𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑

PART 63

The hall was occupied by the ladies, their loud chatter, the youngsters sat there in opposite direction, talking and having fun among the group. Tae was inside the kitchen as she moved with practised ease, her bangles producing a gentle melody, strands of her hair fell on face, her eyes focused on the work, saree hem tugged in her waist.

She felt her legs trembling slightly and a sudden stomach ache hit her. Her hand went to clunch her stomach, unaware of this. She muttered under her breath “What's wrong?!”

A few ladies entered inside talking among themselves, their voices louder. A lady’s eyes fell over Tae’s saree and a gasp left her lips pulling the attention of other ladies. She said in her shrill voice “Oh god look at her!”

Heads from outside as well as inside turned towards Tae. Tae’s eyes glistened with confusion, slowly almost reluctantly she averted her gaze downward at the back of her saree, and the very moment her eyes saw the red strain on her yellow saree, her breath caught in her throat. She could hear the Whispers, feel the judging gaze, see the smiling lips, and it all crushed her. 

Tears sprang to her eyes, her heart raised its beat, she lowered her head, her feet taking slow almost no destination steps. She felt the cold marble counter hitting her back. Jungkook and his friends entered inside, Tae stood looking down, her hands clenching her saree tightly as if her life depended on it, his eyes softened. His deep voice echoed inside the kitchen, “What's happening here?”

The murmurs grew even louder and it added fuel to her vulnerable heart at this moment. Jungkook was perplexed but the vulnerable figure of his wife in front of his eyes made a knot to twist in his heart. He moved towards her, his steps hurried yet controlled. He bent down, held her chin and whispered, his voice softer than silk, “Jaan, what happened?”

She didn't speak. She couldn't. Her eyes squeezed shut in embarrassment and vulnerability, her hand reached to hold his clothed chest and she buried her face in his chest, the sound of sobs leaving her trembling lips. His eyes flashed concern, he gently wrapped his arms around her, leaning down. His eyes caught the red strain on her saree and realisation hit him like tons of brick. 

The sound of Whispers, laughs and the feeling of judging eyes reached him. His eyes shut closed in anger, his right fist balled up, the veins popping out. He turned sharply towards everyone, his friends stood there concerned, he stared at the ladies, the anger in his eyes made their steps to be halted. His deep voice rang through the kitchen, “Quiet.”

The surrounding went silent, a stunned silence fell. He turned towards his wife, and said, his voice changing into a softer tone, “Jaan, walk forward.”

She shook her head, tears escaping her eyes and it pierced his heart. He whispered again, “Jaan, trust me. Hmm?”

She slowly raised her head, her tears filled eyes meeting him, the vulnerability that her eyes held was replaced by a shine of feeling safe, the moment her eyes met his eyes. As if a safe shell had surrounded her, she slowly started walking, her head down, lips trembling. He walked just behind her, his figure covering her figure protectively. One of the ladies rolled her eyes and said, “Jungkook. This girl has made you behind. She doesn't deserve this much freedom.”

Tae and Jungkook froze, her heart ached with pain, he slowly turned his gaze and said, his voice low, deep and authoritative, “Tameez se, biwi hai wo meri.”
"Talk with respect, She's my wife."

His words were simple, few but they held their ground and yet they held the power to make the surrounding fell into a stunned silence. He wasn't just defending her, he was protecting her. He looked around, his eyes drank in each face and he said, No. almost ordered, “Eyes. Down.”