judge couldn't help but nod in acknowledgment of Shivaay's exceptional abilities as a counsel.
With a subtle smile Shivaay glanced towards where Annika had stood throughout the proceedings.
In that moment his heart swelled with gratitude for the unwavering support and love she had bestowed upon him. He mentally made a note to fulfill her request for Jasmine flowers, again, knowing that her faith in him had not been misplaced.
With a sense of accomplishment and renewed confidence Shivaay left the courtroom his head held high. He knew that this would be the first of many successful battles he would fight in the realm of law. And as he walked towards Annika who was waiting for him with a proud smile he realized that with her unwavering support by his side there was nothing he couldn't achieve.
"You did wonderful." Annika whispered softly.
Early update!
From now on there would be no schedule. College is starting up. 🥺
I have been taking time for long and consistent updates for a month or so. I have uploaded more than 5 chapters this month. I hope they are good and appetizing. The upcoming chapter may be late since my schedule is busy! I am enrolling myself to vocational courses after college, and this would consume most of my day, probably till 7 in the evening.
And lately house chores are increasing. Till now my mother had managed however now she seems to be weaker and I as the lady of home need to lend my shoulders, together with my father for this. So the updates will be irregular.
Also I lack motivation a lot. I draft for almost 4k words and I get no response, except for a few. It feels like reading my book is forced on you. I would be very happy if there are comments on your thoughts on the story going on or about the characters of the book. Without any response it's void to write, even though I write for my passion and not apprehensions. It just encourages me to do more.
Silent readers please vote and show me that you are interested. If many aren't interested, when it's better to wrap up the book. Though I have plans for the next chapters! Do let me know in this.