What if - Rishmi FF

Part 17

Rishi woke up with the sound of birds chirping. He felt a weight on himself and looked down and saw the most precious sight for him. His wife was all snuggled up to him smiling in her sleep. They had cuddled up while sleeping at night, holding each other as close as it was possible. He was so happy to wake up to this beautiful face especially on his birthday. He gently kissed her on her forehead. Lakshmi stirred and woke up. Opening her eyes she directly looked into Rishi staring at her with an endearing look. She smiled at him and closed her eyes again taking in the moment. Suddenly she realised they were not at home and needed to get back. Everyone would be worried for Rishi as it was his birthday. She quickly got up and in the process startled Rishi.
Rishi: Kya hua tumhe. Aise kyu uthi
Lakshmi: Rishi hume Ghar chalna chahiye jaldi. Sab tumhara wait kar rhe honge especially mummy ji. Unhe bhi to tumhe wish karna hoga na
Rishi: It's okay Lakshmi. Birthday poora din hota hai. Sab wish kar lenge. Tum ghabrao mat chalte hai ghar.
They get up and go back home. Everyone wishes Rishi in the house. Karishma and Sonia make a face that Rishi and Lakshmi were out of the house the entire night and even comment on it. The rest of them just ignore it.
Sonia: Aur bhai sabse pehle to wish Malishka ne hi kia hoga na 12 bje. Kaha pe the aap? Uske ghar pe na?
Rishi: Mujhe sabse pehle wish Lakshmi ne kia aur main uske hi saath tha. Usne itna special surprise plan kia tha mere lie jo aajtak kisi ne bhi nai kia. It was the best.
This annoys Karishma and Sonia even more. Neelam also doesn't like Lakshmi but she is happy that she did something that made her son so happy. Rishi and Lakshmi go up to their room to change. Lakshmi takes out new clothes that she bought for Rishi.
Rishi: Lakshmi aaj tumhare kapde main choose karoonga. Tum roz mer kapde karti ho na. To aaj mujhe bhi tumhare kapde choose karne hai.
Lakshmi agrees. Rishi rummages in the cupboard and finds a saree complementing his clothes. They both get ready. Rishi is combing his hair when Lakshmi comes and stands beside him
Lakshmi: Wish you a very very happy birthday husband.
She gives him a red rose making him smile. Rishi hugs her taking the rose.
Rishi: Thank you wifey. But mera gift?
Lakshmi: Batao kya chahiye
Rishi: Jo bhi tumhe acha lage
Lakshmi: Rishi tum batao na tumhe kya chahiye. Main wohi dungi tumhe. Tumhare paas already sabkuch hai main kya hi lau apne man se.
Rishi: Theek hai fir main baad me bataunga kya chahiye mujhe tumse
With that, they go down for breakfast. It's a day of hustle bustle as the preparations for the party at night are going on. Rishi, aayush and Virendra go to office after breakfast. It was a busy day for Lakshmi. But she kept thinking about what Rishi told her last night, how he ended everything with Malishka. She was so happy but she didn't want to count her chicken before they hatched. She couldn't just assume that Rishi loved her. He needed to say it out loud this time. She also remembered how she slept while they were talking and they never completed what he was saying. She wanted to ask him to continue but decided to initiate the conversation with Rishi at night.
In the evening, the party started and guests started arriving. Malishka also came with her family. Everyone was waiting for the man of the hour but he had not returned from office yet. He had gone for a meeting elsewhere alone and got late. Lakshmi was calling him constantly but his phone was coming switched off. She was worried and kept pacing near the entry gate. She suddenly felt a familiar feeling of nervousness and happiness combined, she looked back and sure enough Rishi was there. He was non chalantly walking towards the door looking at some file. Lakshmi rushed to him checking if he was fine .
Lakshmi: Rishi tum theek ho na? Itna late kyu kar dia? Sab wait kar rhe hain. Aur tumhare phone ko kya hua hai? Switch off bata rha tha
Rishi: Lakshmi calm down. Itne saare sawal ek saath. Main meeting ke lie bahar gya tha wahi late ho gya aur mera phone discharge ho gya islie off hai. Aur main bilkul theek hoon. Tension lene ki koi baat nai hai.
Lakshmi calmed down and asked him to go get ready fast as everyone was waiting for the cake cutting. Rishi quickly went to the room to get ready. When he came down, Lakshmi couldn't take her eyes off him, he was looking so handsome. She got that strange feeling again and all she wanted to do was get close to him. She rubbished her thoughts away and looked at the other girls staring at her husband. She got really jealous. Rishi came up to Neelam and took blessings from all elders. He looked at Lakshmi and was surprised to see her giving a strange look. He went to her to see what the matter was.
Rishi: Kaisa lag rha hoon
Lakshmi: Ache lag rhe ho.
Rishi: Bas acha. Arre yaar tum to dhang se tareef bhi nai karti. Yaha pe sab ladkiyo ki shakal dekhne layak thi jab maine entry maari, unme se hi kisi se puch leta hoon.
Lakshmi: Rishiiii nai, tum kisi se nai puchoge. Main bata rhi hoon na tum bahot handsome lag rhe ho.
Rishi: Ab ye hui na baat, aur waise Mrs. Oberoi Maine aapka wo awestruck wala reaction dekh lia tha jab main neeche aaya to please aap chupane ki koshish na kare.
Lakshmi blushed knowing that he caught her gawking at him. Their moment was broken by some of Rishi's college friends coming over.
Friend 1: Aur bhai Rishi happy birthday. Itna late kar dia tune  aane me.
Friend 2: Haan kabse intezaar karwa rha hai. Malishka ko bhi pucha use bhi nai pata tha tu kabtak aaega.
Friend 3: Pehle to tum aur Malishka har party ke best dressed couple hote the. Par ab to bhabhiji aa gyi hai to ab to ye couple hi badal gya.
Friend 1: Waise Rishi last year to tune bhabhi ka saath dene ke lie Indian pehna tha to iss baar to bhabhi ka Tera saath dene ke lie Western pehenna banta tha
Rishi: Kya yaar tumlog bhi kya baatein kar rhe ho. Lakshmi ko mera saath dene ke lie kapde badalne ki jaroorat nai hai. Wo hamesha hi mere saath hoti hai aur hamari jodi bhi perfect hai always.
Lakshmi is listening to all of it. She realises how Rishi was always speaking up for her and taking her side. She knew he would never force to her to wear something she wasn't comfortable in. But she wanted to do something special for him. She decided to wear something western to surprise him and make him happy. She excused herself and went to ask Ahana for help.
The cake cutting was to happen now and Lakshmi and Ahana were no where to be seen. Rishi wouldn't cut the cake unless Lakshmi was with him. Malishka saw this as a golden opportunity and made a fuss how it was getting late and they should go ahead with the cake. But Rishi was adamant. While all this was going on Aayush looked at the stairs and exclaimed 'Bhabhi' in wonder. Rishi looked back at the top of the stairs and now it was his turn to be blown. He saw Lakshmi looking like a princess out of a fairytale descending the stairs wearing a beautiful gown. He couldn't believe his eyes. He had seen her wearing western for the first time and couldn't help himself from gawking at her.
She came down and stood beside him. He was still mesmerized and kept staring. His friends started hooting and that brought him back to reality.
Friend 1: Woah Rishi! bhabhi to sach me tumhe takkar de sakti hai. I am sorry but ab to kehna padega tumhari aur bhabhi se better jodi to koi bhi nai hai.
Friend 3: You guys indeed look perfect together.
Lakshmi blushed at the compliments. Malishka fuming in anger reminded that they had to cut the cake..
Rishi cut the cake and fed the first piece to Neelam and then Lakshmi. He then fed his other family members. Lakshmi came to feed him a piece of cake but while taking it he lightly grazed her fingers with his lips making her blush.
Afterwards people were mingling and Rishi dragged Lakshmi to a corner alone.
Rishi: Lakshmi tum... Ye dress. Tumhe koi jaroorat nai thi. Wo log to kuch bhi bolte hai. Maine kaha hai na tumhe tum wohi pehno jisme tum comfortable ho.
Lakshmi: Tum aise kyu bol rhe ho? Main achi nai lag rhi iss dress me. Ahana ne to kaha tha ki achi lag rhi hai dress. I am sorry Rishi, main tumhe sharminda nai karna chahti thi.
Rishi: Are you mad? You look ethereal Lakshmi. Tum bahot bahot khoobsurat lag rhi ho. I couldn't believe my eyes jab maine tumhe dekha. Main to bas tumhare comfort ke lie keh rha tha.
Lakshmi was happy hearing the compliments from him and assured him she was very comfortable in the dress. She told him how she wanted to match up to him and was glad she was able to do so.
The dress was a red gown with a deep back and strings. And had a frill like thing in the front that kind of acted like a cover and so Lakshmi didn't feel awkward without a dupatta or pallu.
Someone called Rishi and soon everyone was asked to come to the dance floor. Everyone was having fun and dancing. Rishi and Lakshmi were dancing together and were in bliss. Soon enough Aayush, Shalu, bani, ahana, devika also joined them and everyone was having fun. Malishka didn't like that Rishi was getting so close to Lakshmi and she heard how their common friend had exclaimed that Rishi and Lakshmi were a better looking pair than her and Rishi. She quietly moved to the dance floor and slyly pulled at one of the strings of Lakshmi's dress. It came loose and since Lakshmi was busy dancing slowly the string started coming undone. Malishka was happy that Lakshmi would be embarassed now in front of everyone.
Since she was not used to dresses, Lakshmi didn't realise what happened. Rishi twirled Lakshmi around and noticed the state of her dress. He got worried and quickly covered her back with his hand. He held the strings in place in turn holding the dress. Lakshmi was surprised at Rishi's sudden gesture and got nervous realising Rishi's touch on her bare back.
Lakshmi: Rishi tum kya kar rhe ho. Yaha itne sare log hai
Rishi: To kya hua. Tum meri wife ho. Aur main tumhe kabhi bhi kahi bhi pakad sakta hoon
Lakshmi: Rishi aise besharmo wali baatein mat karo. Chhodo mujhe. Sab dekh rhe hai
Rishi: Tum apne pati ko besharam keh rhi ho. Chalo tum mere saath.
He dragged her to a side holding her by the back still. Lakshmi felt very shy but continued to walk with him to avoid people staring.  He brought her to the guest room and closed the door with his other hand. Lakshmi got even more nervous. She quickly moved out of his hold and turned towards him.
Lakshmi: Kya kar rhe ho tum Rishi
Rishi: Maine kaha kuch kia hai.
Lakshmi: To tumne darwaza kyu band kia. Rishi dekho aise acha nai lagta na ki hum party me se aise akele alag aa jaye
Rishi: Acha to agar party nai chal rhi hoti to hum aise akele me aa sakte hai
Lakshmi was at a loss of words. She kept quiet and stared at the ground. Rishi slowly moved towards her making her even more nervous. He was liking the effect he had on her. He grabbed her by the shoulders and brought her infront of the mirror facing sideways. He showed her the strings and told her that was the reason he brought her here. Lakshmi was shocked to see the state of her dress and was very shy at what she was thinking Rishi was upto.
Rishi: Ab samjhi madam main tumhe yaha kyu laya. Faltu hi tum galat soch rhi thi mere baare me
Lakshmi: Sorry Rishi. Pata nai ye kaise ho gaya. Mujhe aadat nai hai na islie pata bhi nai chala.
Rishi accepted the apology and went ahead to tie the strings into place. He was intently figuring out the placement of the strings and trying to tie them up properly. Lakshmi shivered everytime Rishi's fingers touched her bare skin but Rishi was too preoccupied to notice. Lakshmi's head was full with thoughts she was embarassed to even have. She wanted Rishi closer to her, she wanted him to caress her body and she couldn't help imagining kissing him. Lakshmi was jolted back to reality when Rishi exclaimed he was done. Rishi looked at her gazing at him passionately. He didn't even realise how close they were. He was feeling the same passion for her and want to kiss her senseless.
Someone knocked on the door bringing them out of their staring game..they quickly shifted and went outside to the party.
The party continued and everyone was having fun and Rishi decided that this was the right time to declare his feelings. He grabbed the mic and asked for everyone's attention.
Rishi: Hello everyone, thank you so much for coming her and celebrating my day with me. Bachpan se mom dad ne hamesha mere lie special banaya hai. Meri har khwaish poori ki hai. But mera ye birthday meri life ka one of the most special birthday hai. Aur ye special ek special insaan ki wajah se hai. Wo insaan jo iss poori duniya me meri sabse jyada care karta hai. Wo insaan jiske lie mere aage kuch bhi matter nai karta. Wo insaan jo mujhe sirf Aaj nai balki har roz har moment me special feel karwata hai. Wo insaan jiske lie meri khushi meri salamati hi sabse jyada matter karti hai. Wo insaan jo mere lie khud ki jaan bhi de sakta hai. Aur wo insaan jo duniya me mere lie sabse perfect aur sabse best hai aur wo meri wife Lakshmi.
Lakshmi tears up Rishi's speech about her. Everyone else also gets emotional except obviously the Malishka party.
Rishi: Lakshmi meri zindagi me ek hawa ke jhonke ki tarah aayi aur pata nai kab kaise usne apne lie mere dil me jagah bana li. Uski simplicity uska caring nature uski choti choti baatein ye sab mujhe kab acha lagne laga mujhe pata bhi nai chala. Usne mujhe selfless hoke dusro ki parwah karna sikhaya. Rishton ka matlab samjhaya, pyaar kya hota hai ye sikhaya. Usse pehle to main pyar ko kuch aur hi samajhta tha. Uske saath rehne pe samajh aaya ki asal me pyar hota kya hai. Aur aaj main sabke saamne tumse ye kehna chahta hoon Lakshmi that I love you. I love you, I love you with my whole heart. Tum hi ho bas mere lie, main tumhare bagair apni life imagine bhi nai kar sakta. Tum mujhe sabse jyada achi lagti ho aur main tumse beintehaa mohabbat karta hoon.
Lakshmi couldn't believe her ears. Rishi confessed his love for her. It was true. He loved her.
Rishi: Aur tumhare lie main yehi kehna chahta hoon
And he starts singing.
Tum ho toh, gata hai dil
Tum nahin, toh geet kahan
He starts moving towards her slowly.
Tum ho toh, hai sab hasil
Tum nahin, toh kya hai yahan
Lakshmi is now crying full on but these are tears of joy.
Tum ho toh hai, sapno ke jaisa hasin
Ek samaa
Jo tum ho toh, yeh lagtha hai
Ke mil gayi har khushi
He reaches her and wipes her tears with one hand. He holds her by the waist and brings her closer to him.
Jo tum na ho, yeh lagtha hai
Ke har khushi mein hai kami
Tumko hai mangthi
Yeh zindagii
He gives the mic to the waiter and holds Lakshmi with both hands. She is still in tears and hugs him tight.
Everyone applauds the lovely couple, hooting and clapping for them. Aayush and shalu also have tears seeing their siblings finally accepting their love. How long have they waited for them to be happy together in love like this. The dj starts to play some romantic songs and people go back to dancing.
Lakshmi is still hugging. She whispers to Rishi.
Lakshmi: I love you too Rishi..main bahot bahot pyaar karti hoon tumse. Tumse hi mujhe saans aati hai. Tumhe dekh ke hi mera din poora hota hai. Main tumse kabhi alag nai hona chahti.. hamesha tumhare saath rehna chahti hoon tumhare paas.
Rishi gets even happier and hugs her tighter. Lakshmi cries again
Rishi slowly comes out of the hug, kisses her on the forehead.
Rishi: Tum itna ro kyu rhi ho. Mujhse pyaar karna itni badi saza hai kya
Lakshmi nods her head in no..
Lakshmi: Nai Rishi main to bas khush hoon. Ye Khushi ke aansoo hai
Rishi: Tum aur tumhare aansuon ka tanker. Khushi me dukh me kabhi bhi chalu ho jata hai..
Lakshmi hits him lightly
Rishi: waah waah ab pata chal gya ki main tumse pyar karta hoon to ab tum mujhe maarogi. Ye sahi hai. Abhi se atyachar karna shuru kar dia tumne mujhpe.
Lakshmi makes a face and Rishi laughs and makes a peace sign with his fingers trying to curb the situation.
Aayush and shalu come to them and hug them together.
Aayush: Finally bhai, finally aapne accept kar hi lia. Aur kya style hai bhai. Kya bola hai aapne. Jab main apne pyar ka izhaar karunga na to aap hi mujhe idea dena kaise karna hai. Kyu shalu sahi rahega na?
Shalu gets surprised, Rishi and Lakshmi both have understood there is something going on between these two so they just look at each other smirking..
Rishi: Acha theek hai jab time aaega tab bata dunga. Ab main thoda time apni biwi ke saath spend kar loon please?
The dj then plays the song tum ho to that Rishi sang. Rishi asks Lakshmi for her hand to dance and she happily gives her hand in his hand. Shalu and aayush also go to dance..
Rishi and Lakshmi are slowly dancing together to the song. Lakshmi kept her head on Rishi's chest and Rishi has his arms around her.
Lakshmi: Thank you Rishi for everything.
Rishi: Arre thank you to mujhe bolna chahiye. Tumne mere lie kya kuch nai kia. Lekin bas ek complaint hai meri
Lakshmi comes out of the hug position and asks: Kya complaint
Rishi: Tumne mujhe gift nai dia firse aur maine tumhe kaha tha na last year ki next year gift lana jaroori hai
Lakshmi: To tumne maanga hi nai. Maango Jo maangna hai main de dungi
Rishi: Pakka jo bhi maanguga de dogi?
Lakshmi: Haa baba pakka. Maango to
Rishi: To theek hai mujhe wohi gift chahiye jo maine last year maangi thi. Ek kiss
Lakshmi: Lo. Bas itna sa. Ye to main abhi de deti hoon.
Rishi was shocked at Lakshmi's bold answer.
She quickly held up his hand and kissed it.
Lakshmi: Lo de di tumhari gift.
Rishi: Oh hello madam. Ye kiss shaadi se pehle ke lie theek thi. Tumne hi kaha tha na ab shaadi ho chuki hai to wo wali kiss allowed hai. Mujhe wo wali kiss chahiye.
Lakshmi blushed: Rishi main yaha kaise...
Rishi: To kon keh rha hai abhi do..mujhe to bas ye gift chahiye Maine bata dia. Ab kab Dena hai kaise dena hai ye tum decide Karo but mujhe aaj hi chahiye gift.

Finally this part happened. This was the most difficult part to write. I wanted to make this confession super special. I don't know if I did justice to it but I really hope I did. I know when the actual Rishmi confession happens it will be much more magical because of the Rohish chemistry, but this is something I imagined.
I really hope you guys like it. Feedback is always appreciated.