(Note - The next chapter will be uploaded after hitting the target)
____________________________________
Indra's pov
It's been a month since Tulasi and I barely had a conversation. I didn't force her no matter how upset I was. That day, Rudra, for the first time, took a promise from me not to hurt Tulasi physically again.
Rudra's marriage is in 3 days. And I've been observing him for a while, and he didn't seem excited at all. Well... I know he's getting married to a widow, but I did ask his opinion, and he always replies with 'I'm okay with this marriage'
These days Keshav and I have become close. He saved my woman, and I'll always be grateful. He's actually just 2 years younger than me, so it was easy to get bonded. He visits my house almost every other day now.
For the first time yesterday, I cried while hugging Rudra, telling him how I felt and how the distance between me and Tulasi was breaking my heart. He looked very shocked, but he did console me.
I wanted to make a grand wedding, but I know what will happen if relatives attend this wedding. They'll probably taunt Sugandha. So we just decided to do it in a temple.
Mom seemed very unhappy with everything; I tried to convince her many times but always failed. She told me to start looking for matches for Nalini. Before I did, I wanted to ask Nalini's opinion…. I want to know what type of man she wants. I'll never hand her over to a jerk, and there are many here.
Keshav will be a great help; he's definitely a people pleaser. I'm sure he would find someone amazing.
"Keshav, what do you think? All of these men look good, but I'm worried about their personalities." I asked while looking through the pictures.
"Maybe we shouldn't hurry… Rudra is just getting married. And why not take sometime?" Keshav said.
"no, no… Women should get married at an early age. Or else some roadside Romeo will trap her in a spell called love. Then my poor heart can't handle the consequences." My mom said in an exaggerating way.
"Ma, please stop. First I need to ask Nalini's opinion." I said and called out Nalini's name.
Nalini walked towards us with her head covered. "Ji bhaiya"
"Take a look at these pictures; tell me if you like someone." I said.
I watched her trying to look at the pictures. but she seemed so hesitant.
"What happened, Nalini? You don't like anyone?" I asked curiously.
"y…your wish, bhaiya. I'll marry anyone you choose." Nalini said in a low tone.
There was something off with her voice. She's usually so energetic and happy.
"Nalini, it's about your life partner… I think you should pick someone that you like. Just tell me what type of man you want." I asked.
I watched her going quiet. I was so confused but didn't think much of it. Maybe it's that time of the month. She becomes quieter during those times.
"No hurries, Nalini. You can think and then tell me." I reassured Nalini.
She just nodded and walked away. I took a big sigh and looked at Keshav, but he was looking at Nalini, who was walking away.
"Keshav? Do you have to go? Why don't you have lunch with us." I asked him.
"No… It's fine; my mom must be waiting for me. I'll have it some other time." I watched him get up and walk out the main door.
I sighed and walked into my room. There was less work for women since I appointed a maid. My mom was against it, but I convinced her somehow.
Tulasi was folding the clothes. I sat on the bed. And cleared my throat.
"Tulasi… why don't we go shopping? I know I can just bring the salesman home, but… I want to take you out." I asked, hoping that she would say yes.
"No.. Indra ji. Rudra Ji's wedding is near, and I have a lot of work to do." Tulasi said without even looking at me.
"But it's fine; it's just for a half day. We'll return after shopping, and we can also watch a movie before returning" I asked again.
Tulasi's pov
Shopping word is so tempting for ladies... It's unfair to use it against me. But I still refused.
When Indra ji said he'll take me to a movie, I couldn't resist it. I always wanted to go to one. But never had the chance. No matter how much I tried to refuse, my heart wouldn't listen.
"Ji… okay." I muttered.
Indra ji smiled ear to ear. I bit my lower lip in nervousness.
"Thanks, Tulasi. Get ready; I'll meet you outside in a few." Indra ji said after standing.
I nodded, and he left. I sighed and got ready. I was excited, not gonna lie.
I was checking myself out infront of the mirror. And Indra ji walked in. I was about to turn around, but then he said "Don't turn around… stand like that, okay?"
I just nodded. I felt him behind me not soon after. I gulped; I didn't know what he was doing and what he wanted.
Then the smell of jasmine hit my nostrils. I felt him pinning them on the backside of my hair.
I touched them and turned around. He was looking at me with a smile. My lips twitched; they wanted to smile so bad, but I averted my gaze.
If everything was good, then I would've hugged him so tight. And prep his face with kisses. But no, I can't do that.
Yesterday when I woke up to get some water, I didn't see Indra ji beside me, and then I walked out…. I heard the brother pair having a conversation. Then I heard the sobs of Indra ji. I never would've imagined him crying in any situation. I didn't want to eavesdrop, but I did. He cried because of the guilt. My heart wanted to run towards Indra ji and console him in my embrace. But I held back… Watching him cry also made me tear up. I cried in the bedroom quietly. I didn't like the distance between us, but what can I do? My mind wasn't supporting it.
"Do you like them?" Indra ji asked me.
"Yes… they look fresh and good." I replied.
"Let's go then." Indra ji said, and I nodded.
Author pov
They eventually reached the shopping spot. Tulasi followed behind Indra.
Tulasi took a lot of time deciding what she wanted. She was astonished by the prices. She picked a cheap one.
"Tulasi, buy something else too. It's too cheap. You said you liked the green one; then why did you select this?" Indra asked Tulasi.
"Indra ji… i.. I like this too. Let's buy this and leave." Tulasi says.
Indra frowns. "Then let's buy both."
"What?? No…It's okay. This one is fine." Tulasi says, trying to convince Indra.
"Shhh. I'm going to buy these two. Now let's go." Indra paid for both of the sarees.
Indra also made her buy a lot of accessories even when she refused to do so.
"Let's go watch a movie now." Indra says.
Tulasi was waiting for this moment. She nodded hurriedly. She didn't want to seem too desperate but failed. Indra chuckled and guided her towards the movie theater.
He bought two tickets and escorted Tulasi inside. She was bewildered by the setup and interior.
Indra made her sit in her designated seat and sat beside her.
The movie started, and everyone was whistling. Tulasi looked around her in a daze. She sat on the chair while hugging her knees close to her.
"Is whistling a ritual thing? Why is everyone doing that, Indra ji?" Tulasi asks Indra in curiosity.
"They do it out of excitement and for fun." Indra says.
"ohh… But I don't know how to whistle." Tulasi says in a sad way.
"Well, it's easy. I'll teach you." Indra says, and they show her how to do it, but Tulasi is having a hard time.
"Leave it; I'll just watch the movie." Tulasi says after a sigh.
Indra brings his fingers close to her lips. "Open your mouth."
Tulasi gulped and parted her lips. Indra makes her whistle with his fingers in her mouth.
Tulasi smiles widely when she succeeds. Indra retreats his hand. He was definitely aroused; he wipes his fingers with his kerchief and clears his throat.
Tulasi watches the movie, and Tulasi is engrossed in it. Her eyes refused to look anywhere else.
Indra was busy looking at tulasi instead. He was smiling like a teenager while gazing at his own wife. He feels lucky to have her as his wife.
After a while, he noticed her hiccuping. Indra's smile drops.
"Wait… I'll be back in a second." Indra says and walks out.
Tulasi was scared to be alone among strangers, but she didn't want to seem like a pussy. So she focused on the movie.
Indra returned and passed her 'goli soda'. Tulasi takes it and gulps down the soda. She hands him back the glass bottle after being satisfied.
Indra takes it and drinks the rest of it. He thinks it's the best soda he had after Tulasi tasted it.
The movie comes to an end, and Indra asks if she's hungry, but she shakes her head as a no.
Indra sighed when he heard her stomach grumbling. He took her into a restaurant and made her eat something. He also ate with her.
They returned home, but they didn't talk to eachother during the ride. But their hearts were feeling a lot better. They both had a slight smile on their faces.
Write a comment ...