His Grumpy Wife

Ap humhe ache lagne lage hai

Aniket, carrying Alisha's limp form bridal-style, approached the sprawling mansion. Relief warred with confusion as his mother, Nalini, barred his entry. "Aniket wahi rukiye  , ap abhi andar nhi aa saktein hain " she declared, her voice laced with an unusual sternness.

Aniket's heart plummeted. "Par kyun maa alisha ji ko aaram ki sakt jarurat hai na ..."

Nalini's gaze remained unwavering. "Humne kaha na abhi nahi " she cut him off, her voice devoid of its usual warmth. "Tab tak toh bilkul nahi jab tak nazar nahi utar jati hai ." She muttered but Aniket didn't hear it as he was busy thinking why her mother has denied him

Confusion battled fury within Aniket. Nalini, notorious for her soft spot for Alisha, wouldn't turn her away, not in this state. His mind raced, searching for clues. But seeing his aunt Khyati scurrying past, laden with an odd assortment of spices and herbs, ignited a spark of realization.

"Nazar," he breathed, Nalini, her face etched with worry, confirmed his suspicion. "Na jane kis nalayak na humare baachon pe nazar lga di hai, bechare humare baache ," she whispered, fear lacing her voice.

A wave of relief washed over him, momentarily eclipsing the lingering fear. While he didn't subscribe to such beliefs, seeing his mother perform a centuries-old ritual to protect them – chanting mantras, sprinkling the threshold with turmeric and salt – offered a strange comfort. It was her way of fighting the unseen danger, a shield woven from love and tradition.

Inside, under Gauri Devi's gentle care, Alisha found refuge. The warmth of the bed, the soft murmurs of concern, slowly coaxed her back to consciousness. To unconsciousness

Tears rolled down Arti's cheeks, a blend of terror and relief washing over her. Her daughter was safe, for now.

.•♫•♬•♬•♫•.
Sunlight filtering through silk curtains gently roused Alisha. The soft murmurs and muffled sobs that had lulled her back to sleep now grew clearer, revealing a room overflowing with concerned faces. Tears welled in their eyes, but their smiles radiated immense relief.

Alisha was overwhelmed. The warmth radiating from their presence washed over her, momentarily easing the lingering fear in her heart. She saw her mother, Arti, whose face seemed permanently etched with worry lines, now etched with a tired sigh of relief. Sita Devi, her aunt , sat silently reciting prayers, her rosary beads clicking a peaceful rhythm. Even Gauri Devi, Aniket's grandma , had a touch of softness in her gaze.

As the memories of the previous night flooded back, a wave of nausea swept through her. The darkness, the fear, the chilling scream that seemed to echo from within her own throat – everything was fragmented, pieced together in blurry, nightmarish images.

But one detail stood out – a strong arm holding her, a comforting warmth shielding her from the shadows. She tried to grasp onto the face attached to that arm, but it remained elusive, shrouded in the mist of her trauma. Was it Aniket? She had a feeling it was, yet a nagging uncertainty lingered.

"Alisha, thank God you're awake!" Arti's voice, choked with emotion, broke the silence. The others rushed forward, enveloping her in a wave of hugs and worried questions. Alisha, still shaky and confused, mumbled reassurances, her heart warmed by their love.

.•♫•♬•♬•♫•.

The aroma of delicacies wafted through the air, tempting Alisha even though her appetite was still subdued.  Alisha sank deeper into the plush pillows, the warmth of her family's presence a soothing balm against the lingering tremors of fear. Aaradhaya entered, her eyes reflecting the fading glow of the setting sun. Balancing a tray laden with tempting treats, she placed it beside Alisha.