Chalo Bhag chalte hain

Part Five

Raavi decided it was best to have whatever she could sent back to their home. She requested the samples be sent the following week, by which she and Shiva would be back home in Somanth.

She sighed .

Yes this was a well needed break. In two weeks, she would inherit the savings her paternal grandparents had decided to give to her. Her kaka having just one child, who had deserted him last year, decided to approach her outside her college last year.

He told her he was ill now too. But he promised her that all her wishes would be fulfilled. Raavi tried not to cry regarding the memory. He had fortunately not witnessed her attempting suicide on the wedding day. He had passed only weeks prior. Her masi had been miffed with them and she had not let her see her paternal grandparents before they passed.

She appreciated her eccentric masi's attempts to protect her , but she wished she had more time with them. Perhaps she was worth it for them to have lived longer.

Now she would never know.

She inadvertently leaned on Shiva's shoulder.

Shiva was surprised but continued to drive.

They were going to be stopping over at inn shortly.

He wondered if she meant to hold him close like she was.

He skid to halt as a taxi served around them.

Raavi snapped out of her reverie as Shiva cursed the driver and then turned around to check on her.

" Tu theek hai Raavi?," he asked , his voice laced with concern.

She nodded briefly.

He gave her a once over, scanning her from head to toe.

She felt a blush on her cheeks.

She called herself the prettiest girl in all of Somanth, yet when he looked at her with this intense gaze, she did not know how to react or accept it.

Shiva looked away from her, realizing the bike would not get them the rest of the way.

He sat Raavi on the side of the road with their things as he tried to arrange a cab for them.

He found one eventually and they were able to hook his damaged bike to the back . He would have to search for a mechanic in the morning.

They latched the bike onto the holding area. Then he led her inside where they had arrangement to stay that night. Shiva asked about the local mechanic .

He took some things from Raavi's arms and they headed upstairs. They learned there would meals served in the communal dining room starting at 7am the next day.

They were welcome to use the kitchen after hours, but they would have to clean up on their own.

The bedroom seemed clean and served the purpose for their needs.

" It seems like we really are running away from home," he commented.

She looked him surprised.

" But we didn't really, You told Goumbi Bhaiya that we were also talking to suppliers right?," she stated.

He looked at her profoundly.

" Shiva what did you tell Goumbi and the others?," she pressed.

He grabbed her wrist and pulled her close to himself.

" I told him we were going to go on a honeymoon and we would get some new vendors for Pandya store," he admitted.

He turned his eyes downcast. He wasn't sure if he wanted to see her look of disbelief or disgust.

After all, their marriage had been forced upon them because of the betrayal of his brother Dev.

Raavi dropped the bag she was holding.

" Can I confess something Shiva?"

He looked back at her and met her eyes.

" My feelings for Dev were an infatuation. Tum jante ho, ki in che mahino mein mujhe yeh ehass aaya, ki tum ho mere asli pyaar," she admitted.

He gazed at her stunned.

She reached for him this time.

" Yes I wanted to expand the Pandya store with my own ideas, but with you at my side. There are two reasons I chose now. My kaka died before we got married. He left me some money. I want to use it for our future. I don't want to ever think what is between us is temporary," she added.

" Kya chahti ho Chipakali ?"

She grasped him by the collar of his shirt.

"Tuhme, baas tum mere ek lauti pati dev. This isn't some fancy confession but I want you to.."

He kissed her as he grasped her waist.

When he leaned back to look at her naturally blushed cheeks, he knew there was no going back from his feelings ever again.

Raavi would remain the only woman he would have these feelings for. It did not matter if her masi or anyone else tried to take her away from him.

He wasn't letting go of her.

" I love you Raavi Shiva Pandya. Now promise me one thing," he demanded .

" Bol Shiva, kya?"

"You are never leaving me ever," he said before leaning in to kiss her deeply this time.

She muttered agreement.

The circumstances were imperfect but they became one that night. They would only build a stronger bond from here on in.