Cricket One Shots- Extremely Short Stories

You Are Married Now

"Ishan, I have booked tickets for our Diwali visit home. Tu packing kar lena", Virat told his husband. This was their first Diwali together and they were going to spend it with Virat's family in Delhi.

"How many days will we be there?", Ishan asked.

"My nieces and nephews will be home for vacations. So we will be there for around two weeks. Anyway both of us don't have any matches scheduled for then", Virat replied.

Later that day Ishan informed his mother that they will be spending Diwali at Delhi. "Chhath puja pe toh aayega na Ishu. It's your first one after marriage", his maa asked.

"Nahi mamma. I don't think Virat's family observes it. So he has planned to stay there a few more days after Diwali. Agli baar dekhenge", Ishan told his mom. He would miss puja with his family, but since Virat had already made plans he didn't want to cause any inconvenience.

Later that day Ishan was talking to his mother-in-law. "Beta, did you get the tickets booked for Diwali and  Chhath puja?", she asked.

"Virat has booked our flights - we will be there two days before Diwali", Ishan responded.

"And then you will leave after bhaidooj for Chhath puja at your home?", she asked.

"Nahi Mummy. He said we will be there for a week after Diwali- bacche sab honge na. He wants to spend time with them", Ishan informed his other mom.

"Kyu? Tujhe gharwalo ke sath chatth puja nahi manani hai kya?", she asked.

"Agle saal chale jayenge na Mummy. It's ok", Ishan replied, albeit with a sad face.

"Virat ke pass ja and put me on speaker", his mother-in-law instructed him.

"Virat, why haven't you booked tickets for both of you to go to Ranchi for Chhath puja after Diwali?", she asked her son.

"Chhath puja? Hum thodi hi manate hai?", Virat asked his mom.

"Virat, do you remember that you are married now? Ishu ke ghar mein manate hai na, baccha? Your in-laws were looking forward to welcome you both. Pallavi se kal-parson baat hui thi- she even invited our whole family there", Virat's mom chided him.

"Usne kuch bataya nahi mujhe. How would I know all this?", Virat wondered aloud.

"Beta, he came into our family - he would hesitate in asking for his needs- tujhe samajhke lena chahiye na. Usse baat karke tickets book kara dena. You can spend time with the kids anytime, but it's his first Chhath puja after marriage- he would want to be home for it na?", his mom explained to him.

Virat agreed to discuss with his husband.

"Ishan, why didn't you tell me that you wanted to go home?", Virat asked his husband.

"Aapne already decide kar liya tha- I didn't want to trouble you", Ishan replied.

"Ishu, I am your husband. It's my duty to take care of all your needs- but bolega nahi toh kaise pata chalega mujhe? Please don't ever hesitate in telling me if you want something, samjha? Now tell me when should I book tickets for?", Virat asked his other half.

"Bhai dooj ke agle din- we will have to stay for 2-3 days there. Lots of people would be visiting us during that time. Mummy - bhabhi bahut busy rahegi, so I will have to keep an eye on my nephew too", Ishan replied, excitement evident in his voice.

"Am I supposed to keep my hands off you during these 2-3 days?", Virat asked.

"Aisa toh nahi lagta. Mamma ko poochu?", Ishan asked, innocently.

"Ishhiii, mamma ko kaun poochtha hai ye sab. I won't be able to look at her after that. Tharki samjhegi mujhe woh", Virat replied, embarrassed by his husband's suggestion.

"Woh toh ho hi na aap- mere liye?", Ishan asked his husband with a wide smile.

Virat could only shake his head at his adorable husband's antics.

P. S. Chhath Puja wishes to all celebrating. I am not familiar with the festival and its rituals, so any mistake may please be excused 🙏🏼