3300+ Words
Chaitanya's POV
Two hours into our journey, Hukum gently roused me from my slumber. "Time for a break," he said softly.
We pulled over at a quaint rest stop, where Hukum coaxed me to eat something. Feeling unwell, I declined, but he insisted I drink something.
When hukum was talking to me sweetly Aryan Banna was looking at us wide eyed to which hukum raised a brow.
"Aap mere bhabha hi ho na?" (Are you really my brother ?) Aryan banna asked, shocked.
"What kind of question is this, Aryan?" Hukum asked sternly.
"Ohh thank God you are my bhabha only, aap bhabhisa su atta pyar hu baat kre ha, man lagyo kathe bhabha change to nhi ho gya hai," (ohh thank God you are my brother only, you were talking so sweetly with sister in law so I thought if you got changed somewhere )Aryan banna said shaking his head to himself.
This made me chuckle. Hukum looked at me in amusement and raised his brow to which I said nothing to him shaking my head.
"Bhabha ko nyo side hai bhabhisa ke liye sirf," (This is brothers new side and is only reserved for sister in law ) said Arjun Banna.
His words made my cheeks blush as I gazed at Hukum, my husband, who seemed cold to everyone but was showing his warm and welcoming side to me only.
As we resumed our journey, Hukum bought an orange juice for me.
Finishing my orange juice, I felt revitalized after the emotional Vidaai. Two hours remained until we reached Hukum's village.
Nakul Banna and Rudra Banna, seated behind us, bickered about something trivial. Their constant quarrels stemmed from being just a year apart in age. As their disagreement escalated, Hukum turned to them, his gaze alone sufficient to silence them.
His authority over his siblings and cousins was remarkable. A single glance could command their obedience.
As Hukum prepared to reprimand them, I placed my hand on his, signaling him to refrain. He looked at me, and I conveyed my concern - I'd witnessed his anger once, a glimpse that left an impression. I didn't want Nakul banna and Rudra banna to sulk for the remainder of the journey.
Hukum understood my gesture, took a deep breath, and composed himself.
Nakul Banna leaned forward, whispering, "Thank you." Rudra Banna offered me a chocolate, gratitude shining in his eyes, for saving them from their Bhabha's displeasure.
Arjun Banna and Aryan Banna, the youngest, watched with wide eyes, astonished that I could calm Hukum's anger with a simple gesture.
In that moment, I realized the depth of Hukum's respect for me. He valued my opinions and feelings, acknowledging my intervention as rightful.
As we continued our journey, the atmosphere lightened, filled with laughter and conversation.
As we neared Hukum's village, just 3 kms away, I discreetly assessed my appearance and made any possible adjustments within the moving car.
We arrived at the grand haveli's main gate, and the car came to a halt. My brothers-in-law swiftly exited, engaging in preparations. Hukum and I remained seated, awaiting our cue.
After a brief wait, Chote Kakisa opened my door and gently lifted my ghunghat. Binni Kiyan feel kar Riya ho? (Daughter in law how are you feeling?) She asked, concern etched on her face. I nodded, keeping my eyes modestly lowered, as befits a newlywed bride.
"Stay here for five more minutes," Kakisa instructed. "Jeeja(Ayushmaan's maasi maa) will arrive for the welcome."
The minutes flew by, and soon both Kakisa's assisted me out of the car. Hukum walked ahead, holding the gathjoda, while I followed, my steps measured. Aryan Banna thoughtfully carried my handbag.

YOU ARE READING
The Shekhawat Bride
RomanceAn arranged love story of two independent souls who hold their family traditions and culture close to their hearts. What happens when their worlds collide? When they meet, bringing with them their own dreams, ambitions, and past experiences, and ent...