HER SAFE PLACE

Karwa chauth

70+ comment and 200+ votes
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Before starting just know this:

(Karva Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival observed by married women, primarily in North India. On this day, women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being, long life, and prosperity of their husbands. The fast involves refraining from food and water throughout the day, and it is broken only after sighting the moon and performing a prayer. The festival is symbolic of the bond of love, devotion, and care between married couples. It is considered necessary because it is believed to bring strength to the marriage, improve the husband's health, and ensure a long, happy life together.)

Author's POV

Shivangi woke up feeling Rocky's arm wrapped around her waist, his steady breath warm against her back. She lay still, her mind replaying the events of the previous night. She’d tried to push him away, not wanting to listen, but part of her now regretted it. Maybe she should’ve heard him out before and let him explain. But as she lay there, she knew it was too late to change what had already happened. Gently, she slipped out of his hold, trying not to wake him, and headed to freshen up.

With dawn approaching, she quickly showered, changed into fresh clothes, and made her way to the living room, where all the girls were gathered around Reena Aunty. Reena Aunty was more than a housekeeper to Shanaya; she was like family, and today she had come to tell them the Karva Chauth katha—the story of Veeravati, a devoted wife who saved her husband from death. The girls listened intently as Reena Aunty recounted how Veeravati, with her unwavering faith, managed to bring her husband back to life, and how Karva Chauth symbolizes the strength and devotion of a wife’s love and prayers.

When the katha ended, the girls exchanged soft smiles, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and connection. They made their way to the dining area, where sargi—the pre-dawn meal—was laid out. It was the only food they’d have until moonrise, so they chitchatted and laughed as they shared the meal, knowing the day ahead would be challenging.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the house, the boys were also stirring awake, though their mood was less reverent and more… mischievous.

Adi, looking around hungrily, sighed. “Why should only they get to eat sargi, huh? What’s stopping us?”

Rocky raised an eyebrow, amused. “Oh? Feeling all husbandly today, Adi?”

Adi shot him a grin. “Why not, yaar? You think I can’t fast for my wife? I’ll show her. Besides, if we all do it together, it’s like… extra husband points.”

Ravi chuckled, giving Rocky a nudge. “What about you, Rocky? You fasting for Shivangi?”

Rocky hesitated for a moment, but then a small smile appeared on his lips. “Yeah, I am. But don’t let her know. If Shivangi finds out, she’ll probably just use it as ammo to tease me to no end.”

Adi laughed, joining in on the conspiracy. “Exactly! And if we keep it secret, we get to tease them later. But, I need that sargi if I’m going to survive.”

Mihir rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Hmm, so the mission is clear. We’re fasting in secret. But… sargi or no sargi?”

Ravi scratched his head. “Is it even necessary to have sargi? I mean, can’t we just grab some fruits or something?”

Rocky smirked, shaking his head. “Look, if you’re fasting, you’re fasting. Sargi or no sargi. But don’t crack and tell your wives. We need to make this count.”

Adi rolled his eyes. “Oh, come on, man! If they find out, they’ll go on about how ‘sweet’ we are, and they’ll be like queens of the world for the day. I can’t handle that!”