𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐢 ~ 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐞 |𝟏𝟖+| - Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Author's POV:-
“Kya hua ji, aap aise kyun baithe hain? Kaam pe nahi jaana kya?” Sakshi asked, frowning as she walked into their bedroom.
("What happened ji ?? Why are you sitting like this?? Will you not go to work today??")
She had just finished setting the breakfast table and was expecting him to be dressed for going to work. Instead, she found him sitting cross-legged on the bed, relaxed, a book resting in his hands. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft golden hue across the room.
Arjun looked up at her and smiled, his eyes twinkling with something unsaid. He slowly closed the book, set it aside, and stood up.
“Nahi... aaj kaam pe nahi jaane ka mann hai. Aaj bohot hi khaas din hai mere liye.”
("No, I'll not go to work because today is a very special day for me..")
Sakshi tilted her head in confusion, “Khaas din? Kya hai aaj ji?”
(“A special day? What’s today, ji?”)
Arjun raised an eyebrow dramatically.
“Tu bhool gayi? Mujhe nahi pata tha ki teri yaad-dasht itni kamzor hai…”
(“You forgot? I didn’t know your memory was this weak…”)
Sakshi bit her lip nervously and tried to think.
“Aaj na toh aapka janmadin hai, na Lata ka…” she mumbled, scanning the calendar on the wall.
(“It’s not your birthday… not Lata’s either…”)
Suddenly her eyes widened.
“Ohh haan! Aaj toh 8th June hai…” she gasped palming her mouth.
(“Ohh yes! Today is 8th June…”)
He just smiled, arms crossed across his chest.
“Aaj humare shaadi ke chhe mahine poore hue…”
(“Today marks six months since our wedding…”)
Sakshi’s cheeks flushed pink as she looked back at him.
“Mere dimaag se hi nikal gaya… par sach mein, aaj toh humare chhati anniversary hai!” she beamed.
(“It completely slipped my mind… but truly, today is our sixth-month anniversary!”)
He took a few steps forward and pulled her wrists gently, swaying them side to side.
“Aur isi wajah se, aaj mein tujhe le jaaunga bahar kahi pe. Sirf tu aur mein.”
(“And for that very reason, today I’m taking you out somewhere. Just you and me.”)
Sakshi’s eyes lit up like a child, her excitement bubbling.
“Sachii? Kahan jaayenge hum?” she asked, swaying his hand.
("Ji really?? Where are we going??")
He smirked, placing a finger on her lips playfully.
“Woh toh ek surprise hai. Shaam tak sab pata chal jaayega. Filhaal tu fatafat apna kaam nipta le… shaam ko hum niklenge.”
(“That’s a surprise. You’ll know everything by evening. For now, finish your work quickly… we’re heading out this evening.”)
Later that afternoon…
After lunch and tucking Lata in for her nap, Sakshi returned to the bedroom. The room was empty. She looked around, slightly puzzled.
“Ji?” she called softly, but no response came.
That’s when her eyes fell on the neatly folded blue cotton saree placed lovingly on the bed.
“Pata tha mujhe… zaroor unhone rakha hoga,” she whispered with a smile, caressing the soft fabric.
(“I knew it… he must’ve kept it here,”)
“Shayad doosre kamre mein taiyaar ho rahe hain… chalo fir main bhi taiyaar ho jaati hoon.”
(“Maybe he’s getting ready in the other room… let me get dressed too.”)
She slowly draped the saree around her curves tucking each pleat with care, her fingers trembling a little with excitement. Then, she sat before the mirror, gently combing her hair, applying a neat stroke of sindoor along her hair partition, and placing a tiny red bindi on her forehead.
She reached for the glass bangles — the ones Arjun had once brought home wrapped in paper like they were treasure — and slipped them onto her wrists.
Just as she was about to tie her hair in a bun, a familiar voice came from behind.
“Baale khule rakh le…”
(“Keep your hair open…”)
She paused, eyes locking with his in the mirror. Arjun stood at the doorway, hands in his pockets, looking at her like she was the only sight worth seeing.
A soft blush spread across her cheeks. She left her hair open and turned to face him.
Arjun tilted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe.
“Bohot pyaari lag rahi hai iss saree mein…” he murmured, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
("You're looking lovely in this saree")
Sakshi giggled softly and looked down, her fingers playing with the edge of the pallu shyly.
He walked up to her, adjusting his watch. “Chal, toh phir chalte hain…”
(“Alright then, let’s go…”)
She grabbed her little purse, eyes sparkling with happiness.
They goes down and buaji was present there filling her glass jar with water.
Buaji squinted at them, curiosity in her voice.
“Itni dopahar ko kahaan jaa rahe ho tum log, beta?”
(“Where are you two going at this hour, dear?”)
Arjun bent down to wear his shoe and answered casually, “Woh thoda bahar jaa rahe hain, ghoomne… raat tak wapas aa jayenge.”
(“Just going out for a bit… we’ll be back by night.”)
But before he could straighten up, Buaji’s eyes narrowed as she turned to Sakshi.
“Yeh kya bahu? Tu bahar aise khule baalon mein kyu jaa rahi hai aur woh bhi pallu k bina?” she asked sharply, her tone more concerned than angry.
(“What’s this, bahu? Why are you going out with your hair open like this, and that too without covering your head with the pallu?”)
Caught off guard, Sakshi’s hand instinctively reached up to touch her loose hair, suddenly self-conscious. She hurriedly tried to pull the pallu over her head..
Before she could answer, Arjun straightened and cut in.
“Haan toh kya hua? Maine hi kaha tha use khule rakhne ke liye..aur ek din pallu na lene se kuch na hoga..” he said nonchalantly, brushing imaginary dust off his kurta.
(“So what? I’m the one who told her to leave it open. And nothing will happen if she doesn’t cover her head for one day,”)
Buaji looked appalled. “Par beta, aise bahu logon ko bahar khule baalon mein nahi jaana chahiye. Nazar lag jaati hai…” she insisted, walking closer with her water-filled jar.
(“But beta, daughters-in-law shouldn’t go out like this with their hair open. It attracts evil eyes…”)
She turned her attention to Sakshi, her tone softening but still laced with disappointment.
“Arey Arjun toh mard hai… usse kya pata in sab baaton ka? Par tu toh bahu hai na? Tujhe toh samajh hona chahiye…”
(“Arjun is a man… what would he know about these things? But you’re a daughter-in-law, aren’t you? You should understand…”)
Sakshi bit her lip, eyes lowering. Yes, she did know — her mother had always reminded her of these things. But in the rush and excitement of going out with Arjun, it had simply slipped her mind.
'Kya nazar lag jayega?? Mein inn sab cheezon mein bilkul nahi maanta buaji aur nah yeh manegi..' he said.
(“What evil eye? I don’t believe in all this, Buaji, and neither will she,”)
Buaji intervened, 'Par..'
("But")
'Par var kuch nahi..meine kaha na mein yeh sab nahi maanta...aur kya nazar lagega jab uska pati uske sath ho toh?? Yeh sab kuch ant vishwas hain..' he said.
(“No buts. I already said I don’t believe in these things… and how can anything happen when her own husband is with her? This is all just superstition,”)
Sakshi looks at him.
'Aap na yeh sab ajeeb cheezein apne deemag se nikal lijiye..' he said rolling his eyes.
(“You really should get these strange ideas out of your head buaji,”)
'Chal Sakshi..hume der ho raha hain..' he said as Sakshi gently grabbed his arm.
(“Come on, Sakshi… we’re getting late,”)
'Har cheezein ant-vishwas nahi hota..kuch cheezein manna parta hain..ghar k sukh shaanti k liye..' she said fuming but they already left the house.
(“Not everything is superstition… some things should be followed, for the peace and well-being of the home…” )
Outside,
Sakshi was frequently touching her hair due to which he spat her hand.
“Tu kya baar baar apne baalon ko aise pakad rahi hai? Haath neeche rakh, Sakshi!” he scolded her.
(“Why do you keep grabbing your hair like that? Keep your hands down, Sakshi!”)
“Ji… yeh baat meri maa bhi kehti thi,” she replied innocently,
(“Jii… my mother used to say the same thing,”)
She wrapped the pallu around her shoulder..
“ki dopahar mein khule baalon ke saath bahar nahi jaana chahiye… aur raat mein toh bilkul bhi nahi… kyunki bhoot-aatma ghoomte hain!”
(“That we shouldn’t go out with open hair in the afternoon… and absolutely not at night… because that’s when ghosts and spirits wander!”)
Arjun stopped mid-step and stared at her with an exaggerated deadpan expression, blinking slowly.
“Tu ek kaam kar… kal subah jaake apne saare baal katwa lena… ekdum takli ho jaana,” he said, smirking.
(“You know what… tomorrow morning just go get all your hair chopped off. Go completely bald,” )
“Phir na koi dikkat hogi, na bhoot tujhe baahon mein lene aayega!”
(“Then there won’t be any problem. No ghost will come to take you in his arms!”)
Her eyes widened in shock as she gasped dramatically, clutching her hair protectively.
“Yeh kya keh rahe ho ji?! Mere liye mere baal bohot pyaare hain… poore 10 saal laga diye maine inhe itna lamba karne mein! Aur aap keh rahe ho ki takli ho jaun?!”
(“What are you saying?! My hair is so precious to me… it took me ten whole years to grow it this long! And you’re telling me to go bald?!”)
He shrugged casually. “Toh phir mere saamne yeh sab faltu ki baatein mat kiya kar ..agar koi tujhe baho mein laga toh woh sirf mein loonga aur koi nahi..…” he said, clicking his tongue and walking ahead.
(“Then don’t talk nonsense in front of me… and if anyone ever takes you in their arms, it’ll only be me — no one else,”)
She scrunch her nose in respond and anyways he reach for her hand gently intertwined her fingers with his to cross the road.
They both climbed into the rickshaw.
Sakshi leaned slightly towards him. “Ab toh bata dijiye, kaha jaa rahe hain hum?” she asked, eyes full of curiosity.
(“Now at least tell me, where are we going?”)
He turned his face slowly, giving her a long look. “Tu shaanti se nahi baith sakti, na? Bilkul bhi nahi…”
(You just can’t sit quietly, can you? Not even a little…”)
“Kabse toh shaanti se hi baithi hoon ji,” she muttered under her breath, making him chuckle.
(“I have been sitting quietly for a while now,” )
His thumb brushed over her knuckles in a soothing circle.
“Jahan hum jaa rahe hain… tujhe bohot pasand aayega,” he said with a small smile.
(“Where we’re going… you’ll love it,”)
“Wahan har tarah ke ped-paudhe hain… ek chhota sa bagicha bhi hai… aur ek maali bhi hai, jo sab sambhalta hai”
(“There are all kinds of trees and plants… a little garden too… and a gardener who takes care of everything.”)
Sakshi’s brows knitted together. “Maali?” she echoed, puzzled.
("Gardener??")
He nodded, eyes gleaming with a quiet smile. “Haan… Ramu Kaka. Aur unki biwi — Kavita Kaki.”
(“Yes… Ramu Kaka. And his wife — Kavita Kaki.”)
She looked at him, confusion giving way to soft curiosity, as the rickshaw turned into a narrow path flanked with trees.
They got down from the rickshaw. Dust swirled around their feet as they stepped onto the narrow path leading to a large house, still under construction. The sound of hammers and shouting laborers filled the air, as workers busied themselves on the skeletal second floor, balancing buckets of cement and rods.
Sakshi’s eyes widened as she looked up at the building. The scent of wet cement mixed with the earthy smell of nearby trees.
“Ji… yeh kiska ghar ban raha hai?” she asked, her voice soft and curious.
(“Ji… whose house is being built here?”)
Before Arjun could answer, the wooden gate creaked open, and an elderly couple stepped out. The old man wore a dhoti and faded kurta, his silver hair fluttering slightly in the breeze. Beside him, his wife adjusted her saree pallu, her wrinkled face glowing with warmth.
“Ramu Kaka!” Arjun called out, his face lighting up. He rushed forward and bent to touch the couple’s feet.
Sakshi followed his lead , covered her head with the edge of her saree and bent down gracefully, seeking their blessings. Kaka placed a kind hand on her head, while Kaki’s eyes sparkled with delight.
“Kaka-Kaki… aap dono kaise ho? Sab thik hai na?” Arjun asked warmly.
(“Kaka-Kaki… how are you both? Everything okay?”)
Ramu Kaka chuckled and patted his cheek like a proud elder. “Achhe hain dikra… tu bata, kaisa hai?”
(“We’re good, son… you tell me, how are you?”)
“Main thik hoon, Kaka. Aap logon ne kaha tha na ki aap mere biwi ko dekhna chahte ho? Toh lo... yeh rahi Sakshi, aapki bahu.” he said, pulling Sakshi gently by her arm and placing her in front of them.
(“I’m good, Kaka. You both said you wanted to meet my wife, didn’t you? So here she is… Sakshi, your daughter-in-law.”)
Kaki’s face bloomed into a wide smile. She cupped Sakshi’s cheeks, her eyes glistening.
“Are baap re! Tu toh badi pyaari hai bahu… manna padega, mere Arjun dikra ka pasand lajawab hai!”
(“Oh my! You’re so lovely, bahu… I must say, my Arjun’s choice is truly wonderful!”)
Sakshi blushed, eyes lowered, her lips curled into a shy smile. Arjun couldn’t stop smiling either, feeling proud and content.
Kaki’s voice turned a little wistful. “Agar aaj teri maa zinda hoti na… toh bohot khush hoti, apne iss ghar ki Laxmi ko dekhkar.” Her voice cracked slightly, and she let out a soft chuckle, trying to hide her moist eyes.
(“If your mother were alive today… she would’ve been so happy to see the Laxmi of her home.”)
Ramu Kaka nodded, his eyes reflecting the same sentiment.
Arjun gave a small smile and said, “Maa hai na… humare saath hi toh hai. Bas hum log dekh nahi pa rahe hain.” His voice held deep conviction, and both elders nodded with a peaceful smile.
(“Maa is with us… she’s right here. It’s just that we can’t see her.”)
“Aur Lata bitiya kaisi hai? Usse kyun nahi laya tune apne sath?” Kaka asked, glancing behind them as if expecting to see the little girl.
(“And how’s little Lata? Why didn’t you bring her along?”)
“School se aayi hai na, Kaka… thak gayi hai thodi. Sakshi ne use khila ke sula diya. Chhutti ke din le aayenge zaroor.” Arjun explained, glancing at Sakshi, who nodded with a gentle smile.
(“She just got back from school, Kaka… was a bit tired. Sakshi fed her and put her to sleep. We’ll definitely bring her on a holiday.” )
'Toh hum andar jaay kaka ?? Woh Sakshi ko mujhe dikhana hain andar..' he asked making both of the laugh.
("So can we go inside kaka?? I want to show sakshi everything")
“Toh andar jaa na, dikra… humse kyun pooch raha hai? Apna hi toh ghar hai. Apni biwi ko dikha..”
(“Of course, go inside, son… why are you asking us? It’s your own house after all. Show it to your wife,”)
Kaki said teasingly, lightly swatting his arm. “Tere Kaka ne kitne paudhe lagaye hain… phalon ke ped, phoolon ke… sab dikhana use”
("Your Kaka has planted so many things… fruit trees, flowering plants… show her everything.”)
They both then went on the backside of the house.Sakshi gasped as the backyard revealed itself — a serene, green haven. Dozens of plants lined the soft mud ground. Saplings were arranged in neat rows, some already blooming in vibrant colors — marigolds, jasmines, and roses swaying gently in the breeze. Fruit trees bordered the area: guava, mango, lemon — all standing proud in the sunlight.
A soft wind kissed her face as she let go of his hand and ran forward with gleeful surprise. Her saree fluttered behind her like a ribbon. She knelt beside a row of blooming roses running her fingers gently over the petals.
“Kitne saare paudhe hain, ji!” Sakshi squealed in excitement, twirling once before running to a blooming marigold and plucking it with childlike joy.
(“So many plants, ji!”)
“Bataya toh tha maine,” Arjun replied, folding his arms and watching her with a grin. Her excitement was infectious.
("I told you so..")
Just then, her eyes landed on a tall mango tree. Ripe, golden mangoes peeked from between the lush leaves, swaying gently in the breeze.
“Aree wah!” she gasped, eyes lighting up. Without a second thought, she tucked the end of her pallu firmly into her waist and marched toward the tree with purpose.
("Woww")
“Sakshi!” Arjun shouted, alarmed,
“Aeee ruk… gir jayegi tu!!” He started running towards her.
("Hey stop...you'll fall down..")
“Nahi girungi ji!” she called out, already grabbing the trunk and climbing expertly.
("Jii I'll not fall down..")
“Main aam torhne mein mahir hoon!” Her laughter rang out through the air.
("“I’m an expert at picking mangoes!” )
Arjun stood below, half panicked, half amused.
“Mujhe nahi bata sakti thi kya? Har kaam khud hi kyun karne jaati hai tu?” he scolded, though a smile was playing on his lips.
(“Couldn’t you have told me first? Why do you try to do everything on your own?”)
From above, Sakshi flashed him a dazzling smile, all 32 teeth shining.
“Bas maza aata hai ji!” she giggled, pulling mango after mango, tossing them down toward him.
("I enjoyed it doing so..")
“Gir mat jaana, Sakshi… tujhe dekh ke mera dil ghabra raha hai,” he said, stepping back to catch the mangoes she kept tossing one by one.
("“Don’t fall, Sakshi… watching you is making my heart race,”)
“Uffo nahi girungi ji!” she reassured, “Aap bas shant ho jaaiye aur aam pakariye”
("Offo!! I'll not fall down..you just calm down and catch the mangoes I'm throwing at you..")
Soon, she had plucked nearly a dozen mangoes. Then, instead of climbing down, she carefully scooted along a thick branch and perched herself there, clutching the trunk tightly with both arms.
Arjun frowned, shading his eyes from the sun. “Kya hua? Neeche aa na… wahan kyun baith gayi?”
(“What happened? Come down… why are you sitting up there?”)
Sakshi’s voice dropped to a nervous whisper, “Ji… dar lag raha hai neeche utarne mein…”
("Jii I am scared to climb down now..")
He raised an eyebrow, smirking.
“Chadne mein toh badi hoshiyari dikhayi mujhe… ab neeche kyu utar nahi paa rahi?Utar abb!!”
(“You climbed like a pro… now you can’t get down? Come down now!!”)
'Aaa kuch kijiye na...dekh kya rahe hain ji aise??' she screamed.
(“Aaah do something, please… why are you just standing there looking?!”)
But instead of rushing to help, Arjun casually picked up a mango, sat against the tree’s base, and started peeling it slowly with his teeth.
“Nahi, tu ab wahi baithi reh… jab tak main thoda aam nahi khaa leta.” he said, completely unbothered, letting the sweet juice drip from the side of his mouth.
(“Nope, you stay up there now… at least until I eat a few mangoes,”)
Her jaw dropped. “Aaaa meri aam!! Aap mere bina kaise kha sakte hain? aahhhh utariye na... mujhe bhi khana hain aam...” she screamed.
(“Aaaah my mangoes!! How can you eat without me?! Aaahhh get me down… I want to eat too!” )
In frustration, she began plucking the small unripe mangoes and flinging them at him. One hit his shoulder with a thunk.
“Ouch! Kya kar rahi hai, pagal ladki! Lag raha hai mujhe!” he laughed, shielding his head.
(“Ouch! What are you doing, crazy girl! That hurts!”)
“Toh khana band kijiye aam!! Aap aise nahi kha sakte mere bina..” she snapped like a possessive child.
(“Then stop eating mangoes jii!! You’re not allowed to eat them without me…”)
He laughed harder and popped a piece into his mouth.
“Aur ab toh aur maza aa raha hai tujhe dikha k khane mein …”
(“And now I’m enjoying it even more… especially watching you while I eat.”)
In frustration, she did the unthinkable — she took off both of her chappals and flung it down. It landed with a loud thak! just inches away from him.
He laughed, shaking his head as she pouted from the tree.
“Achha baba, aaja… nahi kha raha hoon tere bina,” he said with a smile, dropping the mango and spreading his arms wide.
(“Okay okay, come down now… I won’t eat without you,” )
“Neeche aa… meri jhalli biwi” he coaxed, looking up at her like a hero ready to catch his heroine from the sky.
(“Come on down… my silly wife,”)
But Sakshi shook her head stubbornly, clutching the branch tighter.
“Nahi… gira denge aap!” she said suspiciously, narrowing her eyes.
("No, you'll drop me..")
Arjun smirked mischievously.
“Haan haan, bilkul sahi pakdi. Seedha zameen pe patak dunga,” he teased, trying not to laugh at her growing panic.
(“Yeah yeah, exactly. I’ll slam you straight to the ground,” )
She let out a dramatic whine hugging the trunk more tighter, “Aap na… bilkul badmash ho!”
("You are so mean..")
“Are aaja re baba! Tujhe lagta hai main tujhe sach mein giraunga?” he said, this time softly, his tone filled with gentle assurance.
(“Oh come on now! You really think I’d drop you?” )
Without waiting another second, she gave a small yelp and jumped straight into his arms, landing with a thump against his chest.
“Aree sambhalke!” he chuckled, catching her mid-air. His arms locked securely around her waist as her arms curled around his neck tightly, burying her face in the crook of his shoulder.
("Carefull..")
He held her for a moment longer than needed, smiling into her hair. Her breath was warm against his neck, and for a moment, the whole world quieted down around them.
They both sat under the shade of the mango tree, their backs resting against its broad trunk. Surrounded by half-peeled mangoes, juice-dripping hands, and giggles, the quiet backyard turned into their own secret picnic spot.
Arjun burst out laughing as he looked at Sakshi—her entire mouth and nose was smeared with mango pulp, like a little child devouring her favorite candy.
She raised her eyebrows, innocently licked her lips, and asked, “Kya hua ji?”
("What happened ji??")
He shook his head with a soft chuckle.
“Kuch nahi… tu kha kha aram se kha.”
("Nothing...you eat slowly at your pace..")
Then, reaching out, he gently wiped her nose with his thumb, his eyes filled with nothing but love.
“Yeh baaki sab aam Lata ke liye le jaayenge… usse aam badi pasand hai,” she said collecting it neatly at one corner.
(“We’ll take the rest of the mangoes for Lata… she really loves them,”)
He blinked his eyes in agreement.
It was almost evening, Sakshi is sitting while Arjun was laying on her lap. Both were enjoying the cold wind blowing hitting their face.
“Yeh zameen meri maa ki thi…” Arjun spoke softly, his voice laced with nostalgia.
(“This land belonged to my mother…” )
“Nanaji ne diya tha unhe… aur maa ne bina kuch soche, yeh zameen hum dono bhai-behan k naam kar diye..”
(“My grandfather gave it to her… and without a second thought, she transferred it in both our names—mine and my sister’s.”)
Sakshi smiled warmly, her fingers gently caressing his forehead. His eyes automatically get closed.
After a pause, his voice rose again, softer this time.
“Meri maa... sirf baara saal ki thi jab unki shaadi hui thi… baba ke saath.”
(“My mother… she was only twelve when she got married… to my father.”)
Sakshi's hands froze for a fleeting second before continuing their gentle motion, a lump forming in her throat.
She could understand that he is ready to sharing his mother's story~ his past with her.
She didn’t interrupt. Didn’t ask.
She simply let her fingers speak for her—stroking his hair gently as if asking him to continue and she was listening.