Published on 28th February 2021.

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- R I S H A B H -

Completing my work, I sighed and leaned on the bedrest. I turned my gaze to left and saw Shruti sleeping in the sitting position. Taking the book from her hand, I made her lie properly on the bed.

I lied on my side and closed my eyes. Feeling her skin beneath mine, I opened my eyes and saw my arm touching hers.

Should I let it be here or withdraw it back?

We have already started our relationship. There's no problem if I hold her.

But, what if she thinks that I'm taking advantage of her when she's sleeping? No.

Pulling my hand back, I turned to my right and closed my eyes.

Sigh.

How will we live like this?

It's been three days to our wedding and we can't even communicate properly, let alone other things. Is this what arranged marriage is?

I've tried initiating the conversation but I can't do it alone. She needs to respond too. If she doesn't make a try from her side, how will we take a step ahead in our relationship!

She wasn't so quite and composed in schooldays. I remember her smiling all the time in school with her friends.

How can I forget the time when her class got an extra free period after their games? She grinned so loudly which caught everyone's attention. And strangely, I too was having the same two periods free!

Does she remember me?

Ofcourse not.

She would've talked to me easily then. We shared something in common.

But the situation is just the opposite.

In this situation, we could only take baby steps. Not only me, but she needs to co-operate too. We can't live like strangers for a lifetime.

Turning towards her, I gazed her for the last time before drifting into sleep.

✨

As the sunrays hit me, I opened my eyes and saw the bed beside me empty. Stretching my arms, I stood up and drank a glass of water.

I walked towards my bathroom and saw it locked from inside. Sighing, I went in the balcony and closed my eyes as the cold breeze hit my face.

I'm no more a bachelor.

Now, I have more responsibilities over me.

Not able to control my bladder, I rushed towards the bathroom and knocked the door. "Shruti, can you please come out? I need to use the bathroom."

"Just a minute." She shouted from inside. Although I'm not a child to not control my bladder, but it was out of my control now.

As I heard the other door of bathroom opening, I knew that she was in the closet. Running inside the bathroom, I used the toilet and brushed my teeth.

Walking inside the closet to pick my clothes, I saw her setting her clothes in the wardrobe.

After sharing my room, I need to share my wardrobe too!

Not that I mind.

"You need any help?" I asked. She shook her head in negative and continued her work.

Can't she say it?

That's why I say that communication is important.

"It's almost done." She said and I nodded. Finally!

Walking towards my clothes, I took them out and walked back to bathroom. Taking a quick shower, I paced out and saw the room empty.

If she's not willing to take the first step in our relationship, I could.

Yes.

To spend some quality time, I could take her out on a long drive.

Yes, it sounds good. And we'll get some personal time too.

I wore my clothes and walked out in the living room.

"Finally you're here. Sit down and start eating." Ma said and I nodded. I sat on the chair beside Shruti and took the food in my plate.

As I took the first bite, I sighed.

"Ma, did you add some new masala in this today? It tastes different."

"Different as in? Good or bad?"

"Good."

"Ofcourse, it would be good. Your wife made it." Ma said and I could say nothing. Shruti is a good chef indeed. Whereas I can just cook instant noodles!

As everyone ate their breakfast, I thought about choosing the way for our drive. Should we drive in Delhi or should we go out?

"Rishi, you need to drop Shruti at her parents' place today."

"What? I mean why?"

"For Pagphere. It's a ritual." Ma said and I nodded. I remember Radhika following the same ritual two years ago.

And here goes all my plans for a long drive in vain!

"Let's go." I said as we walked out. I looked at the bag in her hand and frowned. She was going to spend just a few hours there, right? Then why was she carrying such a large bag?

I took the bag from her hand and kept it on the backseat. I sat on the driving seat while she took the passenger seat.

"Shruti, can you tell me what's the time?" I asked while driving.

"Nine fifteen."

If not today, we can go out tomorrow.

"When should I pick you up? In evening?"

"No! I mean I need to stay there for two days."

"Two days? But why?"

"Huh?" She exclaimed and I mentally banged my head on wall. Wrong choice of words!

"I mean don't you think it's a long span of time. I thought it would take a few hours."

"It would take two days. You can pick me the next evening." She said and I nodded.

And now, we can't even go on a long drive tomorrow!

As we reached her parents place, I stopped the car and walked out. She was about to take the bag but I picked it before her, carrying it inside. "I can carry it. You don't need to."

"I can carry it too." I said as we walked inside.

Just when her mother saw her, she hugged her tightly. Following all the rituals, we entered inside.

"Mumma, I'll take my leave." I said as I kept her bag on the table.

"This early?"

"I have some work."

"Atleast have breakfast with us."

"We've already had it. And I have some urgent work."

"Okay then. Drive safely." She said and I smiled. Bidding bye to everyone, I walked out and started my car.

✨

While I was engrossed in my work, I heard the door of my room opening. I looked up and saw Ansh pacing towards me.

"Saale Sahab, how are you?"

"Anything urgent?" I said and he chuckled.

"Can't I come here without any work?" He asked and I nodded. "Radhika is eating my head." He said and I glared. "I mean she's angry and craving for wierd things."

"So what are you doing here? Go and fulfill her cravings."

"I'm tired. Tired of this life. Tired of everything." He sighed and lied his head on the table.

"Then go and die."

"Not that tired. Well, how is your life going on?"

"Good."

"What have you thought about your honeymoon destination?"

"We haven't talked about that."

"Really?" He asked and I nodded. "Oh, well, I need to tell you something about your wife's elder sister."

"Hmm..."

"Actually, she's-" He was about to say something but his phone rang. He sighed and picked it up. "Hello baby. How are you doing?" He kept the phone away from his ears and pressed his eyes tightly.

I know my sister very well.

She's usually calm. But her pregnancy has made her quite different.

Now, she can't control her anger and has zero level of patience!

Poor Ansh.

"I need to go. Take care." He said and I shook my head before continuing my work.

✨

Time was eleven and I wasn't feeling sleepy at all. I don't know why but I was feeling alone.

Alone?

We're just married for four days and I'm feeling alone?

How could it be possible?

I've lived all these years without any partner!

Feeling alone is just an illusion...

I still remember the time ma and papa asked me marry. They were behind me for marriage from two years. But I wanted to focus all my mind on my career, and that's what I did.

When they saw me stable in my career, they brought Shruti's proposal for me.

Although I never knew her personally, I had heard about her in school. She was one of the top rank holders in her batch along with Radhika.

I knew her.

But the question is- did she knew me in school? Does she remember who I was?

Maybe not.

If she knew me, she would've gave me a hint about that. She would've atleast talked something about our school. But she didn't.

But it's not her fault.

I think I was the one who wasn't unique enough.

I was pretty similar to others.

When I met her for the first time at her place, I thought she would deny this marriage. But strangely, she agreed. Was it an act of impulsion? I hope not.

On the day we went on the date, I was nervous, and it's the truth. Although I tried to act calm, did I do it correctly? Maybe not.

While watching the movie, I tried hugging her from back but she caught me in between the act. I was embarrassed as hell!

After that, we went on two few dates together until the rituals of our wedding started.

On our wedding night, my so-called cousins suggested me about different contraceptive methods as if I'm a child who doesn't have any knowledge. And how to forget about their ideas of various positions.

It's just too vulgar!

But talking seriously, Shruti is an understanding partner. She's not someone who would cry over small things but instead she's someone who would help you solve your problems.

Taking my phone in hand, I checked her account which clearly showed that she was online.

Are you asleep?

What type of question was that? It was obvious that she was awake by her online status.

I'm awake.

Me

Have you eaten your dinner?

Shruti

Yes. Have you?

Yes.

What is Adit doing?

He's sleeping.

He was tired after playing.

Good night.

Wow! Such a short conversation.

Good night.

I kept my phone on the table and closed my eyes, falling into sleep.