Palak was shocked to find a short burly man with a register enter their home behind Ritwik. She wondered what kind of photo shoot this would be without cameras and equipment. He greeted Geeta as Ritwik introduced them and sat in the drawing room.
Palak and Ritwik Registered Marriage
At this point Ritwik announced to Palak and her parents that while they had gotten married 18 months ago in a formal ceremony; their marriage was not registered. Today Mr Batra who is from the local registrar office and a relative of Geeta's lawyer in Delhi will register their marriage based on the photographs of the earlier ceremony. He took out the photographs, showed the video to Mr Batra and submitted their identity documents for verification. Palak was dumb founded since this was the last thing she expected. Her hands trembled while signing and Ritwik had to hold it for her to be steady. All the three witnesses ; Geeta ; Manjeet and Palak's dad signed one after the other blessing both of them towards a life of happiness, peace and prosperity. Geeta and Manjeet insisted that they exchange garlands again much to their embarrassment as Geeta went about clicking pictures. The girls found it very amusing and jumped on their parents trying to grab the flowers. Ritwik planted a kiss on Palak's forehead while they held Rhea and Piya in their arms.
Manjeet pranced around the room at this sudden happiness getting sweets ready for everyone. Mr Batra left them in a happy mode assuring to send across the document in a week's time. Palak could not meet Ritwik's gaze and felt like a shy bride and Ritwik enjoyed watching her turn crimson. Then Geeta gifted jewelry and clothes to Palak and her company's shares to Ritwik and Palak. She insisted that Ritwik own the shares and be the support system for Vikrant as an older brother. Just then a police van with a siren passed by and Ritwik asked Manjeet if she had called the police this time too leaving her completely embarrassed.
The 7 Vows of a Marriage Redone:
Ritwik wanted them to take a few vows before their parents and asked for Palak's permission and she nodded with a slight tilt of her head.
I Ritwik Noon will be a better father than my forefathers have ever been :)
I Ritwik Noon will not do anything to annoy my wife so that she does not leave me for my good; She can show me her shoe collection if need be but always remain by my side.
I Ritwik Noon will be a social drinker with my wife's permission and winked at Palak saying your wish will be my command
I Palak Noon will share the minutest detail with my husband Ritwik Noon and not let misunderstanding creep into our lives with a smirk asking Palak to repeat it and she obliged.
It was Palak's turn and she started off with
I Ritwik Noon will not lean on my Ma,Mom, Mumma and Dad to seek advise about my married life; and Ritwik repeated with a chuckle looking at Geeta and Manjeet who burst out laughing.
I Ritwik Noon will not spoil my daughters' materially and emotionally in the name of gifts and freedom ; he repeated hesitatingly looking at Piya and Rhea
I Palak Noon will give utmost priority to my daughters and will never ever keep them away from their father's love.
Everyone clapped and so did Rhea and Piya not understanding what was going on. They had just witnessed their parents remarriage and many years later the video and photos that Geeta captured would be a moment for them to cherish.
Family Time
Ritwik ordered food from the local restaurant and the entire afternoon was spent in conversation with Geeta sharing interesting details about Ritwik's childhood. There was much laughter and happiness but Geeta felt a niggling pain and wanted to rest. Palak noticed her discomfort and forced her to lie down in her parents room. Geeta held Palak's hand and assured her that with the marriage now completely legalized, she did not have to bother about the Noons and should live with her head held high. Ritwik is emotional and lives from his heart she said and only she Palak can put a brake on him and ensure he thinks from his head when required specially when it comes to the Noons.
That evening Geeta and Manjeet insisted that Ritwik and Palak enjoy a quiet dinner in the hotel and spend the night in a suite which Geeta had booked for them. Both of them vehemently denied unwilling to leave the girls alone. After much persuasion they agreed to go out for dinner. Palak wore a rust orange chiffon saree; paired with a halter neck blouse. She looked stunning; with her pronounced curves after child birth and her navel slightly exposed. Ritwik could not keep his eyes off her and kept smiling thinking of the evening ahead.
Candle Light Dinner
The light cool wind brushed across their faces when they sat across each other in the restaurant. Through their sudden romance, equally sudden marriage and the abrupt breakup they never had the opportunity to be with each other in a plush setting. Palak permitted Ritwik to sip wine and was willing to take a sip or two in his company. She had weaned off the girls early so she could indulge herself for the first time. Ritwik mercilessly teased her for this step and loved the color in her cheeks; she looked all the more beautiful under candle light. It was getting windy and a few drops of rain poured down and they were shifted from the poolside to a cozy corner inside.
"Jab bhi hum milte hain; Baarish hoti hai" ...Ritwik reminded Palak but she told him that as parents they need to remain fit to take care of the innocent babies. Over a 4 course dinner; Ritwik tried probing Palak and she probed him in return both very eager to piece their lives. Ritwik assured Palak that he cares a damn about Rishabh; and he has incriminating evidence of his financial misdeeds in Noon Biotech that is enough to shut him up and junk that silly pre-nup. Moreover Ritwik re-iterated that he did not care for his share in his dad's fortune since that is the cause of all pain in their married life. Ritwik looked at Palak and told her she should not bother about Rishabh, Reeva, Saachi etc to which she replied she does not care for what they say or do with her but she does not want their negativity on their daughters.
He could sense her anger boiling over, so quickly diverted the topic telling her that he would apply for the children's passport as soon as their marriage registration certificate arrived and get Palak's passport changed into include his name. Then they could go on a family moon to London to spend some time with Rohit, Setu, Shivam and Shanaya. Palak was thrilled at the idea and her face lit up like a 1000 flash lights. He took this opportunity to place his hand on hers and looked straight into her eyes. The chartbuster "Jab Tak Jahan Mein Subah shaam hai; tab tak mere naam tu"...played softly at the background and Ritwik slipped out his foot from his moccasins and ran it up her leg leaving Palak giggling and whispering "Tumhari chipak ne ki aadat gayee nahi Ritwik" and he had a sly grin which warmed her heart.
Ritwik was happy that the ice had melted and she was warming up; though there was a long way to go until they were completely into each other like old times. They got up to leave and realized there was a thunderous downpour outside and still heavier rains was expected since there was snowfall up in the hills. They were advised by the hotel staff to stay back in their already booked suite but they were reluctant and worried about their children. They spoke to Manjeet and Palak's dad and both assured them that the children were well fed and sleeping peacefully and they should not take unnecessary risks and try to drive home in this weather.
The Night before a New Dawn
They took the lift to their suite which was beautifully arranged with night wear on the bed that amused Ritwik no end. Palak insisted that they would hang around here until the intensity of the rains reduced and head home immediately. Ritwik joked that she was with her husband so she should relax and promptly lay down with his head in her lap. She ran her fingers through his hair stroking his forehead to relax him. He placed his hand on hers and looked up to her and asked if she missed him when he was away. His eyes wandered to her cleavage which was in full show as she bent down and he could sense the stirring within him. She replied with a "Huh" and Ritwik teased her that her words and expressions were completely mis-matched and she should just admit the truth. He sat up and pulled her close in a tight hug; her body was warm with desire and her firm nipples were visibly obvious through the layers of chiffon. He looked straight into her eyes and asked her to repeat the 7 Stages of Love; which she started dutifully and by the time she was in the 4th Stage of Akidat (Trust); his lips had claimed hers and she could barely utter 5th Stage is Ibadat (Worship) since his tongue had darted through her parted lips and they were locked in a french kiss for the next few minutes exploring each other with intense desire.
Palak felt weak in the knees and was completely swept away by the storm called Ritwik. She tried to stand up and faltered and he held her right then. He unhooked her blouse, pulling it down a bit and massaged her bare back; kissing her on the neck; with small nibbles. She could not meet his dark gaze and looked down while unbuttoning his shirt. while he held her closer; breathing in her fragrance that completely bowled his senses. The next few minutes were hurried silence; helping each other out of their many layers. He removed her saree delicately running his hands on her bare stomach feeling the roughness of the few stretch marks and remembering her pain during labour; while she pulled him closer each time, squeezing and scratching his back. They stood interlocked; kissing passionately while Ritwik's hands were all over her cupping and lightly squeezing her full breasts as she moaned softly into his ears. He whispered into her ears that she was too hot to handle now and sexier beyond his imagination which left her beaming in the soft light. The mirror reflection of the silhouette could easily pass off as one of the perfect sculptures from the temples of Khajuraho.
He slowly lifted her on to the bed kissing her from top to toe; worshiping every inch of her body with love that blossomed from his soul. She tugged at his shoulder and pulled him up into a kiss and let herself loose; it was her turn to explore him and she did it with fiery passion; a facet of hers that he had never seen before. They made no holds barred passionate love, and finally cuddled each other under the sheet. He stroked her head and caressed her face when she very coyly complimented him about his lean body and taut worked out muscles.
They shared a laugh over their first night with the handcuff fiasco, mosquitoes and power cuts. He chuckled sexily and asked her for a kiss when she asked him if his family knew about their daughters and the fact that he had met her. That was the last question he wanted to hear in this moment of bliss but he replied "They don't and he does not intend to tell them either; he will think about it later" ; Palak was relieved that Mamta Noon was unaware of her whereabouts and she drifted off to sleep leaving Ritwik wide awake and thoughtful.