CHAPTER – 13
I sha walked to the bed after finishing her call with her brother asking him to check on Anshi. Abhyansh who was checking some documents in his tab instantly shut it seeing his wife getting on the bed shifting his whole concentration on her.
"I hope she is fine, she looked scared, you should have let me be with her for the night", she complained
"Then how would I punish you ??", he said huskily in her ear...
"I apologized, didn't I ?? Let it go Rana sa", Isha said
"Let it go ?? You can't imagine what I went through till I saw you fineIsha...", Abhyansh said, furious at her act...
"I don't have to imagine Abhyansh, I know how it feels, that is what I go through every time you get angry, I always live in fear that you would hurt yourself...", Isha said wiping her tearful eyes refusing to cry... Abhyansh understood her pain, pulled her into his arms rubbing her arms...
"I'm sorry, but I have changed, haven't I ?? I barely hurt myself these days", he said and she looked at him incredulously
"Now, you started lying too ??", she asked in disbelief, turning his palm...
"I don't lieIsha", he said strongly
"Then what is this Rana sa ??", she asked turning his palm, where she observed a fresh cut, which was of a few days before... he should have known he couldn't hide his injuries from his wife...
"This is the reason, I used the keyword 'barely' ", he said, he wouldn't lie to her ever... she glared at him at his explanation...
"Don't turn this on me, we are talking about you now", he said and she narrowed her eyes at him...
"Isn't that what you do always??", she asked, God! his wife is in full form today, he groaned...
"Your argument isn't gonna save you today, Isha, how did you even think of hurting yourself ??", he asked calmly but his tone held a warning that still scared her and it will keep continuing... she knew how much her husband may soften for her, his basic traits wouldn't change, neither did she want them to change...
She cupped his face and stared into his mesmerizing eyes, hiding the love and concern for her under his fury... she softly caressed his skin with her thumbs pressing a deep kiss on his lips...
"I am so sorry, I worried you so much... I wouldn't ever try to harm myself again... and now, I don't think it will be necessary, since you became Abhyansh for me...", she said, the fury in his eyes is replaced by deep admiration and love for his wife...
"I love you... I love you so much...", he said placing his lips on hers, kissing her so softly, this was the smoothest and softest kiss they ever had, he always loved claiming her lips passionately but now he wants to kiss her softly, pouring his love into it, only love and not lust.
They way he smooched her lips softly, while caressing her hair and temples with his large palm teared her up with emotions...
"I love you Rana sa... a lot...pPlease don't let me leave you again... it's tough for me to stay without you... I want to have a blissful married life, I want to nurture this family along with you, have children with you, lead a happy life with you, am I wishing for too much ??", she asked genuinely thinking if she was being too greedy...
All this time of being away from her husband, she kept questioning herself if she was being greedy, instead of being thankful for what she got ?? She is extremely grateful for having her husband in her life, no doubt about it, but she wanted to unveil all the secrets that were clouding their happy marriage. She can see her husband happy in her presence, but there are many things, especially emotions burdening him, she wants to take it all off, she wants him to be happy, smile wholeheartedly, and especially stop weighing all the burdens alone, she is his better half, he needs to share his pain with her, only then she could lead a happily married life with him. She wants him to rely on her like he wants her to rely on him at least emotionally, she knew her husband's biggest pains and problems are emotional and she wants him to share them with her.
"No... you are not... don't ever think so, these are the basic things anyone wishes for. No one can love someone so much like you love me, after what I have put you through... I never told you this till now, let me tell you now, you are the hope I have lost long ago, I never imagined I would feel emotions, but now I do... trust me when I say this, I also wish the same, which you do...", he said kissing her forehead... she hugged him tightly, having him close felt so good. "I will try to give everything you wish for Rani sa... who would I do things for, if not for you Hm ??", he said, she broke the hug and nodded at him. He pulled her into his lap nuzzling her neck...
"Rana sa... let me sleep, I.. I am tired", she fake yawned, knowing her husband is full on mood to punish her...
He bit her shoulder seeing her trying to escape...
"Tell me one thing", he asked nibbling her ear...
"Hm... ?", she responded taking a harsh breath, he knew exactly what to do to make her lose her senses...
"Are you still bleeding??", he asked and she opened her eyes widely, she didn't understand why he asked it but nonetheless nodded her head.
"Okay then... let's postpone your punishment", he whispered, hovering his lips over hers, she wiggled her brows in confusion... "I am gonna take you to heaven and show hell at the same time Rani sa, I promise", he whispered huskily, while his hands slow grazed her skin near her waist and breast...
She gasped hearing him and his actions strengthening her understanding of the meaning behind his words...
"Let me sleep", she said pushing him, he chuckled and helped her lie down...
"Any pain?? Should I give you a massage??", he asked, she shook her head pulling him, to hover on her...
"What about you??", she asked and he shook his head nuzzling in her bre**ts. She took a deep breath but soon got comfortable. She slowly started ruffling his hair, slowly massaging his scalp with her fingers... he sighed relaxing under her touch...
"Oil se kare??(shall I massage it with oil??)", she asked
"No, this is fine...", he said laying comfortably on the bed, with his head nuzzled in her chest and arms wounded around her body... "this is heaven, all my worries just evaporate when I am in your arms", he said, she kissed his hair softly before resuming her massage on his scalp...
"Sleep now...", she said noticing her husband's fatigue, mentally... she knew he never got tired physically but he looked mentally burdened today, she hated herself for forcing him to face his mother but didn't regret pushing him.
Remembering the past got him very upset but like always, he found solace in his wife's arms, he didn't stop himself from relying on her, he trusted her blindly, and knew she would never leave him or betray him.
Both of them closed their eyes enjoying the comfortable silence, soon, she fell asleep with her fingers in his thick locks... he slowly lifted his head feeling her even breaths, he laid his head on the pillow comfortably before pulling her into his arms, she cocooned into him, hiding herself in his warmth. He knew his wife loved the warmth emanating from him.
The next day, Isha quickly prepared breakfast and sent it to Avyan along with his clothes. Later, she got the table set for breakfast. Slowly, everyone settled in the dining table, Rajmata and Pratap raised their brows in confusion seeing Anshi as no normal person is allowed to enter the main palace, let alone have food with the Royal family.
Isha is about to narrate the whole thing but Ranveer interrupted his sister, as he knew his brother-in-law doesn't want to let the whole thing be disclosed to the other family members.
"She is Ishu's friend", Ranveer quickly said, but both Pratap and Devyani knew that isn't the truth seeing Isha's confused face but they didn't find it important to cross question.
"I am happy to see you back, handling your responsibilities, Rani Isha, hope you are here to stay", Devyani said, honestly, when Isha left, Devyani was so disappointed, she expected Isha to become a strong queen, face any kind of challenges, not run to her home seeking comfort from her brother. She doesn't know the reason behind Isha's departure but she thought any reason wouldn't justify her act.
"Ji(Yes) Rajmata, I'll stay here from now", Isha said meekly, lowering her head, she could feel Devyani's scrutinizing eyes...
"Rajmata, I insisted Ishu and took her with me for recovery, it wasn't her fault", Ranveer came to his sister's rescue... Isha looked at her brother sighing, why did he has to defend her ?
"Of course, I was waiting for you to defend her...", she said shooting a glare at Isha... "how would she become a strong queen if you and Maharaj keep coming to her rescue always ?? Let her handle challenges alone, she isn't any normal woman, she is the wife of Abhyansh Singh Ranawat, she needs to be extremely strong emotionally to handle any challenges that come her way", Rajmata Devyani said, she always wished for the welfare of the family...
Just then, Abhyansh made his way, unfortunately hearing what his grandmother said...
"And who said she isn't strong ?? I thought you had adiscerning eye but seems like not... it's either you or me who might be wrong here", Abhyansh said in his cold tone, Isha so wanted to slap her head... Anshi looked so scared witnessing the whole scene...
"Maharaj... how could you be wrong... I didn't mean to call Rani sa weak, my bad, I couldn't use the right words", Rajmata Devyani Devi chose words carefully this time to calm her grandson's fury.
Abhyansh is about to say something when Isha gives her husband a look with 'not a word more than this', Abhyansh nodded at his grandmother and sat at his seat... he so wanted to say more than that but didn't want to say anything that could make his grandmother feel insulted in front of an outsider, if that happens, his wife wouldn't leave him... he can't bear her to be upset with him. She served him, he looked content seeing all his favourites on the plate.
"Aap bhi baithiye Rani sa(You too, take your seat Rani sa)", Abhyansh said, though his tone cold, anyone could realize the love and respect he had for his wife...
"Ji (Yes)", she obliged her husband and took her seat beside him...
Anshi felt so good, looking at the two, and their mutual respect for each other, she hoped her to be husband is the same with her, she didn't know much about him, it's an arranged marriage, only if she knew what she is dreaming for was already shattered.
After the breakfast, Abhyansh walked away to his study. Isha apologized to Rajmata fearing she would hold it against her. Devyani Devi just smiled shaking her head, understanding Isha's fears. Ranveer got up and left to the guest chamber he was staying in after greeting Rajmata and Pratap.
"Anshi, go and collect your things, I'll ask bhai to drop you", Isha said, Anshi nodded and walked to the guest chamber she stayed the previous night, but before leaving, she bowed down in respect and greeted Rajmata and Pratap...
"Why are you troubling your brother for it ?? Ask any driver to drop her at her place", Rajmata said
"Ji, I'll ask Rana sa if it's possible", Isha said and Devyani sighed, while Pratap seemed to want to have some more but no servants were available, Isha noticed it. "I'll serve it Sasur sa(Father-in-law)", Isha said, came rushing to Pratap and served him surprising him... "you need anything else ??", she asked politely... Pratap shook his head and started eating...
Devyani smiled at her son's face which held some soft emotions for his daughter-in-law, it's time he realizes her kind nature, accept her, and stopped hating her because of her father.
"RaniIsha...you need to learn to order around, you don't have to ask Maharaj for the cars, you have that right, ask any driver to drop her, they would... you need to change yourself", Rajmata advised
"Okay Rajmata", Isha said politely still hesitant about the 'ordering' part.
"Ma sa... don't tell her anything, she and her husband knows everything, if he hears you, he would again say one or the other thing, it's better to stay silent", Pratap said, tears prick in Isha's eyes at her father-in-law's harsh tone but she composes herself, she is determined to improve the relations in this house.
"Pratap", Devyani reprimanded her son...
"No, it's nothing like that, I'll take your advice Rajmata", Isha said softly... "and I have a request, please address me by my name, you are the head of the family... it doesn't feel good to hear that(Rani) from you", Isha said politely...
"Your husband is the head of the family not me, anyway, if you want me to address by your name, I would do it...", Devyani devi said in her hard tone, she hardly got emotional, she maintained that standard hard tone always.
"I have another request, can I call you Dadi sa ?? Instead of Rajmata ??", Isha asked, trying hard not to get scared... Rajmata gave her a small surprised smile before nodding her head, Isha gave her a thankful smile...
Pratap shook his head and got up finishing his breakfast. Just then, Abhyansh comes down, ready to leave for office...
"You are not going to work ??", he asked looking at his wife seeing her still in the traditional saree instead of her work clothes.
"I am taking an off today", Isha said and her husband looked at her in a 'why ??' and she looked at him in disbelief, her mother-in-law is in hospital and her husband expects her to go to work? "I'll go to the hospital, and send Avyan home, he stayed in the hospital the whole night, he needs some rest", she said
"No need, go to work, Avyan will work as well...", Abhyansh told sternly before turning to his father and grandmother... "your mother-in-law's husband would take care of her, anyways, he doesn't have anything to do", Abhyansh said
"Rana sa...", Isha tried to stop him but she immediately shut her mouth seeing the look on his face...
"I will not go and take care of that woman... never ever", Pratap said furiously...
"Pratap... stop it...", Devyani devi shut his son before turning to her grandson... "I'll go and stay with Amruta, Isha doesn't have to skip work", she added, Abhyansh raised his brow at his grandmother addressing his wife by name when he clearly mentioned everyone to call her 'Rani sa', of course except for his mother, but his wife's next words gave him clarity that now these two women too made peace with each other.
"Dadi sa... it is what I should do, You and Sasur sa should take rest at home", Isha said, Isha's mention of 'Dadi sa' made Abhyansh sigh, now one more woman Isha would take stand for, against him. Now since the two ladies made peace, he should be careful with his words while talking to his grandmother as well...
"Ask your son to fulfil his responsibilities of being a husband at least now", Abhyansh said after looking at his grandmother deeply who looked away clearly knowing why he was saying that... she was ashamed of her son's act years ago...
"Rana sa... I have a request... could you ask any driver to drop Anshi home ??", Isha said noticing Anshi walk towards them...
"You can order them, I told you, didn't I ?", he said sighing... his wife and her limitations...
"Yes, you did, I'll ask someone...", she said "aren't you getting late for work??", she added, he looked at her amused at her question as none questioned him about his departure ever, none questioned him for anything in the first place, but he reminded himself, he should stop getting surprised as his wife is gonna do much more in the future and he is gonna let her, only her.
"Hm... bye...", he said and walked away shocking all the people present there, except for Ranveer who just came there...
"Ishu... bacha, I'll go now, call me if you need someone to stay in the hospital, I can do my work sitting there, not a problem... don't stress yourself too much, I heard you are launching winter collection, and there's a lot of work", Ranveer asked worried that his sister would exert herself.
"Don't worry bhai... there was much work for me before the festival season, now others will have much work while I can relax a bit", Isha said, though Ranveer looked unconvinced as Ragini already told him how busy Isha is, for now he decided to let it go.
"Okay bacha, call me if you need anything", he said and walked away after greeting Devyani and Pratap, and giving an acknowledging smile to Anshi who smiled back with a bow.
After that, Isha asked one of the drivers to drop Anshi, hugged her one last time and sent her off before walking inside.
A few days passed, Isha took care of her mother-in-law, and simultaneously helped Reetu and Ragini with the winter collection.
It's Karwa Chauth the following day, so Isha started preparing for it. Due to health conditions, her mother-in-law won't be keeping the fast this year, but Isha made sure she would do it just like she did last time, it felt as if it's her first karwa chauth after marriage, though it's the second one technically.
Though she observed fast the previous year, she didn't have the courage to go and ask her husband to cooperate with her for the puja then, so she did what her mother-in-law had been doing for years, i.e practicing rituals with her husband's picture.
She felt bad for doing it alone this year, since her mother-in-law was a great company the previous year, she also helped a lot with all the rituals.
Isha prepared all the things necessary for the following day. She asked Avyan to stay in the hospital with her mother-in-law for the day who obliged. Abhyansh made his way in the evening, he walked to their chamber, freshened up before going to his study in the other wing, while Isha made her way inside with his coffee and snacks. She frowned looking at the alcohol glass in his one hand and the phone on the other, glaring at his laptop as if he would smash it anytime from now.
"What the f**k is this John?? Get this numbers right in the next one week or sack thos f**kers", Abhyansh screamed into his phone and hung up.
He noticed his wife's presence but looking at her stopping at the entrance, he put the whiskey glass away. Isha then walked towards him, placing the tray on the table, serving him the snacks.
"I'll take this back, since you don't need it", she said pointing to the coffee she brought... taunting him for drinking...
"There is some issue at work, I am trying to calm myself down Rani sa", Abhyansh explained noting his wife's displeasure.
"What happened??", she asked, softly this time, though she maintained her distance from him.
"Some issue with the sales numbers, I am sure John will get it fixed", he said acting casual as if it's just a few crores of difference. The few of their high clientele were considering other options, though nothing is finalized yet, it did affect their value in the market and this happened for the first time in many years and he didn't like it.
"Okay, carry on, I'll go and pack snacks to Avyan as well", she said and turned to leave when she remembered... "I am observing Karwa chauth fast, so don't drink tomorrow", she said, scratch that, ordered, and his brows raised in amusement and he so wanted to tease his wife badly.
"It's you who will be fasting, why am I not allowed to drink?? This is downright torture", he said smirking and she glared at him...
"Okay then... I am not cooking tomorrow, fill your stomach with these bottles", she said angrily pointing towards the whiskey bottle, he chuckled at her giving disgusting looks to his drink.
"Why do you hate it so much?? You know it's Mahadev's favourite drink", Abhyansh said, Isha glared at him thinking he is making a fool out of her...
"What do you think of me?? Stupid?? If you want to drink, then drink, don't create all these fake stories", she said making him laugh at how innocent she looked at that point, thinking he is just making an excuse to have alcohol. She frowned seeing his laughter.
"I am not creating thingsmy Isha,lord Shiva is often believed to be a consumer of a drink called 'Soma' which is a version of alcohol. In fact, there is a temple in Ujjain, of Kala Bhairava, where alcohol is offered to the deity there.", he explained her softly to which she nodded.
"So?? He is God, he doesn't have a liver that would be affected by consumption of alcohol, otherwise Ma Parvati would have stopped him much before, unfortunately youmyAbhyansh,are a human and do have a liver which will stop functioning soon if you don't stop this", she said drawing a chuckle from her husband, his heart warmed hearing someone control him and his habits after almost 2 decades.
"I don't drink regularly anymore, you know it", he defended himself, he was a regular drinker but from the time he got closer to his wife, he gradually reduced it knowing her hatred for it and decided to leave it completely if she asks him but thankfully, she never did.
"Hm... just don't drink tomorrow", she said, "and just that one glass today, please put the bottle in the shelf, don't have anymore", she said
"I will agree but if you order, and mind me, it should seem like a natural command Rani sa not a forced one", he demanded, he enjoyed her bossing him around. He loved bowing to her wishes.
"The rest of the bottle goes into the shelf, you will not have a drop more than what's left in your glass Ansh", she said sternly, pointing at his glass, he smiled winking at her...
"Good one, but can get better, for this time I'll give it to you", he said, getting up capping the bottle and placing back into the shelf. She tried hard to hide the grin that's forming on her lips but it's noticeable. She loved his dominant self, but loved his obedient version even more, the version which is exclusively for her alone.
"Okay bye, I have lots of work", she said unable to stop her blush and walked away picking up the tray before he even walked back to her from the shelf. He wanted to hug her tightly before she disappeared into the kitchen but she had to become a bullet train.
He sighed in frustration, chugging the whole contents at once before sitting to work. Soon it's dinner time, Isha served her husband and sat for dinner. Avyan is taking light food as he couldn't afford to fall asleep, as he had to work overnight. Due to his frequent visits to hospital, his work is affected, his brother didn't say anything to him yet but John mentioned how furious he was, so Avyan decided to work harder along with John to get the numbers under control.
"Avyan, have more, what's this?? Eating dinner as if it's Prashaad?", Isha said
"Bhabhi sa, I am full", Avyan said
"I know how much will fill your stomach, eat properly", said Isha serving some more to her brother-in-law.
Abhyansh is pissed to see his wife's attention diverted to his brother, he expected her to concentrate on him alone at least during dinner compensating for not spending time with him in the evening like she does every day while giving snacks to him but no, she just served him and turned her back.
"Ishu... what are your plans tomorrow?? I am planning to take you for lunch, can we go??", Ranveer said and Abhyansh groaned but sighed in satisfaction at his wife's response.
"Bhai, tomorrow is Karwa chauth, I'll be fasting, maybe some other time", she said and Ranveer nodded, giving a side eye to his brother-in-law who is smirking.
"Avyan, finish your food, get freshen up and leave soon, ma might be feeling uncomfortable with Bharat", Isha said, these days, when both Isha and Avyan are unavailable to be with Amruta, they asked Ranveer and if he wasn't available too, they asked Bharat to stay with her till they return, so Isha expected Bharat to be with her mother-in-law if both Avyan and Ranveer are here.
"No Bhabhi sa... Ra..", Avyan started but Ranveer interrupted him...
"Not Bharat but Rahul, Avyan's friend is there with your mother-in-law, don't worry Ishu, she is fine", Ranveer said and Avyan sighed, hating to hide something from his Bhabhi sa.
"Rahul?? Why didn't I hear about him before??", Isha asked as she heard Avyan talk about almost all his friends he stays in touch with.
"He recently returned from abroad", Ranveer said and Isha responded with a 'oh' while Avyan glared at Ranveer for fooling his sister-in-law.
Abhyansh threw daggers at both his brother and brother-in-law for lying to his wife on her face but didn't say anything as he knew truth could upset her. He thought it's better to reveal about Ragini to her after confirming things and making sure she would be fine.
Abhyansh quickly finished off his dinner and got up.
"Rajput, meet me in my Study", Abhyansh ordered and walked away.
Isha frowned hearing his tone, and he didn't even have his food properly.
"Now why is he upset??", she murmured to herself.
After the dinner, Avyan left to the hospital after giving a 'All the best' look to Ranveer who glared him in return.
"Tell Rahul to leave as soon as you go, and make sure he reaches home safely", Ranveer said, Isha smiled at her brother's concern for Avyan's friend only if she knew.
"Yes Avyan, and thank him properly, invite him home sometime for dinner, after ma is discharged", Isha told his brother-in-law, shocking both of them, now where will they bring a Rahul from??
Ranveer wanted to see his sister and have food made by her, so he decided to tag along with Avyan but they wanted someone to stay with Amruta, they very well knew Amruta was not at all comfortable with any of the male staff or guards, so Ranveer decided to ask Ragini for help who instantly agreed to stay in the hospital till Avyan returns. Avyan cautioned his mother not to talk about this with Isha.
Avyan nodded hesitantly and left for his chamber to freshen up and leave for the hospital so as not to trouble Ragini more.
Ranveer made his way into the study after the BEAST allowed him. He didn't ask a word, he didn't have to, Ranveer knew what he wanted to know, but he was hesitant to tell him that.
"I am still pursuing Ragini, she didn't accept me yet, she has her own doubts... thought of letting you know when she is ready to date me, Ranawat. Ab...(now) not everyone is lucky to have the love of their life effortlessly like you do, right??", Ranveer said, taunting him in the end...
Abhyansh glared at his brother-in-law.
"What?? I wasn't wrong though, you married my innocent sister, without putting any efforts, and then torture her?? You didn't even have to pursue her, she loved you just like that... you got her so easily, that's why I am afraid you don't value her like you should", Ranveer said the last sentence though he knew is false. He knew how much Abhyansh valued Isha, but he hated his brother-in-law for taking away his innocent sister from him and then hurting her.
"Rajput... I might have got her very easily, but I am and will go through hell to keep her with me, pursuing a woman might be a journey that comes to an end with marriage, but my queen deserves to be pursued for life, and I'll keep doing it till my last breath", Abhyansh said startling Ranveer, he never imagined to see the BEAST loving someone so passionately... "I told you this not because you are her brother and I am answerable to you, no... I am not answerable to anyone for anything, except to my wife, I did because you keep upsetting my wife talking about separating with me, I don't like to see her upset Rajput, it makes me want to kill the reason... so... Don't. Become. The. Reason", BEAST added, Ranveer gulped at the sight, his brother-in-law meant each and every word and this scared him.
Abhyansh's words clear and crisp, indicating how much he loved his wife at the same time asking his brother-in-law to stay away from his married life...
"Ranawat, I don't want to see my sister upset either, but I am constantly worried for her... you keep hurting her, how am I supposed to trust you with her??", Ranveer asked
"Then don't, I just need my wife's trust", he said, working on his laptop...
"Arrogant a**", Ranveer muttered to himself glaring at his brother-in-law. "I hate you", Ranveer said loudly, Abhyansh gave him a look before concentrating on his work again... "I know the feelings are mutual, huh...", Ranveer added...
"No...", Abhyansh said, Ranveer smiled at his stone brother-in-law admitting he didn't hate him(Ranveer) but before he could say something appreciative, "you are not that important", Abhyansh added making Ranveer huff in annoyance...
"You want to know anything else from me Maharaj??", Ranveer asked sarcastically, "he won't tell me a thing despite his wife is my sister but expects me to give my love life updates to him, bl**dy hypocrite", Ranveer murmured, but loud enough for the beast to hear but he wasn't in the mood to respond.
"Nothing for now, but as soon as Ragini accepts, tell your sister, she would be sad if she gets to know later", Abhyansh said and dismissed Ranveer who stormed out in anger at Abhyansh's rudeness, well he should be used to it by now, but seeing his brother-in-law soften towards Isha, Ranveer expected he would soften up to the family as well but seems like it would remain a dream. The BEAST will remain a beast forever...
Abhyansh gave a look to his childish brother-in-law who left his study stomping, he sighed understanding why Ragini is taking her own sweet time to accept him, he shook his head getting back to work. After wrapping his work, he left to his chamber expecting to see his wife and spend some time with her but when he saw his chamber empty, rage filled in, she is still working in the kitchen ?
He stormed down to the kitchen, his furious steps scared the servants, everyone moved out of his way praying to Khatu Shyam ji to save them from their king's wrath... he saw his grandmother guiding Isha with all the arrangements for the 'Karwa Chauth' next day while Isha religiously followed her words. Rajmata Devyani Devi tried looking cold but isn't, and Abhyansh knew this very well, she knew Amruta would have guided Isha if she wasn't hospitalized, and it must be taking a toll on Isha without knowing the things properly, so she decided to stay back after dinner and help her, instead of leaving to her chamber like everyday.
Abhyansh's eyes calmed down looking at the sparkle in his wife's eyes, conversing a bit freely with his grandmother, instead of the constant hesitation in her eyes every time.
"Ab kya karna hai Dadi sa ??(Now what should be done Dadi sa ?)", Isha asked
"Bs tayar hai(Nothing, It's done)", Devyani said checking the consistency of the traditional delicacy... Isha's eyes twinkled at that...
"Really ?? It's done ?", Isha asked and Devyani nodded with a smile looking at the glee on her face...
"Okay, what's next ?", Isha asked, Devyani is about to say something when Abhyansh entered the kitchen shocking all the servants and his grandmother, as he never entered the place to their knowledge. He held his wife's wrist and pulled her outside the kitchen, Devyani Devi followed her grandson noticing his fury.
"Finish the rest of the things", he looked at the servants glaring at them... "learn how to treat a queen or next time, I won't be using words", he said, indicating how they are letting Isha do all the work, even those which they are supposed to do, they wanted to but Isha insisted she would do it herself and they couldn't deny their Rani sa... Isha felt bad for them...
"Humne hi kaha tha... (I only told them...)", she started but he shot her a glare which shut her up...
"You can't overexert yourself Rani sa", he said coldly, but she could see the concern in his eyes...
"I won't, trust me", she said softly and he sighed before pulling her with him to their chamber, but halted at the stairs...
"Aap bhi... (You too)", Abhyansh said without turning back, and then walked away pulling his wife with him holding her wrist, without any care in the world that he shocked all the people in there, especially his grandmother, did he just ask her not to overexert herself ?? Did he just show his concern for her ??
Devyani ordered the servants to finish up the rest before quickly walking to her chamber, as soon as she stepped in, her strong facade dropped down, and tears made their way. Her eldest grandson showed his concern for her after 2 decades... now, she knew that day isn't far when he would call her Dadi sa again, though he wouldn't be the same loving boy he once was, she knew she would get her grandson soon courtesy, the kind princess of Rajputs, people who are the reason behind her shattered family, but not for once did Devyani blamed Isha for it. Also, she highly doubted if Amar Rajput was really involved in it, as he didn't seem that kind of person and she can't be wrong in judging a person, but again, her grandson has even sharper judgment than her, if he blamed Amar Rajput then he must have done something.
"Abhyansh, what's this ?? I was enjoying doing all that", she complained as soon as they entered their chamber and her husband locked the doors...
"Go and change, I'll come in a minute", he said fishing out his phone and calling Bhairav, Isha glared at her husband one last time before stomping to their room, Abhyansh smiled looking at her... 'how cute' he thought when suddenly how his brother-in-law stomped in a similar way crossed his mind and he groaned in irritation, he cursed his head for thinking about his wife's stupid brother. Bhairav's tone snapped him out of his thoughts.
He detailed everything about the recent developments, Abhyansh listened attentively before humming in approval and asked Bhairav not to call him until something urgent comes up, Bhairav obliged and Abhyansh hung up before walking to his room where he saw his wife sitting on their bed cross-legged and talking to his mother on phone. she has changed into her cute Mickey Mouse pyjamas now.
"No ma, you are not fasting tomorrow, I told you na, now don't trouble Avyan", Isha said
"I'm feeling fine beta, please let me do it, I never skipped it since my marriage", Amruta pleaded to her daughter-in-law
"Ma... doctor denied it, I asked him since you were insisting, he scolded me, you know ?? He asked how could I ask such a stupid question being educated ??", Isha lied through her teeth, Abhyansh fumed but calmed down soon seeing the sheepish smile on his wife's face...
"But...", Amruta started but Isha cut her off sternly...
"No Ma, if you say a word more, I'll come there sending Avyan home, I'm telling you", she said and Amruta huffed at her Hitler daughter-in-law.
"No no, let Avyan stay here", Amruta said, Avyan chuckled seeing his mother fearing his Bhabhi sa's presence, it's true though, Isha is way stricter when it comes to taking medicines or strictly following the doctor's instructions while he gives in to his mother's demands sometimes...
"Good then, don't trouble him, if he calls me again complaining about you, the next minute, I'll come there", Isha warned and after receiving a satisfying response from her mother-in-law, she hung up.
Abhyansh looked at his wife scolding his mother in amusement... he always failed to understand why she cared so much about his mother even when he made her clear that he hated his mother. Their bond is something more than a mother-in-law - daughter-in-law thing. In most families, women respect their mothers-in-law and behave well with them because of their husbands but in Ranawat palace, the king had to respect his mother, because of his wife. Isha loved and respected Amruta not because she is her husband's mother, but because she became her mother, not a mother-in-law.
"Have some time for your husband Mrs. Abhyansh ?", he asked, she got startled hearing his tone, but soon blushed at how he addressed her, this is the first time he had called her Mrs. Abhyansh, and she liked it a lot...
"When did you come ??", she asked, trying hard to hide her blush, Abhyansh chuckled seeing her red cheeks...
"When you were busy scolding your mother-in-law like a teacher", he said, settling on the bed, and making her sit between his legs and nuzzling his head into her shoulder... she looked down embarrassed knowing he witnessed how she spoke to his mother, though she knew he wouldn't mind it.
"She was adamant on observing fast tomorrow, despite the doctor's strict 'No', she is troubling Avyan, and poor he, unable to handle her called me, I don't know why is she so afraid, God will understand right ??", Isha asked, and now he didn't know how to explain his mother's fear, she isn't afraid of God but her own husband who would give her those torturous looks filled with doubt and suspicion. He banned everyone from talking about that issue, so he thought his father could only give his mother looks filled with suspicion but not verbally abuse her on that issue, but only God can save Pratap Singh Ranawat when his son gets to know that he still abused Amruta verbally though rarely.
"I missed you", he said kissing her shoulder blade... "I hate it when you stay away from me for so long, and today you hardly spent 10 minutes with me", he complained and she giggled, he bit her neck seeing her giggle, she fisted his hair biting her lips to stop the sensation that's building in her stomach with his sweet tongue torture... "don't enjoy your husband's misery, you'll have to pay for it", he said, before turning her head to face him and taking her lips in a passionate kiss...
After he reluctantly broke the kiss sensing her struggling for oxygen, she took heavy breaths, leaning her head on his chest and he covered their feet with the duvet as he felt her shiver slightly due to the cold.
"I'm excited for tomorrow, though it's not my first Karwa Chauth, I'll do the rituals with you, after the moon, I'm going see you, not your picture", she said with a smile surprising him... he did know she observed fast for him the previous year as well, but hearing it from her made him feel good. "You will let me see you right ??", she asked suddenly looking at him with hope and vulnerability. She is afraid, what if he too didn't like celebrating it, like her father-in-law?
"Of courseIsha...why wouldn't I ??", he asked, not liking the look in her eyes...
"Um... I waited for you last year, though I knew you didn't like to see my face, I hoped you would come since you followed all the traditions religiously, though you hated me, but...", she gulped the pain, remembering the shattered feeling she had the previous year, that was the time after something changed in him for her and he was busy avoiding her...
He kissed her head multiple times, tightening his hold on her, feeling guilty of what she had to go through because of him...
"I'm sorry, I wasn't there with you last year, I'll make it up to you all our life... I promise you, I will never miss 'Karwa chauth' or any other festival for that matter from now on, we'll celebrate it together...", he said taking her palms in his and kissing her fingers one by one...
"Don't apologize... it's okay", she said smiling at him...
"I don't like you to see you afraid...", he said kissing her hair, while she nuzzled her head into his chest, fisting his shirt tightly...
"It's not because of you...", she said, she is hesitant to talk to him about it but she had to, seeing his guilt... "I saw ma breaking her fast looking at Sasur sa's(Pratap) picture, at first I thought he was busy but when I saw him for dinner, I asked ma. I got to know she has been doing this for years since your father doesn't like it, it hurt me so much seeing ma in pain, I was just afraid, what if you too hated 'Karwa chauth' and I had to break the fast every time without you ?? Even the thought scared me...", she said, Abhyansh clenched his fists in anger... that man... he didn't know till when will he keep hurting his wife(Amruta)...
"Don't think that wayIsha...I'm not like him in any way...", he said, she could hear his cold tone, filled with bitterness... she rubbed his forearm and chest calming him down, he gave her a small smile but it was too forced...