Shruti had been observing him for a while now but didn’t comment. She pretended to be engrossed in watching the game and before they knew, sleep took over both Minish and Shruti. They didn’t realise when they slept, leaving the t.v. and lights on.
It was early in the morning when Atharva woke up to see…..
To be continued….
It was early in the morning when Atharva woke up to see that Minish and Shruti were sleeping in an awkward position and realised that both must have drifted to sleep without bothering to switch off the tv and lights. He got up groggily, did the needful and was about to switch off the lights when he noticed that Shruti’s nightwear had gone a bit haywire.
Suddenly, he felt wide awake, as he took in her sleeping form. It was nothing obscene, just that his heart decided to do aerobics at that very instance. He didn’t have to guard his feelings for her, thankful that they were reciprocated back. He was happy he didn’t have to wait long now when he will cherish waking up beside her every morning, adore her innocent face in her sleep. He chuckled as he knew by now, that more often than not, it would be him waking her rather than the other way round. She was still a kid in certain ways, and he hoped that he would be able to preserve that over the time.
He tucked the blanket around her properly, lingering a bit longer than required and lay down on his bed after switching off the lights, dreaming about their life ahead.
In the morning, Atharva woke up around 8 a.m. while the other two were sleeping. He woke them both; while Minish did get up reluctantly Shruti opened her eyes, murmured a yes and before she knew, went back to sleep.
It was almost 9 a.m. when Atharva came back to check on her to see that she was still sleeping. He shook his head and said a bit loudly, “Shruti!! It’s 9 already. At what time are we planning to get up?” Poor thing, she woke up with a jolt, and said in a hurried tone, “Freak! What are you saying!? How come you didn’t wake me up?” Atharva teased, “Kumbhkaran ki behen hai tu… I woke you up thrice Shru. You keep making fun of me when I go to sleep at night na? But at least I wake up on time, unlike you. Are you aware that both of you slept while the tv and lights were still on?” Shruti said with her eyes going big, “Sachhi? I am not aware when sleep took over. Me and Minishbhai were watching till late.” He returned, “Exactly my point. If you don’t sleep on time, how will you manage to wake up?”
She was feeling very awkward and said in an apprehensive tone, “What can be done now? What will others think? Please tell your mom that I wasn’t feeling well in the night and that is why got late. Okay?” She looked hopefully at him, unable to think of any other excuse. He nodded his head and asked her to speed up. She took a bath at record speed and was out in another 15 minutes.
Atharva could barely suppress a chuckle and went out to discuss about a meeting to be held at office on that day. Shruti self consciously came out and was questioned by Preksha about her health.
Shruti exchanged a glance with Atharva and realised that he had actually bluffed on her behalf. She clarified, “Nothing too much bhabhi… I have been running around too much lately, trying to get things done. So.. I guess fatigue took over. Haven’t sat peacefully at home even for a day. Nothing major though.”
They had decided to get done with the jewellery today as Atharva had insisted to accompany when they would go for the reception outfit as he didn’t trust anyone to select the correct one. Once the male members left for the office, Preksha, Isha, her mother in law and Shruti went to their jewellers in Ghatkopar. They seemed to be a regular clientele judging from the way they were warmly welcomed in the showroom. The pieces were all magnificent and Shruti was relieved to see that her mother in law’s choice in jewellery was good, unlike clothes, where they mostly differed. They spent over an hour, going through various pieces one after the other and finalised a couple of them.
At night, Atharva took her for a drive. She kept asking him as to where were they going, but he simply said, “Patience jaanu.” She
saw that they had reached an ice cream parlour in Matunga… it was called Just Chill 7. She was thrilled about the fact that he remembered about telling him wanting to go for an ice cream yesterday, but since it was really late, he had promised to take her on the next day.
Both took a bite of the lip smacking softies that they offer. Atharva paid for it and instead of having it right there, in spite of Shruti’s insistence, went towards the car. Shruti said with a pout, “What is your problem if we sit over there and have peacefully?” He grinned and said, “I wouldn’t have been able to ask you to feed me there, so…” She bit her lip and said sheepishly, “Kuch bhi… you know that’s not the reason…” Atharva said in a fake tone, “I am serious. I am driving, so it would be practical if you would feed me.”
She did so, although she was much more relaxed compared to her previous encounters. She very sweetly offered him, “Would you like to taste the flavour that I am having?” He looked at her, and replied hoarsely, “You sure you want me to taste it right now? My way of doing it is gonna be different. Soch le.” Shruti held his gaze for a full minute and then looked away. But Atharva was on another track now, “Shru… how about both of us tasti…” she interrupted him, before he could finish, “Please don’t start again. You have talked enough about all your fantasies over the phone.” He chortled at her remark and they reached home in a while.
Atharva was too charged up to let her go without kissing her and pulled her into their room. As such, all had slept by then, so they were free to spend time. He took her in his embrace and murmured huskily, “Time to relish my dessert.” And before she could react, plunged into a full mouthed kiss, running his tongue over lips, as if to taste the chocolate flavour that was still lingering on them. He whispered in her ears, “The yummiest flavour I have ever tasted.” She wasn’t capable of holding back any more and reciprocated the kiss with equal passion. She mimicked his style and murmured, “I cant agree more.” They both relished each other for a while more, feeling and worshiping each other.
A car screeched on the main road and jolted them out of their fantasy land. Shruti created a little distance between them before things went out of hand, and mumbled, “Atharva… before you plan to relish a full fledged sundae, I might as well remind you that it is gonna happen after another 3 months.” He was frustrated beyond imagination today, and took some time to regain his senses back.
Atharva had kept himself free on the following day so that they could visit the designer. It was an enthralling experience to say the least. She could make out that this was a pricey place and felt a bit conscious selecting outfits, lest they were over priced. The designer introduced herself as Firoza to Shruti as she was meeting her for the first time. She herself was so elegantly dressed that it awed Shruti. She had rows and rows of elegant outfits to boast of, and Shruti couldn’t help but drool over them.
Firoza started with not so heavily embellished outfits which Atharva instantly rejected. He requested her to show her the grander stuff that she has as it was going to be for the reception. His mother couldn’t resist commenting, “Ya ya… don’t worry. Shruti won’t look under dressed… at least check out the designs that are being shown.”
Firoza and Preksha Both were taken aback at the iciness that was so obvious in Alpaji’s voice, but it didn’t perturb Atharva at all, as if he was used to it. However, it did have an impact on Shruti who decided to keep mum. She was sent to the trial room for a couple of outfits, each surpassing the other. There was one though, which took her breath away. The colour suited her well and the moment she came out, she knew that Atharva too loved it equally. He was quick to comment, “This one seems to be the best of the lot.”
Firoza explained a couple of changes that can be done to suit Shruti and how they could play around with the concept. She was a versatile designer and her ethnic collection was equally beautiful. They decided on the outfit for sangeet as well after which, Shruti’s measurements were taken. “The trial for the outfits would be in the last week of December, so that I can give it to you on time,” Firoza said.
A big job was done and they all went back after fooling around at Breach Candy for a while. They didn’t have too many days before Diwali, and completed their shopping for saris and dresses on the next day. Shruti was tired by now, trying out different things, but didn’t utter a word.
The festivities were looming over their head and both Shruti and Atharva looked forward to celebrating their first Diwali together.
To be continued….
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