Village meets city love

Chapter 31st - The Warmth of Morning Rituals

Six months had passed. Today was Monday, and the household routine had begun as usual with Lavanya waking up before anyone else. She quietly moved through the house to start her day, not before giving a gentle forehead kiss to Varun, who murmured softly but didn’t wake up.

Lavanya ,later then proceeded to the prayer room to prepare for the morning pooja. She laid out the items and lit the lamp, her movements practiced and calm. Her mother-in-law, Meena, joined her as usual, and together they performed the rituals, their prayers filling the peaceful morning air.

After the pooja, Lavanya set about waking up the other family members according to their schedules. She gently roused Arun at 4:30 am, making sure he and his seven-months-pregnant wife, Aarti, had enough time to get ready for their college and catch the bus. Arun gave her a grateful smile as he stretched and got out of bed.

Next, she woke Varun at 6:00 am. She sat beside him on the bed, brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead. "Varun, it's time to wake up," she whispered softly.

Varun opened his eyes slowly, a lazy smile spreading across his face as he looked at her. "Good morning,caramel" he murmured, reaching out to pull her close. Lavanya laughed softly, her heart warming at the rare moment of intimacy. "Good morning. Don't forget your exercise routine," she reminded him, kissing his cheek before getting up to start preparing his day for the office.

She then moved to wake her father-in-law, Raghavan, making sure his coffee was ready as he preferred. The kitchen was bustling with activity as she packed lunch and fruits for both Arun and Aarti.

Meena served breakfast to Arun before washing her hands and starting to feed Aarti. Aarti, reluctant to eat, was met with a stern glare from Meena. With a resigned sigh, Aarti swallowed and opened her mouth for the next bite, understanding the unspoken command. Arun and Lavanya laughed at her misery, shaking their heads.

At 6:40 am, Arun and Aarti stepped out to put on their slippers. Since it would be challenging for Aarti to run and catch the bus at 7:00 am, they started early. Arun knelt to help Aarti wear her slippers, his gestures filled with love and care. She gazed at him adoringly, her cheeks flushing red as she thought about how he not only helped her with her slippers but also apply oil on her swollen belly strech marks and giving her a foot massage every night before bed. And not only that also bathed with her every morning.

Every morning, Arun and Aarti's loving ritual began in the bathroom. Arun would gently help Aarti undress, his fingers tracing her curves as he removed her nightgown. He would then lead her to the shower, where warm water cascaded down their bodies. Arun would tenderly wash Aarti's hair, his fingers tangled in her tresses, his touch sending shivers down her spine. As he rinsed the soap out, he would whisper sweet nothings in her ear,  Aarti's heart would skip beats as she leaned into his embrace, feeling his warmth and love envelop her.

As they bathed together, Arun would gently massage her swollen hip, his touch soothing and reassuring. He would whisper more endearments, "You're a beautiful mother, Aarti. Our child is lucky to have you." Aarti's cheeks would flush with joy, her love for Arun overflowing.

Their morning bathing ritual was a sacred moment, a time for intimate connection and tender love. As they finished and got ready for the day, his gestures filled with care and devotion. Their love was a flame that burned bright, a beacon of hope and happiness in their lives.
Their daily routine had become a loving ritual.

Once Arun finished, he raised his eyebrows, silently asking what she was thinking. Aarti shook her head, and he gave a naughty smirk, bending down to her level.  She felt her heart pounding loudly as she closed her eyes tightly. When Arun's lips touched her forehead, she was startled by his hot breath fanning near her ear he whispered sweet nothings in her ear "Polama di pondati" (let's go, wifey), he whispered. Blushing, she nodded her head, trying to stand with some difficulty. Arun helped her up, gently interlocking their fingers and giving her hand a kiss before they left the house to catch the bus.