Rao Saheb was in police custody, and finally, they were back home.
Isha snuggled deeper into Shantanu's chest, her peaceful slumber a testament to the serenity she felt in his arms. His hands enveloped her waist, a protective embrace that shielded her from the world.
As she stirred, Isha opened her eyes to find Shantanu's face relaxed in sleep. His bare chest, her pillow until now, rose and fell with each gentle breath. A soft smile spread across her face.
She lifted her head, and her lips brushed against his forehead in a tender kiss. Shantanu's arms tightened around her, pulling her closer as he shifted, his body now partially above hers.
Isha's smile deepened, her eyes sparkling with affection.
Shantanu, in a sleepy voice said,
"Chup chup ke apne honewale pati ko pyaar karna acchi baat nahi hai."
Isha smiled and wrapped her hands around his neck. Then said,
"Accha ji. Aisa hai kya?"
"Bilkul aisa hi hai. "
Isha's gaze locked onto Shantanu's face, and she noticed a sudden shift in his expression.
"Kya hua Shantanu? "
Shantanu's eyes narrowed as he cradled Isha's hand, his touch tender. The red welts left by Rao Saheb's cruel grasp ignited a fire of anger within him.
"Shantanu, choro na. Kya..."
"Bohot dard hua tha na?"
Shantanu's voice deep and lost. Isha said,
"Hua tha, but abhi tum ho na."
"Mera dada aisa karega maine socha bhi nahi tha. Ushe kabhi maaf nahi karunga main!"
Isha cupped his face and said,
"Shantanu, woh tumhara apna bhai hai... Uske liye tumhara pyaar kabhi kaam nahi hoga... Isiliye..."
"Woh mera apna bhai nahi hai..."
Isha's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to face Shantanu. He sat up on the bed, his gaze cast downward. Isha mirrored his position, sitting opposite him, her eyes locked on his. The silence hung heavy, awaiting his words.
Finally he said,
"Mere aai baba ko Shaadi ke baad paanch saal ho gaya tha but bohot kosish ke baad bhi unko baby nahi hua. Baba ne decide kiya ki ek beta adopt karenge. Or woh adopted baccha hi Yashwant Rao hai. Dada hamesha se aai baba ke zindagi ka ek lauta importance the. Unko saara pyaar, attention chahiye tha. Lekin jaab bhaiya sixteen ke huye to unko pata chala ki woh aai baba ka apna bacch nahi hai. Iske ek saal baad Aai pregnant hui. Rao Saheb or zyada insecure ho gaye. Unko main bilkul pasand nahi tha. Jaab chote the taabse woh mujhe pareshan karte the. Lekin jaab main sath saal ka hua to Aai Baba suddenly guzar gaye accident mein. Uske baad bhaiya bhi suddenly change ho gaye. Nishi to taab do saal ka tha. Bhaiya ka taab taak shaadi ho gaya tha. Rao Saheb aur akka Saheb ne mujhe or Nishi ko pala. Isiliye, main unko apne aai baba ke jagah pe rakkha tha. Paar ajj unhone jo tumhare saath kiya uske baad, main khudko bhi face nahi kar paungi. I am sorry Isha, na tum meri zindagi ke saath judti nahi tumhare saath yeah saab hota. Main kisiko nahi sambahl paata hu... Nahi Aai Baba ko nahi tumko. Meri galati ka saza tumhe mili. Main kaam mein busy ho gaya itna ki tumhare baare mein nahi socha. Tumhe akela... "
Shantanu was forced to stop talking as Isha came near him and pressed her lips on his. Shantanu wrapped his arms around her waist and back. After breaking the kiss, Isha gave him a forehead kiss. Then said,
"Tumhari koi galati nahi hai. Tumne Rao Saheb ko apna mana hai, isiliye dard ho raha hai. Or rahi baat meri to mere saath kuch bhi nahi hua. Tumne hamesha ki tarah mujhe bacha liya. Jaab taak Shantanu hai, Isha ko kuch nahi ho sakta. Samjhe?"
Shantanu nodded his head and kissed on her hand. Isha smiled and went down from the bed. She said,
"Chalo utho. Shirt pehenlo. Ek to AC chal raha upar se shirtless ghum rahe ho."
"Wah... Abhi taak aap hi mere upar so rahi thi. Yaad nahi kya boli thi, (Mimicks her) mujhe yeah buttons chubh rahi hai Shantanu!"
"Accha accha thik hai. Aab to nahi hu na main tumhare upar, abb pehen lo."
Isha left the room while smiling.
******************
While strolling to Isha and Shantanu's flat, Savi sensed Ishaan's eyes on her. She turned, catching his gaze lingering, like a whispered secret. She asked,
"Kya hua?"
"Kya kya hau?"
"Aise aankh fad fad ke kyu dekh rahe ho!"
"Tumhari bhasa aisi kyu hai? Hamesha aise ajeeb tarikhe se kyu baat karti ho?"
"Areh, maine to sahi pucha tha, tumne hi... Kher, aise kyu dekh rahe the?"
"Main tumhe nahi dekh raha tha, kuch soch raha tha."
"Ha, to mujhe dekhte dekhte kya soch rahe the?"
"Yehi ki yeah baate Isha mam or Shantanu Sir ko abhi bolna zaruri hai?"
"Obviously. Abhi nahi to kaab? Woh log to bolenge nahi, kisiko to bolna hoga."
"Ha but, matkab yeah unak personal matter nahi hai?"
"Aai baba hi hai woh hamare. Or maine konsi unki bedroom ki baat puchne bola hai!"
"Savi, zara sochke bolo kya bol rahi ho."
"Tum gyan matt do. Flat aagaya, chalo."
As Ishaan followed Savi, he sent a silent plea to the universe: "Please, let her keep her thoughts to herself." His distrust simmered just below the surface.
_________________________________________
To be continued... ❤️
Pardon the mistakes...
With love,
Author ❤️
