Advay realised the extent to which he affected Chandini. "So it was mutual" he comforted himself.
He pulled her closer and nuzzled against her neck. She gasped as his breathe sent shocks waves through her body. She frantically tried to calm her pounding heart, that simply wouldn't calm no matter what she did.
He looked at him, his gaze burned into hers. He cupped her face in his hands and tilted her face up towards him. He slowly touched her quivering lips with his thumb.
Chandini had lost track of her thoughts now. Her brain clouded with the sensations that set fire to places she didn't know existed in her. She was gasping for breath.
Advay slowly leaned down, towards her quivering mouth ...
"CM" Adi screamed from outside. They both jolted out of their trance. Chandini jumped down from his lap. Advay shot his up head towards the door, embarrassed, flushed,confused. His heart was pounding at the sudden rush of adrenaline.
Chandini scrambled away from him, towards the Coffee table. She started to fidget with the spoons and forks. She was flapping, her cheeks turned a dark shade of red.
"CM "Adi screamed again before running into the study. He was still in his uniform, crying his eyes out. Advay got up from his chair in a flash, concerned and in one scoop, took Adi in his arms and comforted him.
"Adi Kya hua "He asked him tenderly as he wiped his eyes.
Pooja followed him "Aadi bohut ho gaya, Now stop crying and come with me"
"Whats wrong, Pooja?" Advay enquired as he cleared his throat. His face was flushed.
"Dekhiye na Bhaiyya" Pooja complained " I have just been told by his teacher that he needs to cut his hair. But this boy simply doesn't want to listen"
"Oh, Toh itni si baat hai. Whats wrong with getting a hair cut" Advay smiled at Aadi.
"No CM I don't like cutting my hair, I want to have long beautiful hair, just like Mami" He pointed towards Chandini's silken long tresses. Chandini giggled at his sweetness.
"Mami is a girl, hence why she has long hair. But boys don't have long hair, look at CM" Pooja said trying to cajole Aadi to go along with her.
Aadi looked at Advay. "CM should boys have short hair" He questioned with a hint of sheer innocence.
"Hmm Yes, Boys normally do have short hair," Advay smiled.
"But I don't like going to he barbers" Aadi pulled a face.
Advay , Chandini and Pooja couldn't help but laugh at his antics.
"Well would you have a hair cut, if I too get a hair cut with you" Advay asked him.
Chandini looked at Advay surprised. "Wow , he really does love Aadi, doesn't he" She thought, her eyes gleamed with admiration for him.
Aadi eyes lit up. " Will you too cut your hair with me?" He chirped.
"Yes I will." He nodded "Hmm and how about we go get an ice cream on the way back" Advay winked.
Aadi's eyes gleamed with joy, "Yes CM, lets go get a hair cut and have my double chocolate sundae" he jumped up and down in Advay's arms
Advay laughed heartily " Ok, Now go get dressed and we can go get a hair cut and your ice cream" Advay kissed him on his cheek.
Aadi kissed him back and jumped down shouting Yeah, CM and I are going to have a hair cut together
Pooja looked at Advay "Thanks, Bhaiyya, Really don't know what I would have done without you" She said with relief "I have booked an appointment at 4.30, I ll call them up and book one for you too" She said as she dialled the number to the barbers.
"Aadi chalo, lets get dressed She took his hand and walked out of the room.
Advay smiled after the two and slowly glanced at Chandini who was still staring at him with disbelief.
Chandini suddenly jolted out of her trance. She shuddered, He had caught her watching him. There was a sudden awkwardness between the two at what had transpired between them a few moments ago. She didn't have the courage to look him in the eye.
She felt a strange fluttering in her belly, as the image of his handsome face slowly moving towards her, began to flash before her yes. She shuddered, "Was he really going to kiss her" She thought to herself puzzled.
She turned around, bent down and began clearing the coffee table. She started arranging the plates on the tray and was fidgeting with the spoons.
Advay crept behind her, his chest to her back and wrapped his arms around her. Chandini stiffened and almost choked on her breath. She could feel heat radiating from his chest and seep into the softness of her back warming her insides along the way. He leaned down to graze his stubbled cheek against her smooth face.
Hot fingers burned against her waist. He slowly slid his fingers up her waist.
She flinched, his rough hands grazed against her soft skin almost scraping her. Chandini felt her insides clench at the sudden jolt of current she felt course through her supple body.
She turned around and made a futile attempt to push him, with her hands that seemed to have turned into jelly. He ignored her, and pulled her closer till their bodies were pressed together. He leaned over her and picked the glass of water on the coffee table, all the while pressing his chest against the softness of her breasts. She let out a soft moan, as her softness crushed against his hard well sculpted chest.
Chandini was trembling and was almost panting now. "Oh Good lord She bit her lip "Was her body ever going to obey her, anymore She shut her eyes and swore under her breath .
He stood up and started to gulp down the water. Chandini watched him thirstily, as the water dribbled down his chin all the way down his throat. For some reason, she wanted to stand up on her toes and lick it off his chin and trace her mouth all the way down to the hollow of his throat.
Advay looked down at her hungry eyes. "Thirsty "He asked. She nodded her head without giving a thought to what she was doing.
He tightened his grip around her, and put the glass against her lips. She sipped on the cold water. The cool water felt like nectar as it coursed through her dry parched throat, but the sudden reminder that she was drinking out of his glass sent a jolt of current through her body. His closeness had once again set off her heart at a dangerously great speed.
The tension between them was thick and all she could hear for now, was her heart pounding painfully against her ribs.
Advay put the glass to one side, and brushed his thumb against her moist lips. He slowly lifted his thumb and put it in his mouth. Chandini quivered. She felt goosebumps prickle against her skin. She made one last attempt to push him away, only for him to crush her roughly against his chest.
" I am not finished with you" He whispered coarsely against her ear. His hot quivering lips and his warm breath was driving her to the point of insanity and beyond. As though that was not enough, he had now started to slide is thumb up and down against the soft creamy skin of her slender waist.
Chandini clung to him helpless. She let out a moan. This was insane, she had never known her body would react to anyone like this, let alone to Advay. She found it impossible to fight his advances. For now she shut her eyes and dug her nails into Advay's arm, the arm she was holding on her dear life to. Her mind went blank. She was at lack of words, lack of thoughts, with no idea who she was or where she was. All that existed now was the exquisite tingling she felt all over her body, as heat began to pool down her body to the moist softness between her legs.
Advay too was struggling to stay in control of his emotions. He had always taken immense pride in the fact, that no woman had ever had the power to shake his resolve. But Chandini... however was proving to be the ultimate test.
He softly brushed his lips against her ears again setting a trail of fire till he reached her cheeks. He slowly lifted his hand to cup her face, and placed a soft kiss against her warm flushed cheek.
Chandini heaved a sigh, a whimper almost. The kiss was soft, tender, heart wrenching almost, that it tug at her somewhere deep. She let her senses take control. She wanted to feel him, melt into him. She pulled him closer, her body longed for his. He kissed her cheek again and started to flutter his lips along her face, planting soft kisses all the way along her jaw. Chandini flinched. His lips were oh so soft , like a butterfly fluttering its delicate wings against cheeks. She quivered, she knew he was driving her to a point of no return, but felt helpless like putty in his hands for now.
Advay summoned every ounce of his willpower and stopped himself, as Chandini continued to pull him closer. He had not intended or expected this to go this far. But the effect she had on him was astounding.
"Chandini "He barely whispered her name. He let out of a moan at his own helplessness "I am sorry, but I need to go, or Aadi could turn up again"
Chandini continued to cling to him. She refused to open her eyes. She could feel tears stinging in her eyes. She didn't want him to leave her wanting ... for him...again.
Advay felt a punch in his gut, as a lone tear made its way down her cheek. He softly kissed her cheek. He didn't want to leave her, not like this... aching for him.
"Why don't you come along?" He whispered, his lips still pressed against her warm flushed cheeks. .
Chandini was lost in a sea of emotions. She looked fazed at him, trying to comprehend what he had just said.
"I said, come... with... us" He told her again spelling each word slowly. She jolted to look up at him as his words began to sink in.
"Wha...What? N...No" She stammered.
"No, No I cant. I am sorry, I can't" She shivered against him. She couldn't leave the house. Had he lost his mind. She felt limp. The thought of stepping out of the house, had suddenly sapped her of her energy.
"Its okay, Chandini. You wont be alone, I will be there, with you, all the time" he assured her."This is Mumbai, you are safe here.Trust me" He tried to convince as he stroked her hair.
Chandini continued to tremble. "How was she meant to explain to him, that it was the crowd that gave her the shivers" She fidgeted.
Advay finally relented.
"Ok , Tumhari Marzi. "He sighed. Her pale terrified face tugged at his heart. "Dammit he kicked himself, How was he meant to make her smile again? ...He had an idea.
"Waisey, would you like me to bring you some ice -cream on the way back" He winked, trying to distract her, as he let go of her.
Chadnini's face suddenly lit up with joy "Ice cream" She chirped. "Yes please, I would love some ice cream"
Advay let out a sigh of relief, to see her happy again. Her face was like a light bulb. Just one right switch could turn it ON or OFF, and thankfully it was ON now, bright and happy.
"Hmm , Any particular flavour" He quizzed.
"No, Not really," She shrugged as she pondered
" Oh ! Could you please...?" She paused as Advay raised his brow in a query. He waited for her to finish her sentence.
"Could I ...What ??" He asked intently.
"No , Nothing, I don't think you will find it here "She pouted with disappointment.
"Find what?" he snapped with irritation. God !! She did know how to test his patience sometimes.
"Kesar Pista wali Kulfi, Kullad wali" She exclaimed.
"What Advay chuckled, " would she ever stopped surprising him ? he wondered. One minute she was heaving and clinging to him, and the next minute she was all chirpy thinking about the flavours of her home town. "Pagal He thought to himself.
"Ab Mumbai main, Kullad wali Kulfi kahan milegi ? "He asker her still chuckling.
"Wahi toh, And not just any Kullar wali kulfi "She squealed like a child.
Advay smiled ear to ear as it dawned upon him. He knew exactly what she was about to say.
"Ganga Ghat ke Tribhuvandas Halwai ke Kullad wali Kulfi" He Chimed with her grinning to himself, as memories of their childhood flashed before him again.
Memories of Dev begging his mother for money so he could treat his Chandu to her favourite Tribhuvandas Halwai's Kesar Pista Kulfi.
"How could he have forgotten her favourite kulfi ?", he chided himself as he nodded his head in disapproval.
"Aap jaante hai, Tribhuandas halwai ko ?" She asked him. Her eyes wide.
"Haan, I know that shop". He replied. "Chandini, Main bhi Allahabad ka hee hoon "He smiled at her. Her eyes gleamed with pride, at the mention of Allahabad, her beautiful City.
"Pata hai , Mujhe lag raha tha ki aap bhi Allahabadi ho" She chirped with confidence. Advay lifted his brow in surprise
"Accha Kaisey "He chuckled. What was he meant to do with this sweet girl. Revenge seemed like a word he had never heard of anymore.
"Aapki hindi jo itni achchi hai" She added.
"Achcha waisey Allahabad main Kahan?" She enquired, this was a pleasant surprise. Advay was a fellow Allahabadi. So they did have something in common,
Advay flinched a little and shifted on his feet, He didn't know what to say ...
"CM, I am ready lets go" Aadi shrieked and ran into the room.
Advay turned around relieved. For no he didn't need to answer Chandini's question. He smiled and picked him up.
"Great, Chalo lets go then. Mami ko bye bolo" he said.
"Wait CM Aadi said as he leaned toward Chandini.
He kissed her cheek "Bye Mami, see you later" He Chirped.
Chandini too kissed him back " Jaldi aana "she said to Aadi, but looked up at Advay, instead.
Advay smiled back and walked out of the room with Aadi still chirping away in his arms.
Chandini stood there for a few minutes, smiling at the door and was about to turn around. To her surprise Advay came back. She raised a brow.
"Hmm. Forgot my car keys" He said and walked up to his desk.
She watched him intently, as he picked his keys, eyes blazing into hers, he walked up to her, put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. He leaned forward and planted a soft kiss against her cheek. Chandini flinched slightly.
"Jaldi Aaoonga, I promise "He whispered against her cheeks
"Kesar pista Kullar ke Kulfi, right" He said as he nuzzled against her face and walked away, brushing his fingers ever so slightly against Chandini's navel. She flinched, but kept staring after him trying to come to terms with all the tingling sensations, he had managed to set off in her body. She collapsed against his chair clenching her heart in her hands, and tried gasp for air. For now she was at a loss of words.
Chandini sat in Advay's study for a while. She finally got up, collected her thoughts and collected the tray and made her way to the kitchen. She needed a cup of strong ginger tea, to help clear her mind.
"Arey didi, why didn't you give me a shout" Murli called out to her, as he ran up the stairs and took the tray from her hand.
"Oh come on Murli, Its my house" Chandini smiled at Murli.
They walked towards the kitchen together. Shilpa was busy making tea and saw Chandini walk into the kitchen with Murli,
"Arey Jiji, Aap Chai peeyengee" She asked sweetly,
"Haan Shilpa, Please. Can I have a strong cup of Adrak wali Chai?" She begged her, she really sounded exhausted "Oh Shilpa, Don't forget to add...
"Elaichi" Shilpa completed her sentence. "I know how you like your tea, Jiji" Shilpa retorted and nodded her head in disbelief. She had worked at the haveli in Allahabad long enough to know everyones likes and dislikes.
Murli was busy clearing the worktop. He had already started prepping the vegetables for dinner. He was grating the panner for the paneer Kofta, they planned on serving for dinner tonite.
Shilpa served tea and opened a pack of biscuits. She took her tea and sat with Chandini at the table.
"Murli," Chandini called out to him "Come, have tea with us"
"Arey didi Murli hesitated "No. Please I will have it here?" He sounded embarrassed.
"What?" She turned and looked at him with surprise, "Don't be silly? Come join us"
"Haan Murli "Shilpa added "Its ok Chandini jiji is really very kind. She has always treated me like family. Come join us"
Murli took his cup of tea and sat down with hesitation. He had never had tea with a family member before. This was a pleasant surprise.
"Waisey Didi, Can I tell you one thing" Murli asked her politely.
Chandini nodded "Hmm what ?"
"Ever since you have come home, Advay Bhaiyya really looks very happy. Woh toh aaj kal tan tana rahe hai". He told her with pride.
"Isi liye , I wanted to say Thank you dee... Bha...bhi "He blushed. He looked like a red tomato.
Chandini almost choked on her tea and looked up at him surprised. He had suddenly gone from 'Didi' to 'Bhabhi,' and rolled her head back and burst into laughter.
Murli too grinned at her. "She is so sweet and simple" He thought to himself. "I just hope she manages to heal Bhaiyya" he prayed silently.
"Waisey Bhabhi , Where is Bhaiyya?" He enquired innocently.
"Oh your Bhaiyya, has taken Aadi to the barbers". She replied. "He did say he was going to bring ice cream on the way back. Murli why don't you call him and order some for yourselves too" She suggested sweetly.
"Don't worry Bhabhi" Murli assured her "Bhaiyya is very thoughtful. Woh sab ka khayal rakhte hain. Aap Dekhna, he will bring for all of us"
Chandini smiled to herself. "Advay even cared for his staff. Was he really a kind hearted person ? Had she misjudged him?" she pondered.
"Oh Jiji "Shilpa squealed as she suddenly realised "I know where Sir has taken Aadi to"
"Yeh Tanatan" She ordered "Sir ko abhi phone karo, aur kaho ki, there is a Kulfi shop in the basement of that mall, and to bring Chandini didi her favourite Kesar pista Kulfi"
" Jo Hukum mere aka" Murli replied irritated. "Oh sorry, Mere Matar ka dana" He corrected himself and gave Shilpa a wicked grin, as he dialled Advay's number on his phone. Shilpa scowled at him.
Chandini was lost in her own world, "What, Really. Kullar wale kulfi in Mumbai ?" Chandini shrieked, her eyes sparkled like moonlight.
"Oh Shilpa, I really love you" She clapped her hands and hugged Shilpa.
"Haan Bhaiyya" Murli said "Woh, Shilpa is saying there is a Kulfi shop in the base... Oh What ? Okay. Aap ko pata hai. You are at the shop buying Ice cream right now. Teek Hai no proble..." Murli was still speaking, only for Chandini to shout over the phone.
"Unse kaho Dher saara kulfi laao. Its been a very long time since I had kulfi. Dher saar a chaahiye" She Chirped happily.
Advay chuckled, he could hear her chirping with joy in the background. "Teek Hai, Murli . Call me if you need anything else "He added and was about to end the call only for Murli to interrupt...
"Woh Bhaiyya..." He added " Could you please bring a butterscotch Cornetto as well please" Murli requested, he glanced up towards Shilpa.
Shilpa jolted up to look at Murli, she blushed profusely , bit her lip and went back to drinking her tea
"Teek hai" Advay told him, he was smiling to himself as Chandini was still chirping away in the background about how she loved kulfi's.
"Pagal" he thought to himself. "Can I have 4 dozen of these Kesar Pista ones please" He asked the salesman at the ice cream shop.
Advay looked down at his huge parcel.
"Haircuts done, ice cream purchase for the family done. Good, Time to go home" he thought to himself. Aadi was still licking his double chocolate sundae and didn't want to be disturbed for now.
"Aadi, Come on , lets go" Advay ordered. "But CM, I am still eating" He protested.
"Nahi Aadi, If we don't go home quickly, then all this Ice cream will begin to melt" He warned. "Chalo you can finish yours in the car." He picked up a sulking Aadi, and started to make his way to the parking lot.
"But CM "Aadi protested.
"You don't want your Mami to eat a watered down ice cream, do you Aadi" Advay smiled at him as he put him in his child seat at the back of his car.
Advay quickly drove out of the parking lot. "He had to reach home quickly "He told himself as he hit the pedal. He knew he had to get home as soon possible before the ice cream started to melt in the sweltering heat of Mumbai.
Chandini was busy, preparing the gravy for the koftas, when Aadi ran into the kitchen
"Mami, Chalo quick, before the Kulfi melts" He shrieked and tugged at Chadnini's duppata.
Advay followed Aadi, in the kitchen with four large bags. He laid them on the table, and looked lovingly at his beautiful wife. Chandini too looked at him. Her heart skipped a beat. He looked polished, like a newly minted coin, in his haircut.
"Murli, get this served" He ordered, without taking his eyes off Chandini.
Chandini eyes gleamed with joy. She was craving for some kulfi's for a while now.
Murli quickly took the bags, and Shilpa followed him with plates, napkins, spoons and knives.
They began to set the table. Chandini too quickly got to work and started taking the tubs of ice cream out.
Aadi had gathered the others. They sat down as a family to relish upon some ice cream, together.
Leela sat at the head of the table, with Advay and Pooja flanking her on either side. Nani sat next to Pooja, who was holding Aadi on her lap.
Chandini looked around trying to make up her mind, when Advay slowly pulled out the chair next to him, indicating her to sit with him.
"Here Maasi, your Ben&Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie" Advay said as he handed Leela her tub of ice cream. "Oh Thanks Advay, you always take care of my tastes" She sounded delighted as took out a spoon to help herself.
"Cheeku, I don't want all these over the top flavours, Can I have my plain Vanilla ice cream please" Nani twisted her mouth at the thought of how there could be so much fuss around something as silly as ice cream.
Murli and Shilpa were busy putting away the extra ice creams in the fridge and came to see if the family needed anything else.
"Shilpa, Murli come sit with us", Chandini requested.
Shilpa bit her lip as she pulled the chair next to Chandini, while Murli looked at Advay with hesitation.
Advay nodded a 'yes' at him.
"Arey Murli, tu Cheeku ki taraf kyun dekh raha hai". Nani chided him "Ab Chandini is here. His wife. Her word is the final word, henceforth. Do you underneath." She added, as Advay smiled to himself.
"Chalo sit here next to me She ordered Murli," who sat down, happy that somehow he too was a part of this family now. Thanks to Chandini Bhabhi.
"Yeh leh Murli, tera Cornetto" Advay passed him the butterscotch cornetto, he had ordered.
"Thanks Bhaiyya", Murli said, and quietly slipped it over to Shilpa, taking care that no one saw him.
Shilpa bit her lips and blushed as she took the cornetto from his hands. The thought that Murli actually remembered that she loved Butterscotch Cornetto, made her heart flutter with joy. Murli too glanced up at her and blushed.
Chandini smiled as she watched the two from the corner of her eye.
"Achcha She teased Shilpa, " So he ordered it for you she giggled.
"Jiji, Aap bhi na "Shilpa whispered as she turned a dark shade of red. She continued to throw a glance up to Murli every now and again, only to find him smiling back at her.
Advay finally opened a box and placed it in front of Chandini, watching her intently, as her eyes sparkled with joy. She had the exact same expression on her face, that she used to when they were kids. It was like as though nothing had changed. He still bought her ice cream and she still clapped her hands in joy.
She quickly took one of the Kullars, and started to dig into it. She put a spoonful in her mouth and closed her eyes. The sweetness of the milk hit her first, as the aroma of the Kesar took over her senses and finally she chewed the crunchy pistachios. In an instant she was in Allahabad, going out every Sunday with Meghu, Shikha and Mamaji to have her favourite kulfi.
"How she missed them" She thought to herself wryly.
Though it was the memory of Dev that tugged at her heartstrings the most. After all it was Dev who had introduced her to her favourite Kulfi.
Advay pulled out his Bitter mint and dark chocolate cup of ice cream, and started digging his spoon into it. Somehow the thought of Kesar Kulfi had made him sick for all these years, but today was different, as he sat there watching her with satisfaction. The warm smile on her face melted his heart.
Hot tears threatened to form in his eyes, at the memory of his Chandu sharing his kulfi with him. They had been so thick together. After all Kesar kulfi was his favourite, hence why he had been hell bent on getting his Chandu to like it too. To his surprise she had fallen in love with it instantly. They had so much in common. "Like two peas in a pod they were" he thought to himself painfully.
"Advay, why don't you give it a try" Chandini suggested, as she looked with disgust at the black and green foul looking thing that Advay was having. She dug her spoon again and was about to eat...
"He has class" Leela maasi twisted her mouth "Do you understand what class is?" She added.
"Bitter Mint and Chocolate are meant to be the best palette cleansers. But how would a bankrupt, middle class , small town girl like you know that "She taunted.
Advay glared at his maasi. His eyes dark like a heavy laden monsoon cloud, ready to thunder any minute. He had to make a point to her.
He leaned towards Chandini, held her hand, and took a mouthful of the kulfi from her spoon, all the while glaring at Leela.
Chandini trembled with fear as she looked at the two, locking their horns silently.
"What is going on" Chandini thought to herself. "Why was Advay asking for trouble"
But, the moment the taste of the Kesar hit his senses, he shuddered as the painful memories of his childhood, his sweet little Chandu and the murder of his parents flashed before his eyes. He clenched his jaw, he heard a ringing sound in his ears and felt his red hot blood gushing through his veins. He looked away as he struggled to fight back his tears.
"Kyun, Maza aaya" Leela taunted him " To relive the memories of Allahabad" She twisted her mouth and smirked. Advay closed his eyes for now. His face was a picture of sheer torment and agony. He quickly gulped his bitter mint chocolate to wash the taste of the kesar along with the painful memories of his childhood.
Chandini watched him helplessly, "Why does he look so tortured? What was Leela Maasi referring to?" She wondered, she would have to get to the bottom of this.
"Chup Kar Leela Naani shot back at her "Vilayat main Rehi ho to kya, have you forgotten your roots along with your manners? "She rebuked. Leela shot up to look her mother angrily.
"Waisey Chandini " Nani features softened " What are you having child, it smells so good ?"
"Its Kesar pista Kulfi, Nani "Chandini whispered, still unsure of how to react to Leela's taunts
"Achcha " Nani face lit up with delight "I think I am going to have some " She suggested, and asked Murli to hand her a kullar.
Nani helped herself to a mouthful "Uff, Chandini yeh toh bohut hee swadisht hai. To be honest I am sick and tired of these foreign flavours, Nothing can truly ever match the taste of India." Nani choked on her words.
"Leela give this a try. Trust me you too are going to love it" Nani irked her daughter, as Chandini passed her the box.
Leela twisted her mouth and helped herself to one of the kulfis at the insistence of her mother.
She scooped a spoonful and put it in her mouth and couldn't help "Hmm" as the flavourful ice cream hit her senses. "Maa yeh kulfi toh rabri hai" She chimed mindlessly, as she went back to eat some more. Nani smiled
Chandini too smiled to herself, "Maybe Maasi would eventually warm up to her" She hoped.
In the middle of all this commotion, Pooja was lost in her own world trying to convince and cajole her five year old, who was acting just that ... Like a Five year old.
"Mummy, I want more Ice cream, I know there is more in the fridge" He sulked.
"Nahi aadi, you will have to eat your dinner first , then if you are good boy, you can have some more "Pooja explained to him, as she looked up to Advay for some help. Advay though was still lost in his own thoughts for now.
Chandini quickly took the cue,
"Arey Aadi," She chirped "I just realised you have had a haircut. Come her and let Mami have a better look at you" She called out to him, trying to distract him
Aadi took the bait and run up to Chandini, while Pooja whispered a "thank you"
"Yeh dekho Mami, Do you think I look like superman? "He asked her innocently. "The barber uncle told me that this was a Superman haircut, and gave me and CM the exact same haircut" He added, as Chandini giggled.
"I love your hair cut" Chandini took Aadi on her lap. Aadi had managed to distract Advay, who was now listening to his nephew intently.
He went back to glaring at Chandini.
"Wonder what she thinks of my hair cut" He thought to himself.
Chandini rubbed Aadi's hair , at the back of his head and nuzzled against his head.
"Mami, you are tickling me" Aadi giggled, as Chandini continued to nuzzle against his head.
"I love this She chirped. "Your head feels like a soft tennis ball against my face" She added still rubbing her cheeks against the soft freshly cut hair, while Aadi kept giggling.
Advay laughed as he looked at Chandini amused. He remembered how his Chandu, always loved nuzzling against the back of his head when he had taken a haircut. She hasn't changed one bit. He told himself.
Aadi ran back to his mum, as he wanted to take a bite from her ice cream.
Chandini eyed the box of kulfis like a kid. Advay chuckled to himself and pushed the box infront of her. She was on her 7th kullar now.
She began eating quietly and suddenly looked around to find, Murli and Shilpa laughing at a joke, Murli had cracked. Leela Maasi and Pooja were having a hearty chat while Aadi played with his mothers duppatta as he nested his head against Pooja's chest.
Advay was busy talking to Nani about a friend of Nani's who was unwell.
Chandini looked around and closed her eyes. " The sound of a family" She thought as she muffled a sob. "Is this how Love sounds. Do normal families interact like this?" She wondered " Why was her mother and her family so different to other normal families" She asked to herself. She shut her eyes tight as she fought her tears from rolling down.
Advay noticed a slight change in her demeanour from the corner of his eye. He could tell she was fighting her tears, though wasn't sure why she was sad.
He moved close to her, and put his arm around her back. She jolted out of her trance and looked up at him with tear drenched eyes, but he was busy chatting to Nani, throwing her a furtive glance every now and again.
"What was wrong with her "He thought to himself, as concern gripped his heart. He was barely listening to Nani. He leaned towards her, wrapped his arms around her waist, took her hand in his and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
Chandini felt a sense of calm take over her. She leaned against his arm. The thought that he was here by her side made her feel safe, made her feel warm all the way to her depths of her soul.
He took out another kullar and placed it before her " Aur nahi Khaogi" He whispered to her in a warm soothing voice, trying to bring back the sparkle in her eyes.
Chandini looked up at him, and smiled. She nodded 'yes' and went back to eating her kulfi, while he continued to rub the small of her back with his hand.
Everyone had eventually eaten to their hearts content. Chandini had eaten 10 kulfis, while Nani and Pooja had, had 5 each. Shilpa too said she had eaten more than 5, while Murli had lost count past his 7th kulfi. Leela maasi too had managed to guzzle down more than 5. Together the family had done a good job at demolishing the famous Allahabadi Kesar Pista kulfis, while the posh foreign makes were going to have to be stuffed in the freezer for now.
"Chalo Aadi, lets have a shower and get you ready for bed" Pooja ordered him "Maa will you come help me with this little brat She begged Leela.
Leela grinned and took Aadi by his hand towards his room, chatting to Pooja.
Murli and Shilpa got up to clear the table. Chandini too started helping them. "She had to start dinner shortly" she reminded herself.
Advay held her hand as she was about to walk away from him "Where are you going? "He asked her with a hint of surprise.
"I am going for a Mumbai Darshan" She chided him. "Of course I am going to the Kitchen, Advay. I have to make a start on dinner" she rolled her eyes at his silly question. Advay continued to look at her confused.
She took the plates and the spoons and made her way into the kitchen , with Shilpa and Murli in her tow.
Advay got up from the table and looked at Chandini with frustration, who didn't even bother to turn around to glance back at him. "How dare she?" He thought to himself.
"Kya hua Cheeku, Why are you scowling at her" Nani teased him
"What is the need for her to slave away in the kitchen Nani. She should be spending time, here with me." He spat. "I am sure Murli and Shilpa can manage. If not then I can employ more staff, No big deal". He fumed.
Nani laughed heartily to herself. "Whats so funny, now Nani" Advay hissed.
"Cooking for your loved ones, is not a chore. My child" She replied. " You wont understand Cheeku. You would understand only if you have a heart, like that of a woman" She teased him.
"Yeah Whatever" He whispered under his breath.
Did Nani not see his plight. "What was he meant to do with himself, while she busied herself in the kitchen" He asked himself angrily.
"He was going to have to do something about this" He resolved.
---
Thankfully, Chandini and Shilpa had done most of the prepping. The gravy for the kofta was ready and simmering away, while Murli was painstakingly frying the Koftas till golden brown.
"Shilpa could make the rotis as the family sat down for dinner "She thought to herself. So all that was left now was for her to add a aromatic Tadka to the dal.
"Murli, I ll kill you with my bare hands , if you burn the koftas "Shilpa threatened him.
"Haan, Haan Pata hai, Badi aaye kill you wali. Matar jitna size, you wont even be able to reach my neck , let alone strangle me" He laughed out loud, as Shilpa shot daggers at him.
Advay strode into the kitchen, armed with his laptop. He opened the laptop and sat at the island opposite Chandini and pretended to continue working at whatever that he was working at.
Murli almost dropped the Koftas on the floor, Shilpa watched Advay with her jaw wide open, While Chandini looked at him with eyes that looked like saucers. She could feel a rush of adrenaline course through her body. "What on earth is going on ? She asked herself as she began to flap.
Advay began punching his fingers at his keyboard, as he glanced up at Chandini with a smirk on his face. She glowered back. "Does he even know what he is typing She thought to herself.
As thought he had read her mind, "I am a touch typist He added smugly.
Murli and Shilpa exchanged confused glances with each other. Murli looked down to realise that he had fried all the koftas, with Shilpa quickly adding them to the gravy.
"Jaan pyaari hai, toh Yahan se Jaldi se bhaago" He advised Shilpa , as she anxiously gave him a nod, trying to give the Paneer koftas a quick stir with shaky hands.
"Jiji "Shilpa whispered, Advay shot a glance at her "Hmm , the koftas are simmering, away. Murli and I are going to go sort the laundry" She stammered and quickly ran after Murli, even before Chandini could reply.
"Aap yahan kya kar rahe hai" Chandini fumed.
"Remember, This is my house" He replied cooly.
Chandini closed her eyes, calmed herself and decided to continue with her Dal. She just wanted to avoid him as much as possible for now , she told herself.
She started adding the spices to the Dal, all the while aware that he had stood up from his stool and made his way towards her.
She turned to chop the coriander, only for him to put his hands around her bare waist, Chandini choked on her breath, as she tried to push his hand away.
He was standing with his chest against her back and his hands around her waist. He leaned down and rubbed his cheek against hers. His stubble pricked against her soft smooth cheek. She stiffened as his touch was making the hair on the back of her neck stand on their ends.
Chandini could feel the heat emanating from his chest, burning against her back. She felt dizzy with the tingling sensations that washed over her body, like waves hitting against the shore. Who was she kidding, she just wanted to turn around, flop against his chest and pull him as close to her body as was humanly possible. But suddenly realised that she still had to add Tadka to the Dal.
She mindlessly , continued adding the spices, while he lifted one hand, put it on her bare shoulder, and slid his fingers slowly down her hand. Chandini curled her toes, and shifted against him. She was heaving now. His hot breath against her ears, setting her ablaze with passion, igniting places that she didn't know existed within her.
He tightened his grip against her waist and pulled her closer to him, as he started to plant soft tender kisses against her ear and her neck. Chandini moaned softly, closed her eyes and tilted her head to allow better access to his mouth.
"What are you preparing" He whispered coarsely against her ears.
"Tad... Tadka Dal "She stammered as she struggled to keep hold of her thoughts.
"Oh, Let me help you" He whispered. He put his arm against her chest as he leaned forward to pick another jar of spice. Chandini shuddered as his arms brushed against her soft plush breasts. She clenched his arm and held on to it, as though her life depended on it. Advay continued to leave a blazing trail of soft kisses down her neck, while Chandini twisted in his arms, no knowing what to do or how to react. He held the jar in front of her.
She looked down at it confused, Her brain had gone numb owing to the electrifying sensations that had clouded her ability to think. She mindlessly started adding a few spoons of whatever it was he had held before her. Advay continued with his torture, he put the jar down, and wrapped his arms around her, and continued to deepen his kisses against her neck and her jaw. Chandini moaned and flinched. She was affecting him deeply, he didn't know how much longer he could hold on to his resolve at this rate.
"Chandini" Nani called, as she walked into the Kitchen.
Chandini jolted out of her trance, and tried to straighten herself, while Advay still held her in his arms with his lips pressed against her jaw.
She tried to push him. She began to flap "Haan ... Haan Nani" she stammered as she tried to come to terms with what was happening around her.
Advay slowly loosened his grip and turned to look away. His face was flushed. He was panting and was on the edge of losing whatever little sanity that he was still clinging on to.
"Thanks Nani" He thought to himself, he had been just seconds away from making love to his wife against the kitchen island, with the family still hanging around. No that he cared anyways.
"Chandini, If the dinner is ready, could you please serve it , My child" Nani asked her sweetly.
"Yes Nani" she panicked, "Two minutes please" She replied, as she tried to push him away from her. Advay looked at her confused, he put his hands around her waist and pressed his chest against her back and pulled her closer. Chandini shot up to him "Has he totally lost it ?" She wondered.
Nani smiled and turned around, to walk out.
'Oh and by the way Cheeku" she added , Advay shut his eyes in disbelief and looked away. "How does she always know?" he asked himself baffled.
"If you are done teasing and troubling your bride, Could you please come to my room ? I need to have a quick word with your please " She added sternly before walking out of the Kitchen.
Chandini looked up at Advay with panic stricken eyes, Nani had caught them red handed.
"Its okay" He assured her "You are my wife, this is my house, and I am not doing anything that I should be ashamed of" He added with the least modesty, as she continued to look at him wide eyed.
"By the way I am not finished, with you" His gaze burned into hers "Lets continue later in our bedroom" He added suggestively. He gave a quick peck on her cheek and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Chandini looking fazed and at a total loss for words.
Chandini started fidgeting again with the pots and the pans. He had blown her brain to bits. She looked around blank at her thoughts that laid scattered all over the kitchen. "What was she doing ? What was she meant to do?" She pondered looking around trying to get to grips with the multitude of sensations that he had managed to set off in her body.
"Its ok Jiji, Murli and I will handle it from here" Shilpa offered as she realised how dazed and confused Chandini looked. She didn't know if to pity at her condition or to giggle at it.
Chandini somehow pulled herself and slowly made her way out of the kitchen, still clutching her poor trembling heart in her hands.
Murli began to serve Dinner, while Shilpa went ahead with the rotis. The family were already seated at the table, as Chandini made her way into the dining room.
Advay turned around, got up and pulled a chair next to him for her to sit. Murli served her the kofta and the dal. Chandini was still shaken by what had just transpired between them. Advay sat down and yet again bagan rubbing his hand against the small of her back to help calm her. Chandini stiffened at his touch.She winced. His touch was doing more harm than help at the moment.
"Will this sweet torture ever end" She asked herself totally defeated.
She slowly lifted her hand to break a piece of roti, dipped it in the curry and put it in her mouth. She could taste nothing, as the heat emanating from his hand had taken over all her senses, her sense and her sensibility. Nothing made any sense anymore.
Advay was busy eating his dinner and chatting with Nani, as though everything was business as normal, all the while leaning towards Chandini and rubbing his hand against her back, totally oblivious to her condition.
"Chandini" Nani asked her with a gentle smile "Tell me something my child" she added. "Are you sure this is dal?" she grinned
Chandini's mind was in a distant land right now. She heard Nani, but wasn't able to make out even a single word, "What language is Nani talking in?" she wondered, as she tried to focus her attention towards Nani and away from his hands on her back.
"Could this family stop talking in riddles, please" She prayed silently. He had already turned her brain to mush, and to add to that Nani seemed to be asking her a seemingly complicated question in a language she no longer seemed to understood.
She just looked up at Nani, blank, like a dumb idiot who was standing on the brink of insanity.
Advay chuckled to himself as he realised what he was doing to her. He slowly took his hand away from her back. Chandini turned around to looked at him, her expression blank and empty. He put his hand against his mouth to stop himself from laughing.
"Nahi I am just asking if you are sure this is dal and not kheer "Nani chimed.
"Woh kya hai naa, lagta hai you have added too much sugar to the dal, so I was wondering if maybe we are meant to eat it as kheer " Nani chuckled.
Advay shot up to look at Nani with surprise. He quickly took a spoonful of the dal and ...tried not to laugh out loud.
"Dal ya Kheer , Kheer ya Dal, Dal Kheer, Kheer Dal " Chandini continued to put on her blank expression and repeated Nani's words a few times like a mad woman on the loose.
Advay buried his head in his hand, so she didn't see him struggling to keep a straight face. "She has totally lost her mind he thought to himself.
"Sorry Nani, I didn't realise you wanted to eat kheer, or I would have made some" Chandini apologised, Her earnestness was heart wrenching. But for once Nani, Pooja and Advay burst laughing, while Leela Maasi nodded her head in disbelief.
Chandini looked up from Nani to Advay to Pooja back to Advay totally confused at what was going on. She truly needed help with this family today, she told herself.
Advay choked down his laughter. "What was he going to do with this sweet wife of his" He thought to himself. He shamelessly leaned over and kissed her cheek. He then took a spoonful of the dal and put it against her lips, chuckling to himself.
His warm kiss and his sudden display of affection had made her head spin, but nevertheless she sipped the dal only to jolt out of her trance, as soon as the sweet dal hit her taste buds.
"Dal is sweet" She stated and looked around like a lunatic. Though she wasn't sure if she meant to say it as a question or an answer. Advay rolled his head back and laughed loudly while Nani and Pooja grinned to themselves. This was getting out of control now.
"Its ok beta, Hota hai" Nani giggled as she seemed to understand her state of mind. Her grandson was nothing less than a terror anyways.
"Nayee Nayee Shadi main yeh sab hota hai, Once the honey moon period is over you will gain back your thoughts. Dont worry " She chuckled.
Chandini for now wasn't sure what Nani was talking about or how any of this was connected to the sweet dal.Poor Nani, seems to have lost her mind She thought sadly. She just nodded her head innocently, who was she to argue with an elderly woman anyways.
"I ll go make some dal "She offered as she tried to get up.
Advay held her hand and pulled her back to sit down.
"Murli "He ordered. "Haan, Bhaiyya, Shilpa is making it, I ll just go check" He added.
"Its ok, I ll have Chandini's dal" Advay exclaimed as Murli was about to take the cup of sweet dal from his plate. Murli smiled at him
" Get lost Murli" He barked
"Bhaiyya, Are you going to eat Chandini's sweet dal today" Pooja teased.
He shot up to look at her " Haaan, i am going to eat the sweet dal .You have a problem" He said and went back to drinking the cup of dal on his plate along with the cup of dal on Chandini's plate. While Chandini looked at him mesmerised at what he was doing.
Pooja squeezed Nani's hand tightly at the sudden change in Advay. How they wished he went back to being Dev.
Leela maasi for now sat looking down at her plate, twisting her mouth in disgust.
She knew she had to do something, before all this got out of hand.
Edited by ChitraGS - 8 years ago
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