The courtyard of the haveli was alive again, laughter echoing through the old walls. A large brass bowl filled with milk and rose petals was placed in front of the newlyweds. The women had slipped in a small silver ring somewhere inside it.
Arjun, as usual, had taken charge. He clapped his hands dramatically,
"Lo ji! Ab samajh aayega ki ghar mein hukumat kiski chalegi-hamare Ved ki ya bhabhi ki!"
(Here we go, now we'll know who is going to rule the house - Our Ved or bhabhi.)
The cousins and younger boys hooted while Suman smiled warmly, nudging Vedita forward.
Vedita sat down shyly. Her veil was still covering her face but her hands trembled slightly as she dipped them into the cool milk. Ved followed, rolling his sleeves a little. The crowd leaned in eager to know who wins.
"Bas, dekho abhi se Ved ki haar hogi!" Arjun teased, deliberately winking at Ved, which made him glare at Arjun.
(Just look, Ved will lose from now on)
The search began. Their fingers brushed against each other sending a shiver through Vedita that she quickly tried to hide. Ved noticed it and instead of competing, he subtly guided her hand closer to the ring.
Within seconds, Vedita pulled it out, the milk dripping from her fingers, and the courtyard erupted into cheers.
"Bhabhi jeet gayi! Ab ghar pe unki chalegi!" Arjun shouted, laughing so hard that Ved reached over and punched his back playfully.
(Bhabhi won! Now she'll rule the house)
For a moment, Vedita's eyes met Ved's. There was pride in his gaze, not defeat. She blushed beneath her veil as Arjun added one last jab,
"Bas Ved, ab thakur banne ki aadat chhod... aaj se toh tu sirf joru ka gulaam hai."
(Now just leave the habit of being a Thakur, Ved... From now you're only your wife's servant)
The women laughed, though Vedita didn't miss the stiff smiles of her mother-in-law and dadi in the background.
---
The haveli buzzed with whispers once the evening rituals were done. Lamps glowed faintly in the corridors and a group of women gathered in Vedita's new chamber. The room was decorated in old haveli style-red drapes, jasmine garlands hanging from the carved bedposts and brass lamps casting a golden shimmer.
Suman supervised everything with warmth, making sure Vedita felt at ease.
"Bas, thoda phool aur daal do... shaadi ke pehle din dulhan ke kamre mein khushboo bharni chahiye."
(Just add a few more flowers... on the first day of the wedding, the bride's room should be filled with fragrance)
But Sarla chachi couldn't resist. Folding her arms, she muttered but loud enough for everyone to hear
"Khushboo ya bojh... yeh toh waqt hi dikhayega. Haveli ki maryada ke liye kisiko na kisiko toh sehna padega."
(Fragrance or burden... time will show this. For the honor of the haveli, someone or the other must endure.)
Vedita, sitting silently with her veil lowered, heard every word. Her fingers tightened on her dupatta, but she didn't lower her eyes this time. Beneath that veil, her jaw set firm.
Suman lowered and whispered in her ears
"Inki baaton ko dil pe mat lena"
(Don't take her words on heart)
Vedita just nodded her head and smiled at her
Meanwhile, outside in the courtyard, Arjun was nearly bouncing with excitement. Spotting Ved, he grinned wickedly.
"Veddd, aaj toh haveli ki neend udne wali hai. Doli se lekar rasmo tak sab tujhe dekhte aaye... ab andar kamre mein jaake bhi sab nazar tujhpe rahi toh."
(Veddd, tonight the haveli will lose its sleep. From the doli to every ritual, all eyes have been on you... and if even inside the room those gazes remain fixed on you, then-)
Ved shot him a half-annoyed glare. "Arjun, kuch bhi bolta hai tu."
(Arjun, you speak anything)
But Arjun leaned closer, lowering his voice dramatically
"Bas ek baat yaad rakhna... ab kamre mein tera hukam nahi chalega. Bhabhi ke aage toh bade Thakur sahab bhi sirf ek sharmaate hue pati ban jaayenge."
(Just remember one thing... in that room, your commands won't work anymore. In front of Bhabhi, even the great Thakur will turn into nothing more than a shy husband.)
Ved, unable to suppress the faintest smile, gave him a light shove.
"Ruk tu abhi maa ko batata hu unka ladla apne bade bhai ko kya Gyan de raha hai "
(You just wait, let me tell maa what advice his dear son is giving to his elder brother)
Arjun just huffed
"Jayda udd mat, bas 2 mahine hi bada hai tu mujhse "
(Don't fly much, you're just 2 months elder than me)
"Jo bhi ho, bada toh bada hota hai chahe ek din hi kyu na ho. Mera pyaara chhota bhai hai tu"
(Whatever, elder is elder no matter if It's just one day. My dear little brother)
"Huh, ja yaha se. Teri biwi intezar kar rahi hai."
(Huh, go from here. Your wife is waiting)
Ved laughed and ram from there not before smacking his head with a light slap
---
Back in the room as other women left Suman adjusted the pillows and then crouched near Vedita. She whispered gently near her ear and winked
"Arre, darne ki bilkul zaroorat nahi hai, Vedita ji. Aapki muskaan se hi kamra roshan ho jaayega. Aur waise bhi, Ved ji dil se bahut seedhe-saadhe hain... thoda sharmaana chalta hai, baaki sab apne aap ho jaayega. Bas dhyaan rakhna, pehle hi din unhe apne pyaar se deewana bana dena"
(Oh, there's really nothing to be scared of, Vedita ji. Your smile alone will brighten up the whole room. And besides, Ved ji is simple at heart... a little shyness is natural, the rest will just fall into place on its own. Just remember, on the very first night, make him crazy about you with your love)
Vedita gave a small nod while blushing though her eyes flickered to the doorway where she'd noticed her mother-in-law and dadi pass by without a word, their faces unreadable.
The weight of their silent disapproval was pressed heavy but the faint echo of Arjun's laughter outside reminded her she wasn't alone.
-----------
Ved pushed the door shut, a faint smile on his lips before turning toward the bed.
Vedita sat there, veil lowered, her bangles clinking softly as her fingers twisted in her lap. The red of her bridal attire glowed like embers in the lamplight. For a moment, Ved just stood there, watching-this woman who had endured pain, humiliation, gossip and still sat with her head held high.
He stepped closer and sat at the edge of the bed.
"Thak gayi hogi..." he said softly.
(You must be tired)
Vedita looked up through her veil, voice barely above a whisper. "Shaadiyan thakane wali hi hoti hain na?"A nervous laugh escaped her lips, betraying her shyness.
(Weddings are exhausting, aren't they?)
Ved reached out and gently lifted the veil. Her eyes met his-hesitant yet burning with unspoken courage. He saw the flicker of boldness there, the same fire that had made her stand against injustice when he saw her for the first time.
"You don't have to be afraid,"he murmured.
Vedita tilted her chin ever so slightly. "Aur agar main darti hi na hoon toh?" she asked, her tone teasing yet steady.
(And what if i don't get scared?)
Ved blinked then a slow smile spread across his face.
"Toh main samajh jaun... ki ab ghar pe sach mein tumhari chalegi."
(Should I take it ...that from now on, it's really you who'll rule the house?
Her cheeks warmed, but she didn't lower her gaze. Instead, she slipped her hand into his, her bangles chiming in the pleasant silence.
"Hamesha se aapki hi chalti thi, Thakur Shahab lekin... lekin aaj raat main chahti hoon ki raah hum dono ki chale... aur kadam bhi ek hi tal pe badhe."
(It's always been your way, Thakur Sahab... but tonight, I want the path to be ours... and our steps to move in the same rhythm.)
For a while, words weren't needed between them. Ved brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. His touch lingering. She lowered her eyes shyly but then she surprised him when she placed her palm against his cheek and whispered
"Main dar gayi thi... ki meri zindagi kabhi roshan nahi hogi. Par aapne sab badal diya."
(I was afraid... that my life would never shine. But you changed everything.)
He kissed her forehead, closing his eyes as if sealing a vow.
Ved was about to say something when they got interrupted by a knock on the door
Knock....knock...
"Ved!" Arjun's mischievous voice carried through the door.
"Woh kuch zaroori baat toh reh hi gayi... Arey inta time kyu lag raha hai darwaza kholne mein lagta hai kuch jayada hi vayast hai "
(Actually some important thing was left ... Arrey, why is it taking so long to open the door? Seems like someone's a little too busy inside.)
Vedita's cheeks burned and she quickly pulled her veil lower. Ved closed his eyes, exhaling through his nose, trying not to smile.
"Arjun..." Ved's voice was calm but warning like a tiger about to roar.
But Arjun, unfazed, continued,
"Bas aapko yaad dilane aaya hoon ki kal thoda jaldi uth Jana dono, kal subah ke rasmon ke liye. Waise, Vedita Bhabhi-zara dhyaan dena, mere bhai ko zyada na sata dena... woh bachpan se thoda ziddi hain!"
( I just came to remind you both to wake up a little early tomorrow morning for the rituals. And by the way, Vedita Bhabhi-just take care, don't tease my brother too much... he's been a bit stubborn since childhood!)
Vedita's lips curled into a small, shy smile beneath the veil. The warmth of his teasing eased some of her nervousness in her new home.
Ved stood and opened the door just a crack, his eyes glinting. "Arjun."
Arjun grinned wide with his hands raised.
"Theek hai, theek hai! Bas apni Bhabhi ki pehli raat kharab na karoon, isliye nikalta hoon. Lekin kal subah main sabse pehle aa jaunga uthane !"
(Alright, alright! I'll leave now, only so I don't ruin your Bhabhi's first night. But tomorrow morning, I'll be the very first one to wake you up!)
Before Ved could retort, Arjun dashed away laughing, leaving Ved shaking his head. He turned back toward Vedita, who was now biting her lip to suppress her own laughter.
Ved walked to her, his hand gently lifting her chin as leaned towards her
"He won't change," he murmured softly, voice low enough for only her to hear. "But let him laugh... tonight, nothing can come between us."
She leaned closer, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered,
"Toh umeed karti hu aap taiyar honge, Thakur Shahab...kyuki aaj raat, aap mujhse nahi bach sakte "
(Then I hope you're ready, Thakur Sahab... because tonight, I won't let you escape me either.)
Ved's lips curved faintly. That boldness-it both tested and enchanted him. His hand moved to hers, warm and firm, fingers threading through like he was claiming a bond already written in destiny.
(Toh batao z kaisa mehsoos ho raha hai?)
"Then tell me," he leaned closer, "what..are...you feeling right now?"
Vedita inhaled shakily, the words caught in her throat. Finally, she met his gaze head-on.
"That... I'm finally where I belong. And that scares me more than anything."
For a moment, silence stretched-raw and vulnerable. Then Ved, unable to hold back, pressed his forehead gently against hers.
"Aaj raat se, tu kabhi akeli nahi hogi. Na Darr mein aur nahi dard mein. Sirf mere saath"
"From tonight, you'll never stand alone again. Not in fear, not in pain. Only with me."
Her veil slipped down as if on its own, revealing the full blush of her face. She didn't hide. Instead, she placed her hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat beneath.
And when Ved leaned in to close the distance, Vedita surprised him-her lips brushing his first, quick and daring. Shy heat flared across her cheeks immediately after but the spark had already been lit.
Ved stilled for only a second, then smiled against her lips. "So bold," he murmured before pulling her closer, the weight of the world outside their room melting away.
Their lips danced in the perfect sync as two pieces of puzzle finally meeting. Ved's hands moved from her head to curve of her waist pulling her more closer until there was zero distance between their bodies.
Vedita broke the kiss abruptly, her cheeks flaming red. She clutched the edge of her dupatta, looking anywhere but his eyes.
"Woh... yeh lehenga..." she murmured, her voice barely audible. "Bahut bhaari hai. Main... main isse badalna chahti hoon."
(Actually.... This lehenga... It's too heavy. I....i want to change it)
Ved blinked then a chuckle escaped his lips. "Bas itni si baat?" His tone was light but his gaze softened.
Vedita pouted slightly lowering her eyes. "Aapko kya pata hai... kitna bhari hai yeh. Subah se pehne pehne thak gayi main. Aur woh... she hesitated then said in a low voice...mujhe Jana hai...waha...uske liye"
(You have no idea… how heavy this is. I’m exhausted from wearing it since morning. And… ” she hesitated, then said in a low voice, “I need to go… there… for that.)
The truth of it hung in the air. Old haveli rooms were meant for grandeur, not convenience. To change, she would have to step out, cross the corridor... where the household was still half awake.
Her worry was plain on her face. Ved leaned back slightly, studying her, then extended his hand without hesitation.
"Chaliye," he said firmly. “Main saath chalunga.”
(Let's go.. I'll come with you)
Her eyes widened. "Aap?"
"Haan," Ved replied, his voice low but resolute.
“Tum meri patni ho ab. Aur agar kisi ko samasya hai... toh main samjha dunga. Tumhari rahat meri zimmedaari hai.”
(You're my wife now. And if someone will have any problem.. then I'll make them understand. Your comfort is my responsibility)
For a heartbeat, Vedita just stared at him-her heart swelling with a strange mix of pride and embarrassment. Then, shyly, she placed her hand in his, letting him lead her.
When Ved opened the door, the corridor lamps flickered. She walked just half a step behind him. Her veil drawn low but her fingers clutched his hand tightly. Every sound seemed amplified-the creak of wooden doors, the distant giggles of women in the inner courtyard.
Ved's stride was calm and unbothered, shielding her small presence with his tall frame.
When a servant guy glanced their way curiously, Ved's single sharp look was enough to drop the guy's gaze to the ground.
They reached the washroom area, where there were many washrooms lined in a straight line.
Ved paused outside, turning to her. His voice softened.
“Main yahin intezaar karunga. Tu badal le jitna waqt chahiye lo. Koi pareshaani nahi hogi.”
(I'll wait here only. You go and change, take as much time you need. There will be no problem)
Her chest tightened at the gentleness in his words. She nodded quickly, slipping inside to change into a lighter, simple red saree for the night.
When she returned, still adjusting her saree pallu, Ved was leaning against the doorframe with arms crossed. But the moment his eyes fell on her, the calm mask slipped.
"You look..." he paused, a rare warmth flickering across his face, "...even more beautiful."
Vedita's cheeks burned. She tried to lower her eyes but couldn't hide the small, shy smile tugging at her lips.
Ved stepped forward, offering his hand again. "Ab chalein? Raat humari intezaar kar rahi hai."
(Shall we go now? The night is waiting for us)
---
Ved closed the door behind them, shutting out the world once more. The room seemed to glow softer now, the lamp’s light flickering against the carved walls. Vedita clutched the edge of her sari pallu nervously, her pulse quickening with every step he took closer.
Without a word, Ved reached for her hand, guiding her gently toward the bed. He sat down first then pulled her closer until she stood between his knees. His fingers brushed over the soft fabric of her saree slowly slipping it from her shoulder.
“Thakur Shahab…” she whispered, her cheeks burning.
He kept a finger on her lips and sensually whispered
“Shh... Call me...Ved.... only your Ved tonight...”
He then looked up at her. His eyes were dark, steady but filled with a hunger that made her breath hitch.
“Kuch bhi jabardasti nahi karunga,” he promised, his voice husky. “Lekin tumhe samajhna hoga, main tumse door bhi nahi reh sakta.”
(I will not do anything forcefully. But you need to understand this.... I can't stay away from you)
Her chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. Boldness flickered through her shyness—she didn’t move away. Instead, her trembling hands found their way to his shoulders, steadying herself.
Ved’s lips brushed against her stomach first making her gasp then he rose slowly, kissing his way upward until he reached the swell of her chest. He paused, meeting her gaze once more—giving her the choice.
Vedita’s eyes fluttered shut and she tilted her head just enough, surrendering. That was all the answer he needed. His hands reached behind her back opening the hooks of her blouse. She wasn't wearing anything under it making his work easier.
As soon as her blouse fell, her beautiful norbs came into his view. His mouth claimed her softness with reverence, a deep sigh escaping her as heat rushed through her veins. Her hands tangled in his hair, not knowing whether to pull him closer or push him away—shy and bold at once.
“Ved…” she breathed, a moan breaking through.
His name on her lips was like fire. He pulled her down onto the bed, hovering above her. His kisses raining along her throat, her collarbone, each touch setting her skin aflame. The world outside ceased to exist.
At last, when her strength gave in, she curled into his arms, exhausted and flushed. Her upper body laying completely exposed in front of him.Ved pressed one last lingering kiss to her forehead and his hand stroking her hair.
“Sleep now,” he murmured, his voice thick with lo
ve and restraint.
“Kal se ek nayi zindagi shuru hogi, Vedita. Tum meri ho, hamesha.”
(From tomorrow a new life will start,Vedita. You're mine, always)
Her lips curved into the faintest smile before she drifted into slumber against his chest, safe and claimed.
---
That's it for today
Write a comment ...