Mehak's POV

I woke up quite early but didn't move from where I am. I am securely pinned on his side as I rest my head on his chest. His breathing was calm as I listened to my favorite lullaby his heartbeat. I cringed at my own thoughts about our last night. I can't recall how long we were making love or how many times. The only thing I remembered was he scooped me up from downstairs and want to punish me for not calling him or messaging. My thought to annoy him backfired as I started to miss him badly but his punishment was so sweet. He didn't let me to rest even a bit, I wonder how am going to walk today, as I still feel sore at the middle of my body. I looked at myself, I am wearing his shirt which he make me to wear it. It started to rain heavily last night and I wanted to change something to wear so he found his shirt near the couch which he took it out earlier before rushing me into the shower along with him. Beneath the shirt I am not wearing anything. I pushed my thoughts away as I lifted my head to see him. His stubbles have grown a little longer and his lips twitched a little in sleep. The feeling to wake up next to his warmth something which I never complained off. I observed his chiseled jaw and his body at ease as he slept peacefully. I planted a soft kiss on his jaw, pressing my lips a little longer there and slowly release myself from his grip. I tiptoed inside the bathroom and let the warm shower run over my body soothing me gently. Once done I wrapped myself with the towel and came to stand in front of the bathroom mirror. I wipe off the fog on the mirror which escaped during the shower. Staring at myself, I smiled and blushed at the same time. The scene of last night keep running in my mind, how he called me in his sensual voice which made my knees shaken and I feel like the ground is slippery. His hold along my waist and how his caress along every inch of my body. I can see his love marks on me everywhere. I can't wear a saree today or else Sonal and Vicky will tease me to death. These two I wonder what they will be thinking of me. It was almost dinner time and we didn't even go down to eat. I wore a long anarkali suit which hides perfectly from my collar bone to my arms. I wore my favorite pair of jhumka and placed a matching bindhi and walked out from our walk in wardrobe. I saw Shaurya still in his deep sleep know he wouldn't slept well last few days too as he was busy with meetings and events and I didn't talk to him either so all these would have made him sleepless. I want to make his favorite breakfast so I closed the door slowly and head to the kitchen.

I was humming my favorite tune as I see there was no one there. Maybe Awara bhaiya will be late. I started with the preparation of making of bottle gourd /lauki halwa. Once done I did a side dish to go along with the rotis. I turned off the hob and started to knead the flour when Sonal came in greeting good morning,

Sonal: Good morning gudiya... how are you? Long time no see (in teasing tone)

Mehak: What long time, you saw me yesterday right?

Sonal: Yeah I saw you yesterday morning before going to work, after that when I came home in the evening, you were in the room the entire time. I was wondering will I say you today morning or not, luckily I see you now, so I want to go home. Since your beloved husband is back I don't want to be here to disturb you guys.

Mehak: (Suppressing her blushing smile) Okay tell everyone at home I missed them okay. Before you go eat some breakfast too.

Sonal: Aww look at your face you are blushing like new bride. I never seen you red like this even on your wedding day, so what you two did last night? Tell me.

Mehak: Sonal you are talking nonsense, wait at the dining table, I am finishing this rotis. Go now.

Sonal: I am not going anywhere without you telling me what you two did last night. (Leaning on the kitchen island looking at Mehak)

Mehak just tucked her hair behind her ears as she garnished the lauki halwa with almonds on top ignoring Sonal.

Mehak : Don't bother me Sonal. I need to get this done quickly and wake Shaurya up.

Shaurya came behind her as he wraps his arms around her. She was startled by him. He placed a warm kiss on her hair, she nudged him trying to push him away from her warning him with her eyes that Sonal is there, he smiled at her affectionately as he looked at Sonal and plant another kiss on her cheek. Mehak stayed still in his warmth.

Shaurya: Good morning my love, morning Sonal. How are you? Thanks for taking care of my wife. Now don't bother her.

Sonal: Uff Shaurya my beloved jiju, I am going home now you can keep romancing with your beloved wife.

Shaurya: Come on Sonal, of course as husband and wife we does all the naughty stuff like normally everyone does, as if you and Mohit didn't do anything. Don't act innocent okay.

Mehak's eyes wide hearing him and she playfully beat on his arm. He just rested his chin on her shoulder as he continue his banter with Sonal.

Sonal: Uff Shaurya, Mohit is working at Delhi's outskirt and only comes home once a month. How to have our own time in our house with everyone in all the time. By the way remember you promised me an overseas trip, is it just promise at that time for me to help you or you really meant it?

Shaurya: Yes I meant it, tell me where you want to go, I will book tickets and everything for two of you. Ask Mohit to come and you two go and have fun.

Sonal: Really, Okay I always wanted to go to Bali, Indonesia. Can you book for us to Bali?

Shaurya: Sure why not, you start with your preparations, I will arrange everything for you and Mohit.

Mehak: Hello, what is going on here? What is she saying Shaurya? Why did you promise her? Can anybody say something?

Shaurya: Sweetheart it was nothing, Sonal did some extraordinary work at the restaurant and I promised her a trip as a gift, so that's why she is talking about.

Mehak: Shaurya in that case can we also go together, we can have fun.

Shaurya: Baby, I am sending your brother and sister in law together so they can have their own time not going there for picnic, so we will go another time okay. Let them go and have fun.

Sonal: Thank you Shaurya, I will call Mohit immediately and ask him to apply leave so we can get our self-ready for the trip.

Sonal left from the kitchen excitingly.

Shaurya: So my love, (kissing her shoulder) why did you wake up so early. I missed you. (Checking her outfit) Why are you not wearing saree today?

Mehak: (nudging her elbow on his abdomen) missing me, last night the entire night didn't let me to sleep and morning you slept like bearded baby. I woke up and went to shower so I can prepare for you something special for breakfast. How to wear saree, all your marks are visible. Sonal and Vicky will tease me to death. I can't handle these two you know. (She was scooping the lauki halwa in a bowl)

Shaurya: Okay, What are you cooking? Smells delicious.

Mehak: Its Lauki ki halwa. Don't know suddenly feel like to prepare this for you, (she scoop some in a spoon and bring forward to his mouth lovingly)

Shaurya: I do love your cooking but apart from this I love another thing too, so shall we go back to our room and let's take a shower together and be naughty again (in his suggestive tone)

Mehak: (taking the ladle in her hand to strike at him) Last night you did everything and still asking me for today, besharam aadmi. Let's have breakfast. Maa and maasi will be coming by afternoon. You eat your breakfast and go to your office.

Shaurya: Okay baby we will continue at night okay, now I will eat the food you prepared for me quietly, are you happy now?

Mehak: Okay come lets go and have breakfast, Sonal and Vicky must be waiting for us and for the food too.

They bring the food to the dining table as Vicky greeted them. Mehak served everyone breakfast and they chit chatted as they enjoyed the delicious meal prepared by her.

By late noon Maa and Maasi reached home. Karuna maa told Mehak how's her trip to the temple and she passed her the prasad. At evening Shaurya came back from his office he sat down to catch up with the elderly ladies about their trip and other matters.

Almost two weeks passed and during dinner one day, maasi initiated a conversation.

Maasi: Mehak bahu, in another two days is Karva chauth. Jiji and I are doing the preparation for your first sargi. After your marriage we missed many events so this time we are preparing this Karva chauth in full swing. We have invited many of our friends and didi is excited for this event.

Maa: Mehak beta, will you fast for my Shaurie? If you are like the modern girl these days who are talking about equal gender opportunity etc. and doesn't want to fast it's okay, No one is forcing you.

Shaurya: Maa, your innocent naive bahu (daughter in law) has fasted for Karva chauth even before our marriage. 2 years back while we were shooting for India Super Cook she was fasting .When I asked her why she fast, she said it's for Matarani to bless them for a good husband and their deeds to be accepted. You know by end of the day she fainted and I need to help her to breakfast. But madam didn't let me to break her fast till she sees the moon so I carried her to see the moon and made her to breakfast. Maa she already get a good husband and she don't need to fast for my longevity etc. All these rules are men made and only make us fall sick. I don't want her to fall sick. You know I don't belief in all these stuff, so it will be good you don't encourage Mehak to do all these.

Mehak: (placing her palm over Karuna maa's hand) Maa don't worry I will fast for Karva chauth. It is difficult but I will try at least.

Shaurya: Mehak you are not fasting and this is final. I don't want to hear anything about this. Got it.

Saying that he gets up from the dining table abruptly wiping his mouth with the napkin and left the table there leaving the ladies of the Khanna's in bizarre. Mehak was appalled at his sudden reaction. She never seen him like that in such a long time. She turned to see the disappointed elders.

Maasi: Look at our lalla jiji. How is he talking? If he doesn't believe in God and we were so excited planning for this Karva chauth as this is Mehak bahu's first Karva chauth after marriage. The past year everyone home is celebrating this day but we were sitting next to each other wondering why we were short of this happiness. Now we have planned so much and he is talking like this. We want this for his longevity, for all our happiness, and for our family's prosperity.

Mehak: Maa, maasi don't worry I will talk to him. He has been quite stressed recently with some new projects etc. Let me talk to him and see. It's my first Karva chauth in this house as your daughter. It's also my responsibility so I will do it. You don't think too much and worry as well. I know how to make your son to change his mind. (Giggling as she said this shyly)

Maa and maasi laughed together with her and supported her as they chorus to show girl power vs 1 man of the house.

Mehak climbed the stairs to her room with the golden latte in her hand. She saw Shaurya was not there even in the balcony. She put the milk on his working table and went to look for him.

Meanwhile in the study room.

Shaurya's POV

I have a rough day at work. My men called me saying that, that rotten piece of sh** unconscious. It seems he didn't open his eyes almost the whole day. I don't want him to die so soon. So they immediately get a doctor to check him and given him proper treatment and he was okay after that. Another project which I am planning to acquire is giving me tough time. Earlier he agreed to the price we offered and when we want to sign the agreement he is bargaining for more. Vicky is still there. I asked him to make sure he agree to the rate we offered earlier and get the document signed ASAP. Just now during dinner maa and maasi planning for Karva chauth. I don't believe in all these stuff and I don't want Mehak's health have issues due to this. Even a slight pain in her I can't tolerate these days. Two days back while she was playing with Naughty at the garden she tripped and fell down bruising her elbow. I was there for my evening sprint. I was scolding her the entire time as I applied the antiseptic on the wound. She was hissing as the ointment causes burning sensation. I asked Awara to tie Naughty at downstairs because it was him that caused her to fell and injured herself. She tried to convince me but later she won, her cold treatment to me started and I give up. I need to carry Naughty back to our room so she can play with him. Now she is planning to fast for my longevity. I remembered earlier she fasted for her "future husband". Here I am in her life we are here for each other and I think this entire thing is unnecessary. I was in my deep thought when a soft familiar arm snaked around my shoulder from my back. She placed her chin on my shoulder. I calm down once I sense her presence. She inhale her breath.

Mehak: What happened? I went to our room and you were not there, and today suddenly you are in study room. Anything happen? You seems to be quite upset. Tell me if anything wrong, or I can help you.

Shaurya: It's nothing Mehak, just usual business matters. Vicky called and mentioned the new project having some issues so I was in deep thoughts about it. You don't worry about anything.

Mehak: if nothing why did you talk to maa and maasi like that, do you know you hurt their feelings and mine too?

Shaurya: Mehak if this is about Karva chauth, then I don't want to talk about it.

Mehak: Shaurya can I talk to you about something? Please (in her pleading tone)

Shaurya stayed quiet as he pull her to his front placing her to sit on his mahogany work desk.

Mehak: Last year when I was in Manali, I saw all the ladies gets ready for Karva chauth. Anu didi doesn't fast but she told about the beauty for fasting for our loved ones and I did tried to fast for you discreetly. When evening comes, all the ladies waited to see for the moon with their pooja tray to break their fast with the help of their husband and the happiness I saw on their face is unexplainable. Though we have fasted one whole day the pain and our sacrifice made throughout the day when we break the fast with the presence of our loved ones. When I was breaking my fast I observed the moon and prayed to Matarani to give you long live and the world of happiness. This year Matarani has given me the opportunity to fast for you and I want to break my fast with your first feeding. Wont you make my wish comes true? Is it too much I asked?

Shaurya's heart melted hearing her and he gets up from his seat. He pressed both his palms on the table as Mehak sits in between. He looked at her intently for a moment.

Shaurya: So you want to fast this year?

Mehak nodded her head slowly. She can feel his intense gaze drilling a hole in her.

Shaurya: How if your health gets bad like you faint or get dizziness? Or maybe stomach aches etc.

Mehak: If anything I will break the fast and rest properly.

Shaurya: You shouldn't work at the kitchen and strain yourself and rest the entire time is it okay?

Mehak: (placing her hand at her throat) I swear I won't do anything tiring me and will rest accordingly. If in case I am not well I will break fast and keep quite. Okay, deal?

Shaurya: Okay, remember your promise Mehak. If you are not well just quit your fasting. So since it's a deal, let's seal the deal with the kiss.

Before Mehak could register what he said, she was pulled into hot searing kiss. Mehak let out gasp in between as his hand caressed her back and he squeezed her lower back. He chuckled at her cuteness. She smilingly leaned in and placed her soft lips on his cheek. She cupped his face and smiled at him.

Mehak: Come lets go to our room, I made golden latte for you, after taking that I will massage your head and you will rest well. Too much stress not good for your body Mr Khanna.

Shaurya: Okay Mrs Khanna, let's go and I want my personal massage session to start soon.

They spent the rest of the evening with their cute nok jhoks and into each other's arm.

Karva chauth day comes, Mehak quickly freshen up and went downstairs as Maa and maasi prepared for her sargee. She had that and Maa asked her to rest the entire day as all cooking will be done by themselves. She volunteered to do the prasad but maasi reminded her of what did Shaurya told her before agreeing to her fasting and Mehak kept mum. They told her, mehndi artist will come later she will have to wear mehndi like a new bride and sit and relax that's all she have to do. She nodded and went to her room. Shaurya was already awake and he is in shower. She made their bed and started to check for Shaurya's suits for his office. Just than Shaurya came in there with towel around his waist. He carried her from behind off the ground by her waist as he started to nuzzle her nape.

Mehak: Shaurya what you doing? Put me down and don't do all these.

Shaurya: Why I can't do all these, you are my wife and I will do anything and everything with you.

Mehak: I am your wife, but today is Karva chauth and I already started fasting and all these are not allowed.

Shaurya: (shocked hearing her he put her down abruptly and turning her to face him) you mean I can't even touch you or kiss you?

Mehak nodded her head gently and continues

Mehak: touch as of normal touch is okay but all these are not allowed. All these after I see the moon and break the fast. So now get dressed, have your breakfast and go to office.

She took out his clothes and walked outside of the wardrobe area as Shaurya walked behind her like a lost kitten.

Shaurya: (resting his arms on his waist) Who made this kind of rules, first the wife need to fast for the husband's longevity, she needs to starve the whole day for his life. Then the husband can't hug, hold or kiss his wife. This entire rules is rubbish, and whoever came up with this absurd is must be a monk who never fell in love in his life.

Mehak: (smiled at his cute tantrum he pulled him and made him to sit on the bed and took another towel to wipe his wet hair) When you are angry like this Shaurya, just like a baby who wants his mommy to give her attention. Whoever has made this rules I am not sure but I will follow them is just for today. After that we will be normal as usual. Now be a like a good husband get ready and go to office , finish work quickly and come home soon. (Cupping his jaw affectionately)

Shaurya: You are always sweet talk like this and change my mind all the time Mehak. This is not done.

Before he finish his sentence she placed her index finger on his lips and bend forward to plant a kiss on his forehead pressing her lips longer there letting him to absorb all the happiness from her action. Her single action has made him calm and quite. She slowly straighten herself as she looked at him.

They were interrupted by the knock on the door. It was Awara who came to call Mehak as Karuna Maa asking for her. Mehak asked Shaurya to dress up and come downstairs as she proceed to Karuna maa's room.

At Karuna maa's room Mehak was presented with a gift tray. It consist of a beautiful red saree and a jewelry set.

Mehak: Maa, you keep spoiling me with all these gifts. As it is you have given me so many gifts earlier.