I am his Bride... { an Indian BL saga }

Karwachauth (Part 3)

After finishing his breakfast, Ashwin returned to his room, only to find Divya lying on the couch, clutching her stomach. Her face was etched with discomfort, likely from hunger.

As Ashwin entered, Divyansh quickly sat up, his sari slightly askew. "Kuchh chahiye aapko?" he asked nervously, his voice soft but laced with worry. He had been trying to stay in Dadi’s good books, following her every instruction to avoid suspicion. (Do you want something?)

Ashwin frowned, his concern evident. "Beth jao… thumari tabiyat thik nahi hai," he said, locking the door behind him for privacy. (Sit down... You are not well to begin with.)

Divyansh shook his head, looking down to avoid eye contact. "Main thik hun… maaf kar dijiye… main aapka intezaar karne ki jagah soo gayi." He clutched the edge of his pallu tightly, not daring to step closer. (I am okay... Please forgive me... I feel asleep instead of waiting for you.)

Ashwin walked over and gently made her sit. "Tumhari galti nahi hai. Main hi late aaya. To tum raat bhar jaag ke kya karti? Balki sorry to mujhe bolna chahiye. Meri wajah se tumhe aaj bhi vrat rakhna pada," he admitted, guilt apparent in his tone. (It's not your fault. It was me who came late. What would you have done by staying awake the whole night? Instead it should be mentioned who should ask for forgiveness. It is my fault that you have to fast today too.)

Divyansh shook his head again, his voice soft but firm. "Aise mat kahiye… aap toh kaam se bahar gaye the. Yahan sabse bada kaam hor toh main hi hun. Waise bhi mujhe kya hi kaam hai… it’s not a big deal." He forced a smile, trying to reassure him. (Don't say like this... You were away for work. I am the most lazy person around here. And what work can I even have ..)

Ashwin sighed deeply. "Kisne kaha tum kaam chor ho? Dadi ke baat pe dhyan mat do. Wo thode purane khayalo ki hai aur ghussa hai ke unki gair mojudgi mein meri shaadi ho gayi." (Who told you that you are lazy? Don't listen to anything Dadi says. She is a bit conservative. She is mad that I got married in her absence.)

Hearing this, Divyansh’s eyes filled with tears. His voice cracked as he spoke, "Main kuch bhi karungi… bas mujhe ghar se mat nikaliye. Aap log jo kahe, jaise kahe, main karungi." He gripped Ashwin’s hands tightly, begging him with his eyes. (I will do anything... Please don't throw me out from this house. Whatever you say, however you say, I'll do it.)

Ashwin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Shh… shant ho jao. Koi tumhe ghar se nahi nikal raha. Hmm, main hoon na? Shant ho jao…" He pulled her into a gentle hug, stroking her back. "Koi tumhe ghar se nahi nikalega," he said softly, meaning every word. (Calm down. No one is going to tell you to leave. Hmm, I'm here right? Calm down...)

Divyansh held onto him tightly, resting his face in the crook of Ashwin’s neck. "Wada kijiye… please… nahi nikalenge mujhe," he whispered. (Promise me... Please... You'll not abandon me.)

Ashwin promised, "Wada karta hoon. Tumhe is ghar se koi nahi nikalega." Stroking her back to calm her, he waited until Divya’s sobs subsided. Then, pulling away slightly, Ashwin noticed Divya’s palms were bare. "Tumne kal mehendi nahi lagai thi?" he asked curiously. (I promise. No one will ask you to leave this house. You didn't apply mehendi yesterday?)

Divyansh hesitated, then replied, "Kal kaam nipatane ke baad time nahi mila. Main abhi laga leti hoon," he said, quickly retrieving the mehendi cone from a drawer. (After doing the chores I didn't get the time. I'll apply it now.)

Ashwin took the cone from hee hands. "Tum betho. Main laga deta hoon," he said. (Sit down. Let me do it for you.)

Divyansh froze momentarily, but then quietly sat beside him. He watched Ashwin, a mix of awe and nervousness in his eyes, as Ashwin carefully applied intricate designs on his palms. Divyansh felt his heart race, unsure why this simple act felt so intimate.