A Typical Indian Bride? [✓]

364th Day.

Three months passed by with a blink of an eye.

Rekha is done with her entrance exams and even the results have been published. She did secure very good ranks in all of them and can apply for any college and course that she wants. However, Sushant and she were planning to take up the same college and course, so they could spend more time together. She did meet him a couple of times during this time, and they've been enjoying this teenage romance as much as they could.

Well, it was my idea!

Raj ji and me also met Sushant a few times just to get to know the boy and his background and till now, we don't have any complaints. Raj ji also started becoming more comfortable around him and well, that's a good sign, isn't it?

Raj Ji's business also has never been better. Infact we were planning to expand it into a bigger one by including Xerox and internet services along with the stationary items. We also thought of having the tuition centre right above the stationary shop to expand the publicity. We've also brought in another very capable teacher, i.e., my sister in law, who is also loved by all the students.

Now about me, four months into my pregnancy, I successfully made it through the tough phase of diet adaptation and this new life style. All my family members ensure that I don't miss my walks, tablets, appointments and my sleep.

I've also started taking my classes that would prepare me for my medical entrances. It felt so good to sit in those classes as a student with dreams to achieve. Raj ji and Ma ensure that I spend enough time studying and well there's Baba with his fruit juices and salads!

With all of this happening around, it almost slipped out of my head that our anniversary's round the corner and well I had not made any preparations. The previous day before my anniversary, I went to the kitchen.

"Bahu, do you need anything?", Ma ji asked.

"Nothing, Ma ji, I just came to-"

"Bahu-", she interrupted me.

"I forgot to tell you, Rekha, Babaji and me are going to Someshwar Temple. We have an early morning darshan tomorrow and will be leaving today evening. You'll have the house to yourself-

I mean, will you be able to take care of the house, alone with Raj?"

"But Ma ji, we'll also come, it's our anniversary tomorrow so it would be good to have darshan, right?"

"Bahu!", Ma ji exclaimed in a high pitched voice.

"Why cannot you be like a normal girl?"

I looked surprised at my mother in law.

" You are pregnant. You are taking classes. You deserve a break!

Every daughter in law will be waiting for alone time with her husband but look at you, even if we are creating and giving you do not want to look and take the opportunity!

Go, dress up for your husband, enjoy this alone time. You've never had privacy around in this house. Should I have to explicitly explain everything?"

I blushed. I didn't know what to say. I am certainly very blessed to have them as my family.

She took me to the pooja altar and closed her eyes and prayed. I also joined her in silence. Later, she took some vermilion and placed it on my forehead.

"May you always be blessed with all the grandeur of a married life dear.

I shall pray for you and your child and bring the prasad. Just promise me that you and Raj will have a good time together."

"Ma ji, thank you so much. May I say something?"

"Sure dear, tell me."

"Ma ji, as you know, I am from a family where I have three sisters and I am the eldest. As soon as I came of age, they searched for a groom and got me wedded to Raj ji. Initially I really cribbed the whole idea, since I never led a great life in my mother's house.

But in just 364 days, I've got a sister who makes me laugh, I've got a father who cares for me so much, I've got a husband, who loves me and is also my best friend and in you, I've got a mother, who has taught me discipline, cooking, family handling tactics, how to handle finances, and most importantly showers me with such impartial love.

I don't know whether I deserve all of this Ma ji."

That woman whom I have seen her stay as a rock, melted after listening to my heartfelt confession.

"Bahu, you yourself said everything. When I first saw you, I knew at once that you are the right match for Raj. A mother in law always has a tough time to give away her son to her daughter in law. In these 364 days, I realised that I didn't lose a son, but gained an amazing daughter.

You never have to think of your childhood days and feel sad. Infact, replace those memories with what you create with the Shukla family.

You are a Shukla now and is carrying its heir in your womb. Keep yourself happy, that's what is most important and in the process keep my son happy too! And that is a gentle request."

I hugged her and she also extended a warm arm around me.

In the evening, my in-laws made their journey to the temple leaving the house to my husband and me. Well, I knew I had to do something simple, elegant, quick and mind blowing!

It was 4 P.M. and Raj ji had gone to drop them in the Railway Station. I had 2 hours of time to get it all ready...

Let's begin the Anniversary Celebrations, shall we?

❤️❤️❤️

A/N:

Well, hello my lovely readers. Thanks a lot for all the support and love that you've showered. Your votes and comments have motivated me to update 6 chapters during this weekend!

That's really something right?

With that note, I'd like to say that  we've reached the 30th chapter of the book.

Thanks a lot once again and a gentle note to my silent readers, kindly do share your votes and comments as well!

I'd really like to know whether you are enjoying the book or not!

Have a wonderful week ahead guys!

Love you all,
Cheers,
Rashmi ❤️

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