LOVERS FOREVER

Chapter 15 - Whispers and Shadows

Ahaan stirred awake, the remnants of a dream clinging to his mind. He reached out for Ishqi, expecting to find her warm form beside him, but the space was empty. A slight frown creased his forehead as he realized she wasn't there.

He sat up, stretching his arms over his head, and a smile spread across his face as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted from downstairs. Ishqi must be awake already. He got out of the bed and moved towards the bathroom.. After a refreshing shower and a quick shave, Ahaan emerged from the bathroom, tie in hand. He fumbled with it as he descended the stairs, finding Ishqi humming happily as she flipped pancakes in the kitchen. Her back was to him, but the sight of her filled him with a warmth that chased away any lingering fatigue.

A: Ishqi... ye tie lagaa do na please.. he requested, a playful smile on his face.

Ishqi turned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She walked towards him, her movements graceful and light. Ahaan took advantage of her close proximity, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.

I: roz aap is tie se ulajh kaise jaate hai..? she teased, her voice laced with amusement.

A: tum ho na suljhaane ke liye.. he replied, leaning in to nuzzle her neck.

I: hmm.. bahaana achha banaa lete hai aap.. she said with a playful glare, before taking the tie from his hand. She expertly adjusted it, her fingers brushing against his collar, sending a shiver down his spine.

A comfortable silence settled between them as they finished breakfast. Ahaan leaned in for a goodbye kiss, his lips lingering on hers for a moment longer than usual. she then hands him over the lunch bag..

I: bahar se kuch magvaake mat khaayiye.. pyaar se lunch pack kiya hai aapke liye.. 

A(chuckles): tumhare haath ka khaana ho toh baar ka khaana kyu kahunga..?

Just then Savitri entered, dressed and ready for the temple. Ishqi, her expression unreadable, surprised Ahaan with her next request.

I: maa.. aaj mai bhi aapke saath mandir chalu..?

Savitri's face lit up with delight. 

Sa: bilkul beta! aaj toh boht shubh din bhi hai..

Ahaan, however, couldn't hide his surprise. Ishqi rarely accompanied Savitri to the temple, and her sudden request left him with a sense of unease. He offered to drop them, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity.

A: ha toh.. mere saath chalo mai drop kar dunga mandir tak..

The temple gates loomed ahead, their colourful facade a beacon against the bustling city backdrop. Ahaan pulled the car to a stop.. before Ishqi could unbuckle her seatbelt, Ahaan surprised her by climbing out of the car as well.

I: aap bhi aa rahe hai..? she asked, a flicker of surprise flitting across her eyes & he nodded..

A: yaha tak aa hi gaya hu toh socha mai bhi chalu.. mata rani ki darshan bhi ho jaayega..

I: aapko office ke liye der nahi hogi..?

A: office is secondary, Ishqi.. (he said with a reassuring smile) thoda time toh mai apni biwi aur maa ke liye nikaal hi sakta hu..

A warmth bloomed in Ishqi's chest. She couldn't deny the comfort his presence brought, even if it meant a slight delay at his work.

Together, the three of them walked through the temple gates. The air was thick with the fragrance of incense and the rhythmic chanting of hymns. Devotees, adorned in colorful clothes, moved purposefully around the courtyard, their faces etched with quiet reverence.