Bandh Reshmache By Ashwini

Written By – Ashwini 

Apurva  did not leave Shashank’s side for the rest of time at the party. She had certainly seen those tear stricken eyes as she was being mocked at, at the party. She certainly  had noticed his deter when he clapped for her. She was overwhelmed with the way he had subtly defended her. She realised  how much he knew about her. How attentive he was about  her. The glint of  true pride in his eyes for her made her feel fuzzy. Her insecurities about she being a failure in his eyes,  faded away,when he stood by her, as Netra was insulting her by counting them one by one.

‘Hi maajhi  bayko aahe ani mala hicha khoop abhimaan aahe!’  The statement kept replaying in her mind  like the sweetest melody she had ever heard. She felt as though she could never stop smiling.

A realization  dawned upon her. She instantly knew what her heart was trying to tell her for the past few days. She knew he was the Man.. he was her Person.. the Love of her life.  As filmy as she was.. she knew he was ‘her beginning, middle and her end’. She chuckled as she mentally said it…feeling the warmth of his hand that she was holding tightly. He heard her laugh softly as they stood looking at the hosts cut the cake.

“Kay zhala, swatahshich kay hasteys?” His words jolted her out of her dreamland.

“Khadoos”, she asked  coyly, ” Apan pan asaach cake cut karu ka aaplya Anniversary la?”

“Kay? Kay mhanalis?” Shashank’s  eyes popped out at her question. His heart   cartwheeled and his endorphins just exploded. ‘Does she mean that.. Is she actually… Has she finally realised….’ His mind raced at million miles per hour.. incoherent  and delirious at her question.

“Tu kay bolteys tujha tula kalatay ka, Shishta?” He asked bewildered.

Their conversation  was cut short when the hosts announced all the couples to come forward for some fun games. Shashank and Apurva played together; enjoying every bit of it. Their thoughts, actions  and even words were completely in sync. Apurva was in awe of how Shashank  had let his guard down and played the games along with her with full enthusiasm. She was loving the playful side of her husband.. who had let himself loose tonight. The games ended with a paper dance, where the couples had to dance with their feet on the paper and every 30 seconds the paper was folded into half. ‘Mitwa’ their favorite song played in the background. As the paper got folded for the 3rd time, there was only space for two feet on the paper.

Ved Pangharave

Na Vhave Shahane,

Thech Laganyache Kashala Bahane…

Shashank motioned Apurva. As if on cue, Apurva stood on his feet, as he held her by the waist pulling her so close that their bodies flushed against each other. Apurva was captivated by his steady gaze. She had to hold him, her arms around his neck to keep her balance on his feet.

Hur Hur Vadhe God Antari Hi,

Paas Paas Doghath Antar Tari Hi..

Apurva felt as if  a thousand butterflies danced in the pit of her stomach as Shashank whispered the lyrics in his husky sexy voice extremely close to her neck. His breath on her skin churned her  insides, with fresh goosebumps on her smooth skin everytime he whispered.

Chukun Kalale Jasey,

Kaloon Chukale Tasey,

Ho…

Oon Savaliche Khel He

Natyala Kahi Naav Nasave,

Tu Hi Re Majha Mitawaa

His voice always had a surreal effect on her, but today it was something else. His closeness, they way he held her, his unwavering gaze, his feather soft touch and that signature lopsided smile made her giddy with happiness. Happiness and something more… a feeling  unknown to her. She wanted this moment to never end.

They were so lost in the moment that neither of them realised when the song got over. It was when the crowd broke into an applause they were forced to break away.

Reluctantly, Shashank looked away from her trying to concentrate on Dean’s address.

“Aaik na, mala party nantar  ghari nahi jaichay? Mala palavun neshil, boyfriend?” She whispered, resting her chin on his shoulder.

Shashank was both bewildered and estatic at her demand. “Aaj khoop divsanni madam na hya boyfriend  chi athavan zhaleli distey!” Bola kuthe jaichay? He asked as he lightly brushed  his finger against her nose.

Excusing themselves early from the party, they walked hand in hand towards the bike. As soon as they were alone, away from the crowd, Apurva burst out laughing!

“Khadoos tu chakka khota bolalas tujhya Dean siranshi!!” She spoke in between  giggles. “Kay tar mhane, majhya khoop potat dukhtay, sir, aamhala nighavach lagel!!” She continued laughing flinging her arm around his neck side  hugging him. Shashank kept walking lost looking at her gorgeous smiling face. Yet again, he was in awe of how well they gelled together. He did not even have to discuss with her about the excuse to be given. He began and she followed suit. She completed his sentences. “Partners  in crime.. when will you be my partner in love, dear?” He spoke in a muffled voice, or so he thought.

“Kay.. kay mhanalas tu khadoos? Partners  in what?.. mm?” She asked  suppressing  her smile.

“Kay kuthe kay?” He said, adjusting his glasses over the bridge of his nose, hiding his blush. “Aaa.. tu badbad kay karateys.. ti bagh bike aali aapli…chala ghari jayla hava.. pot dukhtay na majha..!!” Saying so both burst out laughing.

Apurva laughed so hard that she was about to trip on her own dupatta, but the lover boy was alert as always. He held her by the waist, pulling her in his arms. Apurva hugged him in reflex. Neither of them made an attempt to break away for a long moment. It was just them.. the soft breeze and their hearts beating in unison. They stood there, soaking in the bliss.

At the farther end of the road, stood a disraught, fuming Netra, watching the duo hugging each other. She was furious the entire evening that all her plans to knock Apurva down, had failed miserably. She kept looking at them in denial and shock.

Here, Apurva and Shashank had to break away form each other after a car honked loudly as it passed close to them. “Ting!! girlfriend  mode on, Mrs. Apurva Shashank Kanitkar!” He said, grinning at his wife who was still lost in his words as he referred to her as Apurva Shashank Kanitkar instead of Apurva Vartak Kanitkar.

“Kay laksha kuthey, Shishta! Chala basa! Nighaycha na?” He asked as he wore his helmet.

Dazed, she sat behind him, contemplating whether to hold his shoulder for support or not!

“Bola madam! Kuthey jaichay?” He asked as he adjusted the mirror. He kept staring at her cute, confused self in the mirror, while she held her hand mid-air, still lost in thought. He chuckled thinking ‘Atta kahi seconds aadhi hi majhya mithit  hoti ani atta hila majhya khandyavar  haat thevaychi laaj vatatey? Ashi kashi aahe hi?’

He brought her confusion to end by winding her arms around his waist, watching her bewildered expression. Before she could utter a word, he kick started the bike and sped off.

“Aga saang ki, tula kuthe  jaichay?”

Long drive la, tu neshil tithe!! She said straightening the collar of his jacket, her fingers brushing at the nape of his neck. Startled, he looked at her through  the rear view mirror, while she was oblivious to what her touches did to him.

The roads were beautifully lit with ferry lights for upcoming Diwali  celebrations.

Apurva, loved every bit of this time as she had never experienced a night life of the city apart of the pubs and discotheques. She loved the partly rustic, partly modern scene that the city offered her. She wondered that a simple bike ride with her Khadoos could make her so happy. She wished spending every waking moment with him. It was a beautiful, chilly evening. The cold breeze got Apurva shivering. She tied her dupatta  like a scarf around her head. Shashank took every opportunity of glancing at her through the mirror. She looked so adorable with that scarf that he wanted to just stop the bike, pull her closer and…. His thoughts hit a sudden break as his wife hugged him from behind, the cold getting unbearable for her. He could hear her teeth clattering. Chuckling to himself, he halted the bike.

“Kay zhala Apurva, thandi vaajtey?” He asked his ‘Bahuli’  of a wife. All she could manage was a nod as she rubbed her palms against each other for warmth and jumped off the bike. In an instant, he got off the bike and stood right in front of her. He took his jacket  off and helped  her wear it . Apurva could not take her eyes off her husband who wore a simple fitted white t-shirt  underneath that accentuated his chiseled biceps and broad shoulders. He normally  stuck to his usual blues and browns.. but today he looked extremely handsome in white. She kept staring at him in awe. Almost  checking him out head to toe. Shashank enjoyed her attention, he himself  mesmerized by her tiny eyes that stared at him. He loved how her cheeks turned a light pink and her eyes shied away avoiding his eyes as soon as she got aware that Shashank had caught her ogling at him.

She quickly  turned around, her back at him and slapped her forehead thinking,

‘Murkha! Kalala na tyala tu kay karat hotis te, ata ha nakki kahi tari vicharnaar!’

Before she could frame an excuse he turned her around he asked, “Ata nahi vaajat na thandi?” His smile turning into a smirk.

“Nahi!” she mumbled clutching his jacket, looking at her feet, her shy eyes refusing to meet his gaze. She was surprised with herself. She did not know what to make of this new fuzzy feeling that tickled her insides. Until this very evening, she could look  straight into his eyes and bicker with him at  the drop of a hat. But something had changed after that party. She was awestruck at the way spoke for her. She had felt her insecurities and self doubts melt away as he held her enveloping her in his arms on that stage.

She had to distract herself before she made her shyness obvious to him! She looked around and found a lot of hustle at the far end of the footpath.

“Ae Khadoos, tithe itki gardi ka aahe?” She asked pointing at the crowd.

“Aga toh Athavda bazaar aahe… weekly market!” He translated before she could even ask.

All excited, she linked her arm with his and said, “Chal apan jauya!”

“Apurvaaa! Hey tumcha te high class Flea market nahiye… saadha aahe khoop tula chalnaar aahe ka?”

She fumed at him and pulled him towards the market without a word.

The market was in full fervor with Diwali  just a week away. The shops were adorned with Akashkandil(lanterns), ferry lights, colorful Rangoli powders in plastic glasses, lovely hand painted diyas and lovely colorful clothes, jewelry and the works. Apurva looked around with a childlike glee, looking like a little girl at a candy store with a red dupatta around her head. Shashank, yet again, was mesmerized at how easy it was for her to be happy. She truly enjoyed the little joys in life. Her smile widened as she saw a man selling colorful candy floss.

“Khadoos mala havay te candy floss, please!!!”

“Apurvaaaa!” Shashank shook his head disapprovingly, but could not get himself to break her heart.

“Tu ithun kutthehi jaicha nahiyes  kalala..!!!” he instructed her sick worried that she would get lost in the crowd. Her phone had switched off long before they left the party and she had put it in his pocket not wanting to hold it in her hands.

As soon as Shashank turned to go buy a candy floss, his Shishta, turned the other way to a vendor making customized friendship bands. She had noticed it as soon as they entered the market. Ever since they left the party, Apurva was thinking about giving Khadoos a gift. She wanted to present him with  something unique before she pours her heart out to him.

“Mala don  bands banavun havet, Dada!! Laggech miltil na?”

Ho!! Kay havay te hya paper var lihun dya madam.”

Apurva contemplated for a long moment before she wrote two names on the paper with a teddy and a heart on either sides of the names. The vendor picked up a random threads to weave the beads when she stopped him.

“Dada blue ani red vapara  ekatra!!” She requested smiling at the vendor.

Shashank walked back smiling to  the spot he had left her. His smile instantly faded as he could not find her. He panicked and started searching for her in frantic  mode. There had been two instances in the  recent past where he thought  that he had almost lost her. His heart raced and sweat beads broke on his forehead in the cold Nashik weather. His lips kept praying for her safety. The mere thought of her being out of sight killed his insides.

‘Kay garaj aahe hila gardit ekta bhatkaychi.. kuthe rasta  chulki asel tar.. pudhe rasta nirmanushya aahe… ratrichi  vel aahe.. kay karu.. hya Shishta cha phone pan majhyakadech aahe. Deva tila sukhroop thev’

His mind was just racing. Negativity and fear gripping him. His logical mind knew he was overthinking.. but he was unable to control his thoughts. Before he even realised, he could feel the tears rolling down his cheeks. He ran haywire  looking for her and she was not to be seen anywhere. Just as he contemplated screaming her name out aloud.. she appeared from behind him. It had been more than 10 minutes since she was not to be seen.

‘Boo!!’  She giggled as he actually got startledby her sudden shriek.

“Apurva…!” he just bawled  pulling her closer and hugging her tight.

“Tu bari aahes na ? Tula kuthe lagla nahi na? Mi tula sangitla hota na tithun halu nakos tari itka kay adla hota tujha.. tula kahi zhala asta tar? Majha kay?”  His voice cracked as he uttered the last words.

“Shhhh! Shant ho Khadoos! Mi chaan single piece  madhe ubhi aahe na tujhyasamor.. Itka ka panic hotoys?” She asked him resting her head on his shoulder.

He let go of her as he realised that they were in the middle of the market.

“Tula, mala chhlayla khoop avadta na?” He asked, still disraught replaying the incidence on his mind as he shut his eyes thinking about the eventuality.

“Tasa nahiye, Khadoos! I am sorry na!” She said  as she stepped forward and cupped his cute sulking face and smiled looking into his eyes. She could feel how disturbed he was.

Before she could speak further, he took a step closer, holding her by the shoulders and whispered sternly locking her eyes with his, ” Punha nahi haa, Shishta! Punha kadhich nahi!!”

She was at loss of words. This was the first time she saw him so vulnerable. All she could mumble was a ‘Sorry’ intertwining her hand in his as they quietly walked back to the bike. She decided to make it upto him.

“Neet dharun bas!” he said with furrowed  eyebrows and placed her hand on his shoulder. Apurva smiled thinking about how her husband was unbeatable in cuteness.

They rode in silence for some distance before Apurva patted on his shoulder, signaling him to stop.

“Aaik na, Khadoos! Technically, date sampli nahiye  ani tu majhe candy floss pan paadles!! So tula ata shiksha!!”

“Shiksha??? Mala??? Shiksha tar tula keli pahije. Aagaupane vagnyasathi.” He said as he removed his helmet and tried taming his hair.

“Sorry mhatlay na mi!! Bara parat ekda sorry. Sorry!” She said holding her ears and pouting.

He could just smile at her cuteness shaking his head. “Tu pan na, dhanya aahes!!”

“Apan ithe nadivar thodavel thambuya ka Khadoos? Mala itkyat ghari nahi jaicha.

“Hmm! Mala pan.”

They walked in silence upto the bank of the river. It was a clear starry night. With winters slowly checking in, the air had a mild chill. The river was calm and the ripples shone in the moonlight. The riverbank was lit up with beautiful lights for the upcoming Diwali celebrations. There were not many people on the bank. They found a quiet spot to sit for a while.

Apurva removed  her dupatta and placed it on floor like a mat. She  motioned him to sit.

“Arey, thik aahe oodhni kashala kharab kartes? Apan asech baslo asto na?”

“Tujha white T-shirt  kharab  hoil na Khadoos! Mala khoop avadlay ha ani I don’t want it to get soiled.” She said smiling.

They sat looking at the calm water for a long time. Apurva realised how peaceful she felt when he was with her. She rested her head on his shoulder as he took her hand in his.

“Tula kahi bolaychay ka?” He asked still looking at the waters.

Tula kasa kalala?

“Mi mhatla na tula… Bonding! Navra-bayko madhla bonding. Hmm.. bol!”

“Thank you… thank you mhanaychay mala. Aaj party madhe tu je kahi kelas tya sathi thank you. Ani sorry.. majhya mule.. majhya gaanyachya hattamule, you had to face so much embarrassment.”

He placed his palm on her lips to stop her from blaming herself further.

“Shh! Apurva! Tu majhyasathi embarrassment nahiyes.. kadhich navtis! Kalala! Infact, I am proud of you. Tu nirbhid aahes.”

“Nir.. nir what?”

“Fearless, Shishta! And…. the shikavni continues!!” Shashank chuckled as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Thamb!! Aaj kautuk karaychi majhi turn aahe.” She said turning to face him. “Mala kayam vataycha ki mi fail zhaliye, baalish vaagte, majhyat kahi special quality nahiye mhanun  tula majhi laaj vatat asnaar. But, you proved me wrong. They way you stood

by my side today flushed away all my insecurities. You instilled the confidence that no matter what you will stand by me. Thank you Khadoos… ” She said as she cupped his face. Shashank, suddenly aware of her hands on his cheeks, took a sharp intake of breath, looking perplexed.

“Aani… tu itka cute disat hotas na magashi mala oradtana!” She pecked his cheek out of nowhere.

Shashank froze at her action. He was unable to  think straight  for a moment or two. Not blinking even a wee bit, he kept staring at her. After the initial shock, a smirk  crept up on his face. Apurva, who was equally dumbstruck at her own action, came to reality. She recognized that smirk too well. Averting  her eyes from his, she cleared her throat. Looking down, fidgeting with the zip of the jacket, she asked, “Awadla nahi ka tula?”

“Nahi .. tasa nahi!” He stuttered.

“Mhanje avadla?”

“Aga baai… pan atta.. ithe?”

“Mhanje nahi avadla?”  She frowned, slapping his arm away and began fishing the pockets of his jacket.

“Ka… kay shodhateys?”

“Thamb na… I have a gift for you!”

“Gift? Chakka majhyasathi?” Looking puzzled.

“Ho, Shashank tujhyasathi!!” She said lost in searching for the packet.

“Kay mhanalis?” His eyes widened as he

heard her call out his name.

“Ho! “She said.

“Ani tyanantar..” he asked looking at her in anticipation.

“Tujhyasathi… kay tech tech vichartoys!” Just then she squealed in happiness as she finally found the packet.

“Ek.. ek min.. tu mala atta kay haak marlis?” He held her hand that had the packet and securely held it against his chest.

“Mi.. atta.. kuthe kay?” She stammered trying to wriggle her hand out of his hold. She felt the heat rise in her cheeks as he moved closer to her ear and whispered, “Shashank mhan, nahitar mi kahi haat sodat nahi! Mhan na.. ekda? Umm?” His deep voice was so enticing. She actually heard her heart beat loudly. Her mouth dried up and words refused to come out.

“Shh… shh…Shashank!” She whispered after a few attempts and closed her eyes.

At once, he left her hand and moved away looking at her with adoration in his eyes, while she froze, her eyes still closed. A few seconds later, she opened her eyes to find Shashank folding his hands against his chest showcasing his smile looking straight at her.

She shifted in her seat and tried to concentrate  on removing the bands. She took the band that read ‘Apurva’ with hearts on both sides . She motioned him to hold out his hand for her.  She then carefully tied it around his wrist.  It was a lovely blend of red and blue thread with white beads.

He looked at the band lovingly running his fingers  on the beads that adorned her name.

“Khoop surekh aahe hey! Thank you. Ek vicharu? Tula hey kasa suchla? I mean, hech gift ghyava asa ka vatla?”

” Ha band mhanje ek bond ahe ghatta vinlela.. with Friendship, Care, Respect  … and Love!” Her eyes lowered as she uttered the last word.  “Hyat don threads aahet ek red  mhanje tu ani ek blue mhanje mi. Vegvegle tari ekatra! Tujhya band madhe majha naav aahe ani majhya band madhe tujha. Apan kayam ek mekan sobat rahava mhanun.” She said simply as she handed over the other band to him and held her hand out.

His eyes had a glint of pride in them for her. He was always in awe of her thought process. As childish as it may seem

outwardly, her thought was so deep. She had thought about their relationship in such depth. He took the band from her, held her wrist and asked, “Tula mi kharach kayam tujhyasobat asayla havay ka, Shishta?” His heart needed that confirmation for so long now.

Apurva nodded as sure as ever and said, “Ho, Khadoos! Kayam!” Her shy eyes fixed to the ground but her voice exuding confidence.

“Kayam?” He asked again as he tied the band on her wrist. Gently, he kissed the inner part of her wrist close to the knot of the band as if to seal the deal. His lips on her skin sent shockwaves  through her body. He intertwined his hand with hers and stared at the bands that looked beautiful together.

“Khadoos, tujhya phone madhe aaplya hatancha ek photo kadhuya? Remember  making memories?” She asked resting her head  on his shoulder. He remembered their conversation from the other night when she wanted his childhood photograph for keepsake and she had explained how these moments became lifetime memories. He smiled and took out his phone to click a picture.

“Ata ha photo social media var upload karnaar  asashil, nahi ka?”  His hand not leaving hers. His slender fingers stroked her knuckles as he continued to tease her.

“But ofcourse, Mr. Shashank Kanitkar!” She said momentarily lifting her head from his shoulder looking at him. ‘There are a few people who need to know… that You are taken!’ She muttered under her breathe.

“I heard it!”  Shashank let out a sheepish grin. “Kon ga kon, need to know?” He continued teasing totally amused by his bayko.

Apurva made a face and blurted, ” Tula mahitiye na.. mag kashala vichartos? Tula ticha naav nako asta na aplya conversation  madhe, mag tari vichartoys?”  She tried pushing his hand away; however he held both her hands in a firm grip. He looked straight, his eyes boring into hers. “Tula ekdach sangtoy..  shevatcha… Netra phakta majhi colleague aahe.. I mean hoti. Tyavyatirikt ticha aani majha kahihi sambandh naaahi! Ani kadhich navhta!” Saying so, he pulled her closer and gently kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes relieved at his words feeling the reassurance in that kiss. She let a tear flow down her cheek, however Shashank was quick to catch it on the tip of his finger. “Ashi kashi aahes ga tu? Te liner pasarala bagh!” He said looking at the tear drop. He held her hand that instinctively went to her eyes to wipe it and said “Barbatavshil sagla! Thamb!” Mi tula Rumaal deto.” He removed the kerchief from his pocket and saw her lipstick mark from earlier in the evening  before they entered the party. His hand froze and his eyebrows furrowed with worry as the flashes of Netra’s lipstick mark on his shirt and his attempts to get rid of them haunted him. He shuddered at the thought.

Apurva who was observing the change in his body language, cupped his face, looking intently into his eyes and said softly” Khadoos mala mahitiye tu kay vichaar kartoys!” Shashank shot a befuddled look and just stared at her. “Mi toh lipstick mark office madhech baghitla hota arey! Jevha mi Dean siranchya maagun  aale na tujhya cabin madhe.. tevhach! I always knew Netra tai had ulterior motives and looks for every  opportunity to instigate me. I kept mum then, just so that she does not get the satisfaction of thinking that she was successful in creating and a rift between us , that is because she really isn’t! I realised in an instant that you  weren’t even aware of the mark.” Shashank was just shocked at the revelation. He opened his mouth to say something, but Apurva stopped him.

“I trust you completely, Khadoos, you won’t cheat on me and most importantly you won’t cross your limits. Mala phakt vaieet hya goshti cha vatlay ki tu toh shirt majhyapasun lapavlas. You don’t trust me, right?” She let go off his cupped cheek and looked away.

“I am sorry, Apurva. Mi chuklo. Mala vatla  ki tu gairsamaj karun gheshil ani apla hey je kahi naata aahe te kayamcha sampel. Hyat tula trust na karnyasarkha kahi nahiye. I was just scared Apurva. Mala bhiti vatli, tula kayamcha gamavnyachi. Majhi Bahuli kayamchi haravel hyachi.” Saying so he held her hands and bend over to touch them to his forehead.

“Khadoos, mi tula sodun kutthech janar nahiye!” She said softly, her voice overwhelmed  with his revelation. She realised that the mere thought of losing her affected him deeply. She smiled as Shashank’s words replayed in her mind. It was always so heartwarming when he called her ‘His Bahuli’, she thought.

Shashank  pulled her in a side hug when Apurva glanced at his watch. She jumped up saying, “Khadoos bagh na, kiti vaajle.. Mala Vithu babala medicine ghyaychi athvan karaychi aahe. Aapan nighaycha?”

Shashank smiled at her warmly, his heart brimming with pride at how she had transfromed from an irresponsible brat to a responsible, doting, daughter in law and a fussy but caring wife. He got up and held his hand out for her. She placed her hand gently in his and was about to get up when their foreheads collided.

“Ow!! Khadoos kay re tu?” Apurva squealed massaging her forehead.

“Dukhtay… dukhtay ka?” He asked, stepping forward. She nodded captured by his eyes that  looked into hers. He gently pulled her, his hands around her waist. His voice dropped to a whisper as he spoke in between blowing air at her hurting forehead, “Pan mala hyavar malam mahitiye!” Saying so he placed a lingering kiss on her forehead, his hand still holding her, while the thumb of his free hand gently stroked her cheek. Apurva closed her eyes as her cheeks turned a light pink. As soon as she felt his grip on her waist loosen, she pushed him gently, turned around and ran towards the bike.

Shashank got off the bike as he parked it outside their house. He longed for a moment with her before they entered their mad house and his wife got lost amongst their loved ones. She started walking homewards. He held her hand from behind and pulled her into his arms.

“Kay kartoys, Khadoos? Apan ghara baher aahot. Konitari baghel na?” said a startled Apurva, shy of his closeness.

“Nako na jaaus!”He pleaded, his nose tracing her cheek, making Apurva gasp. He knew he had to stop before any  of the kukki gang members saw them. He quickly kissed her cheek before he walked past her and entered  the house, leaving behind a baffled Apurva.

Shashank  walked back to his room smiling to himself with a spring in his walk. He felt so light that the misunderstanding about that lipstick mark was never a misunderstanding at all. He walked into the room and stood in front of the mirror. Replaying the impromptu date in his mind he ran his fingers through his hair and started  taking things out of his pocket. His hand went to the small pouch that he had hid from her. He carefully opened it and looked at the contents with love and hid it in the drawer. ‘Aaj chi ratra khoop khaas aahe Apurva. Mala tula kahitari sangaychay.  Pan hi Shishta kuthe rahili?’ He thought looking at the door.

Apurva made sure that the almonds were

soaked for everyone to have the next day. Mai and Vithu baba had taken their medicines. She went up to Manasi vahini’s room to remind her about her doctor’s appointment. She helped Suva aai with some prep for the breakfast. Lately, she had insisted the ladies to assign her a few household chores and she performed then diligently. They, reluctantly, did give her a few chores after she threatened them with her usual “Mi baba kade nighun jaieen’ dhamkee! Apurva sat in the veranda folding the laundry and talking to Kukki. Her laughter echoing in the house as Kukki cracked silly jokes. Kukki and Ameya teased Apurva who was blushing as she recalled the events at the party, keeping their secret little date out of the conversation.

Shashank walked out of the room to the railing, overlooking the veranda. He saw Apurva’s cheeks turn scarlet as kukki and his chela continued teasing her. Sheepishly, Shashank tried to gain her attention, waving at her. Just then, she glanced up to their room to find Shashank standing at the railing, smiling at her. She could feel the heat  rise in her cheeks yet again. Shashank took out his phone and messaged,

‘Aye, Shishta, zhala ki nahi tujha kaam? Ye na lavkar, mi vaat baghtoy😘’

Apurva’s read the message and smiled looking at her husband, who was already swooning. She showed him the pile of clothes in reply and pouted.

‘Te mahatvacha aahe ka tujha navra?😡‘, he messaged yet again. Apruva couldn’t help but smile at his cuteness. She replied,

‘Khadoos, tu avarun ghe na, mi aalech in 15 minutes🥰’

’15 minutes?😳 seriously!!??.. 15 minutes is tooo long Shishta!!! You can’t be making your Navra wait for soo long! 🤷’

She opened the message and blushed at how eagerly he was waiting for her. She looked up to reassure him but he was nowhere to be found. ‘Chidla vatata, chidka bibba!’ She chuckled as she thought.

“Kay ga Appu phone madhe baghun kay hasteys.. joke vachlas ka?” Kukki nudged  her. Instinctively she hid the phone under the pile of clothes to avoid the teasing from her beloved gang. She was about to open her mouth for explanation when her phone rang.

She picked it up before  Kukki noticed  the name on the screen. She casually got up and went a little away from the gang. But as luck would have it her phone went on speaker and before she realised, Khadoos on the other end blurted “Tu yetiyes ki mi

tula uchalun gheun jaau? Kiti vel?” Apurva’s face flushed with embarrassment  as the others were in a state of shock. She cut the call in haste and ran up the stairs to avoid their mischevious questioning eyes. After the initial amazement kukki gang  burst out laughing.

Halfway on the stairs she stopped, a broad grin mixed with extreme  shyness on her face, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. An unexplainable  feeling engulfed  her. She was shy and desparate at the same time. Shy because of the impending onslaught she would have to face when the kukki gang confronted and desparate because she was dying to be with her navra… ‘Majha Navra’ she thought grinning like a maniac.

“Kay ga Appu….” Kukki teased her from downstairs and she ran to the safety of her

room. She bolted the door behind her and found herself entrapped his her Khadoos’s arms.

“Kay ga, tu chakka phone cut kelas majha?” He said pulling her closer. “Ani itka vel lagto ka var yayla?” He asked, almost whispering in her ear. His beard grazed her cheek as he pulled back slightly to face her,  making her shudder under his hold. She rested her head on his chest listening to his rhythmic heartbeat while hers was erratic from all the running and excitement of being in his arms finally, feeling relieved for a moment.

The very next moment she hit his arm complaining, ” Cut kela mhanje.. aankhin kay karayla hava hota? Ani ithlya ithe kon phone karta Khadoos? Mi yetach hote na!Tula mahitiye phone speaker var gela ani…” She trailed off gasping, as she felt his fingers trace her jawline upto her chin

lifting it to make her look at him. Her shy eyes not able to meet his gaze.

“Ani?” He asked moving closer to her, his voice husky. He tucked a stray strand behind her ear. Looking intently, he patiently waited for her to form a coherent response. His closeness, his scent, his voice and that look of his were so intoxicating that Apurva had to fix her eyes to the ground as she began to speak. “Tu te mhanalas na phone var.. te.. te tyanni aaikla!” She stammered.

“Kay ga kay mhanalo ga mi phone var?” He whispered  closest to her ear, his lips parting into a sheepish grin as he held her hand twirling her around and pulling her back  into his arms, her back flushed against his chest. His voice tickled the skin below her ears as he spoke.

“Sang na Apurva!” He pursued snaking his

arms around her waist as Apurva covered her face with her hands shy to even look at him.

“Baghu tari kiti Goad distey majhi Shishta laajli ki!” He said as he tried to remove her hands from her face. She turned around hiding her face, burying it in his tshirt.

As she tried  to pull away, her mangalsutra got entangled with the button of his tshirt. He pulled her closer in order to avoid it from breaking.

“Thamb mi kadhto! Naajuk asta na te.” He said trying to free it from the the button gently.

“Japun.. Khadoos.. te vadavel!” She said almost panicking.

“Vadhvel!” He shot her an astonished look. “Tula ha shabd  kasa kay mahit?” He asked

as he successfully freed it from his button’s clasp.

Apurva smiled at him as he held the mangalsutra in his hand saying, ” Mai ne sangtilay.. tutel  nahi vadhvel mhanava. Ani te vadhavna changla nasta na?”

“Hmm.. asa mhantat! Aso, kashi kay vatli hya boyfriend barobarchi impromptu date?” He asked gently holding her hand in his.

“Tujhya barobarcha saglach vel khoop chhan jato Khadoos! Asa vatata  ki date sampuch naye! Ek promise karshil mala, Khadoos? Apan asech date var jau shaku ka nehemi? ”

“Tumcha boyfriend kayam tumchya sevet hazar  aahe madam!” Saying so he knelt in front of her holding a pouch in his hand.

Apurva squealed with happiness as she took the pouch in her hand. There was a childlike glee on her face, her innocent puppy eyes glistened with joy. Shashank couldn’t help but stare at his ‘Bahuli’, mesmerized. He kissed her hand that held the pouch. She closed her eyes momentarily as she felt his lips on the back of her hand and a tingle down her spine. She opened her eyes to find her Khadoos still kneeling in front of her.

“Uth uth Khadoos, kay kartoys!” she said suddenly  embarrassed  for making him kneel for so long. As she pulled him up, Shashank held her by the waist in a half embrace. “Ughadun bagh na!” He whispered, his intense eyes waiting for her response. Apurva carefully opened the pouch to find a beautiful and delicate Anklet. It was made of read and black beads with a little elephant in the middle.

“Khadoos hey kiti sundar aahe! I loved it. Khoop goad aahe!”

“Tujhyasarkhach!” He said pulling her closer, as their foreheads touched. “Shishta, mala tula kahitari sangaychay. Sangu?”

“Saang na!” Shashank could sense the eagerness on her voice.

“Shishta, kay jaadu keliyes ga? Tujhya yenyane majha jagach badalun gelay. Tu mala hasayla  shikavlas.. khalkhalun! Tujha life kade baghnyacha drushtikone itka positive ani simple aahe ki kadhitari thakk vhayla hota. Tujhya yenyane aayusha  sundar aahe hyachi jaaneev zhali. Tu mala chotya chotya goshtit anand shodhayla shikavlas. Tujha nirapeksha swabhaav mala khoop avadto. Tu aaj tagayat majhya kadun kaslich apeksha keli nahis. Itki laadat, shrimantit vaadhleli tu, pan tu kadhich kaahich magitla nahis. Tu hya gharat kadhi itki samaras  houn gelis kalalach nahi. Satat majhyasathi, aaplya manasansathi, tyanchya anandasathi dhadapadat astes! Varvar  baalish, agaau, shishta, uthal vatnaari Apurva, kharatar itki premal and nigaras aahe ki kunihi tujhyavar bhaalel. Tu bhural ghatliyes mala. Ata tujhya shivay jagnyacha vichaarach nahi karu shakat mi. Mala tujha sahavaas havaay Apurva, eka varshasathi nahi tar aayushabharasathi! Tujhyach sobat sagli sukha dukha share  karaychi aahet. Apurva, hya ruksha, khadoos Shashank chya aayushaat, tyachi Shishta bayko banun rahshil ka? Kayamchi? ” saying so he kissed her forehead, waiting in anticipation for her answer.

Apurva’s arms encircled around his back as she slowly rested her head on his heart. She sighed a sigh of relief, hugging him tighter as if to never let him go. Tears kept flowing all throughout as Shashank poured his heart out to his beloved wife. He held her close in his warm embrace, stroking her hair for a long moment. Finally, her sobs died down and Apurva looked at Shashank with furrowed eyebrows and a huge question mark in her orbs.

He raised his eyebrows in response.

“Khadoos, bhaalel mhanje?” She whispered timidly, her downcast eyes and bright pink blush making her look like an inquisitive Bahuli!

Shashank had a hearty laugh at her most innocent question. As he twirled her around and snaked both his arms around her waist, his lips closest to her ear, he whispered, ” Pan aadhi prashana mi vicaharlay! Mhanun aadhi uttar mala milala pahije na?” Apurva shuddered as his lips kissed her earlobe ever so lightly.

“Rahshil na?” He asked again, his words tickling her ear.

“Hmm” She said as she nodded a yes, turning around to bury her face in his chest.

“Nakki… nakki na, Shishta?” He asked, teasingly, his fingers tracing her arm from her shoulder to her fingertips, painfully slow.

“Ho, Shashank! She said, her voice husky.  She sank back in his arms, as she felt her jelly legs  giving away. With a smirk on his face, he gently picked her up in his arms and walked to their bed. Apurva’s cheeks turned scarlet with his gesture and she was lost in his deep serene brown eyes. He lowered her on the bed and without breaking the eye contact, he slowly took the anklet pouch from her hand. He nodded with a slight smile, his eyes seeking permission to help her wear it. Apurva nodded in response, her shy downcast eyes unable to meet his gaze. His feather soft touches at her ankle churned her insides as he helped her put the anklet on. The red and black beaded anklet looked beautiful against her smooth, fair skin. Running his finger on the anklet, Shashank smiled mischievously saying, ” Ata kuthe jaashil, Shishta? You are under arrest, Mrs. Apurva Shashank Kanitkar! ” He pointed her to the anklet with his eyes. “Gladly, Mr. Shashank Kanitkar!” Saying so she flung herself into his arms, both falling on the bed. Her lips brushed against his, accidently, her hair falling on his face. He gently tucked away her tresses behind her ear. Cupping her face with one hand, he lifted his head, his eyes transfixed on her lips. Apurva made no attempt to move away or push him, closing her eyes, her luscious lips parting slightly in anticipation. Satisfied, he ended the distance between them, his lips gently capturing her lower lip, kissing it softly. He heard her gasp at his feather touch. After the initial hitch, Apurva reciprocated as she kissed him back. The kiss was slow and passionate, both feeling a sense of contentment and bliss as they smiled throughout. Shashank rolled over,  careful to not crush her under his weight. As they broke away, breathless yet smiling, Shashank placed a kiss on her neck just below her ear, whispering, “Sahajivanachya pahilya ratrichya subhecha, bayko! Mischief played in his orbs as he momentarily pulled back to look at her shy smile before he buried his face in her fragrant hair as passion took over. A life full of (mis) adventures awaited them.. was his last thought that night!

This is a one shot – a piece of fanfiction – written on the characters, Shashank and Apurva from the show named Thipkyanchi Rangoli that airs on Star Pravah from Monday to Saturday at 10 p.m.