Budding Love!! Read online

  There was silence for some time… the accident was flashing in front of their eyes…

  I’m sorry.. he said after a while… she didn’t reply….

  I just wanted to make you smile… wanted to please you. I only wanted to see you happy he pleaded.

  She was not in a mood to enter in any argument nor did she want to blame him for anything that happened…. I know she said…

  I’m really sorry…. Will never speed up in my life again…

  Thank God there were no vehicles there… anyways… it’s ok…dear… these are minor injuries….

  But you said you like riding speeding bikes… I just wanted to do things you love doing….

  Yes I do… but only to a limit that can be controlled…. Anyways forget it… she said laying her head on his shoulder as her leg got dressed in the hospital.

  Next day…

  What are you doing??

  Can’t you see I’m Driving….

  Even bicycles are going ahead of us… Why are we riding a bike if we have to go at this speed?

  Because I can’t see tear in your eyes….

  Stop… I said stop the bike…

  What happened??

  Get down…

  Why?? I want to ride the bike…

  No way!!! … he exclaimed…

  She was angry for his arrogance…. Tried to be angry with him… but then…

  In that speed, the mild breeze that was flowing was teasing her… slowly she started enjoying it… without he asking for a hug... she hugged him and even kissed him …..

  He was taken aback by that un-demanded pleasure he received…

  In the mirror he gazed at her and questioned her….

  Because…. This feels more romantic and I’m loving this…. SP…EE…D….

  He gave a light push to her with his shoulder and they enjoyed their ride… at his SP…EED

  #5

  She came back home from a hectic schedule feeling tired, still her tired eyes searched for him.  There was no sign of him. She went upstairs and started getting fresh, she felt so exhausted, wiping her face she fell on the bed.

  She woke by the tingling sensations his caressing generated. With half open sleepy eyes she looked at him, he was still in his formals meaning he had just arrived…

  Ohh I’m sorry I don’t know when I fell asleep, she tried getting up putting her hair into a bun.

  You didn’t tell me you are not feeling well? You should have called me; I would have come early from office.

  Huh?? No I’m fine… just feeling tired and exhausted because of the over packed schedule, so might be because of that I slept…  after that power nap I’m feeling good. You get fresh I will prepare dinner by that time. She got up to get started but he insisted her to take rest.

  You have fever, don’t do anything now, you take some rest. I will get fresh and just be back. He said folding his sleeves to elbows.

  But…

  Shhhhhh… he scolded her and did not allow her to do anything. She kept watching him going in and out of the room and once in a while at the thermometer that he placed in her mouth, finally after a while he came to her and sat there near her bedside, “In few min we will be ready to have dinner”. He checked the thermometer and exclaimed… “Look… I was right and now you are going to take rest”.  He went in to get fresh…

  What? But, how? What did you do…

  Don’t worry nothing much I have just prepared Dal and rice.

  Ummm… she kept mum… they had dinner in peace and slept.

  Next day she was not able to get up, she was feeling week, she had a bad stomach ache which had taken over her.  She could not get up and sit, she wondered how she will work in office, She decided to take a leave and be at home. He was already away, meaning he was getting ready for office. She went back to sleep. After some time he came to her with cup of tea.

  “you are still here?”

  Off course, dear, you are not well and how can I not be here? Where else would I go?

  And office?

  Bunk…  for you!!! And he widened his eyes.

  No… I’m fine you go to office.  She argued but in vain. She knew he won’t listen.

  Whole day he sat beside her, caring. They went to doctor in evening as she did not recover. She asked him to order something but he insisted he would prepare himself. Since doc had advised not to each heavy food, to keep it light, he prepared khichadi for her.

  He took some in a plate and topped it with ghee, the aroma was very tempting as he entered the room, she started complaining, I trouble you a lot na… you have to cook because of me… but I said you can order something from hotel…

  See… you are already having stomach infection and in this condition eating food from hotel is not advised, he grinned as he fed her.

  As she chewed she started crying!!  He panicked, what happened? He went besides and wiped her tears…

  Controlling her sobs she started explaining, I feel like I’m a baby, I will eat myself…. Im very bad, you care for me so much and I’m lying here sick… I always trouble you!!

  No dear it’s not like that, I love doing this for you, after all I get this chance once in a while, all throughout the year it’s you who keeps caring for me, making note of my every little need, understanding me, and if I would have been sick you won’t have cared for me? let me do it for you dear, you just take rest…

  But…  she knew she cannot win

  Before she could argue on anything more he stuffed her mouth with another spoon of khichadi.

  Hmmm nice idea to keep her mouth shut he thought to himself.

  After 2 days she felt good. She got ready and went to the kitchen…

  Ohhh my god… she was about to blast… was this the kitchen she left, the empty glucose packet lying at a side, covered with ants, the gas had spilled water, The kitchen platform had salt, spices spread over making nice design… the sight was horrible.

  She felt like shouting and calling his name aloud… and him explanation to what he has done, but her heart stopped her… it asked her to think for a while, why is all this here, from 3 days he was in charge of the kitchen, he cooked food for you, the one who hated to come to kitchen even to take a sip of water. He prepared glucose for you, cooked food for you; what if he didn’t spend time cleaning the mess that was created here. She recollected all the moments of care that he spent with her, how he would rush with glucose water when she would get hiccups, hmmm she smiled at herself, he had to boil water as she was suffering from stomach infection which tasted yuck, to provide sweetness and some energy he would add glucose powder to it… the memory made all her anger fade away in a sec and she started cleaning the kitchen, keeping all things to their defined places agreeing to her heart she said to herself… he loves me so much… and was lost in the pampering she had received for these 3 days, when he came by her side and asked her how she was feeling.

  You can take rest for today.

  No I’m fine, feeling good now. You get ready I will prepare breakfast.

  Sure?? She nodded affirmatively, Umm ok… he kissed her forehead and left. While she prepared breakfast she heard him calling…

  “Where are my socks… ” and that brought a smile on her face, and she headed upstairs.

  #6.1

  She was new in the cooking business. He had patience to give her the learning time. He ate whatever she cooked with no signs of repent. She would ask him every time how is it. He would answer her politely every time; encourage her to do better every time. She would be happy to listen to his comments and would work on them. He was sincere in giving her comments; they both were trying to make a good couple, he by encouraging her to expertise in her cooking skills and she by putting all her heart to reach the goal.

  That day, he had a bad day, lot of work and to top that misunderstandings in the team, blame game being played. Handling people is the toughest job, you cannot take sides, especially if you befriend wit
h both sides, and if you do, you are sure you are going to lose one friend… So tired and mentally disturbed he reached home. She chirpily greeted him, took his laptop bag from him and made him comfortable, after a small chat she asked him freshen up, while she served the dinner. He tried to keep all office worries and show enthusiasm to her, but the things kept coming back of his mind…

  They settled to have dinner, she was very excited, she had tried a new dish and wanted to know his comments, she kept nudging him. He responded that it was good, it tasted nice.  She was happy. After a while she again enquired him about another dish…. He lost his control and in anger he shouted at her,

  You didn’t taste it? Why do you need me to comment every time? You don’t have taste sense, why you need me to guide you every time?

  She was in tears, she left the dinner table and went in her room crying, after a while he realized his mistake, he shouted at her for no reason, it was no where her fault. He too could not eat. He went to her. She was sitting leaning to the wall, head buried on her knees, sobbing. He sat there watching her; he had no clue what he should say, how he should say? He just hoped he didn’t hurt her again. After sitting there for some time, he just moved his hand over her head, she looked at him and he said sorry. She again continued crying, “Look, I really didn’t mean what I said, I was tensed and thinking about something else and you interrupted my thoughts, I just could not handle it, it’s all my fault, please forgive me.” She looked up again at him. Both were silent. She slide towards him and kept her head on his shoulder. Promise me you won’t do this again to me.

  “I promise… ”,he moved his hand through her hair and then wiping her tears he took her face in cup of his hands and said, “The curry was delicious”

  Really?? She questioned with happiness reflecting from her eyes. He just nodded and continued, “I could eat the complete bowl myself.. but…”

  But what?

  You came in here, so I also could not eat… so my wish remains incomplete….

  Hmmm she smiled to herself knowing his tricks to lead her back to dining table. Without saying anything she got up and went to sit at her chair… They had dinner in peace and as a reward for cooking delicious curry she was later treated with an ice-cream.

  Then her cooking guru never again got angry with her, she would welcome his feedbacks and appreciations and strive to do better every time, not only to be a good cook but after every delicious dish that she cooked, she was treated with a special treat. No this time it’s not an Ice – Cream treat!! It’s a special treat... ;)

  She was now accustomed to cooking, not well but she had got a hang of how things work in kitchen. She was still in learning phase but had built a confidence. He came back home very tensed the other day. Looking at his face she got very nervous. She knew something was wrong. He was desperately surfing channels, switching from one to other. She came and sat near him. Holding his hand in hers she softly questioned, “What happened? Something wrong?”

  He switched off the TV, he knew they had to face this and that too boldly. Umm… actually Ma had called me today, and.. ahh she said that she…. He took desperate pauses making her worry what the matter was.

  “she said what? Ohh tell me… I’m all ears”

  “ya I’m.. they are coming to stay with us for a couple of days. ”

  “Ohh really.. wow, that’s so good… so why are you tensed?” She said chirpily.

  “Dear, do you get the meaning of this... you will have to cook for them - all meals…. ” he stretched his words, trying to make her understand the severity of the problem.

  “Them means who all are coming”

  “Ma said she will be here with dad and a few relatives. Around 10-15 people”

  “hmm so… why are you worrying… I will handle everything”

  “you sure?”

  “Yes dear, you don’t worry”

  “I’m not worried about you won’t be able to handle so many at a time, I’m worried about my nagging aunty… whatever you do, you know she keeps nagging, she is never satisfied… whole time she will brag about her family, her sons, her Daughter In laws cooking ability and all and… ”

  “You are worried, I may commit some mistake and let you down right?” she interrupted him in between. He shook his head in disagreement and said,  “No… not that dear, letting me down and you.. never.. I will never feel something like that for anything you do for me… but I don’t want to hurt you, their comments might hurt you.. you promise me, you will not take her harsh comments seriously… ”

  “hmm I won’t and I promise that.” She said lifting his face by his chin “now can we have dinner?”

  He smiled and they started towards the dinner table.

  “So at what time they will be coming?” she asked as she served him.

  “They will reach early morning… you will have to look after their snacks, tea, coffee and their kids requirements also…  ”

  “Don’t worry Honey I will handle this.. but hmm… after I successfully handle this… I want a big treat” she said with naughtiness reflecting in her eyes.

  “Big? Umm how big and what?”He questioned back trying to imitate her.

  What…hmm, you... let that be suspense… it depends on how happy you will be after this task of mine is accomplished…. And for now you have to promise me you will fulfill my wish…

  Ok.. done!!

  They went to sleep, After getting assurance from her, he slept in peace. While she still was thinking. She had firmly shown confidence to him but she at her heart was knowing she was not ready for this, her tension prevailed, The next day was bringing with it the testing phase, yes, girls not only have to handle testers in office who test their code and patience, but also at home, who test her umm.. ?? her ability of being a good wife, or at least if she is a able person… as if cooking is the only thing left in the world…. She was lost in her thinking, he shifted sides and was now facing her, she kept looking at him, his face was lit in the dim light of the night lamp and happiness was still glowing on his face. She kissed his cheek and tried to gather some sleep, after all next couple of days were going to be hectic. She thanked God it was a weekend, else managing office and home would have been tougher.

  #6.2

  Next day she woke up early morning, though he had communicated the news last night itself, they both were tired to go out and do shopping. She got ready by 4:30 AM, then did her daily pooja and was free by 5:30, she started deciding the menu for the coming days and preparing list of items that will be needed, She went and brought extra milk, It was around 6:00 Am when she heard a car drive outside, she peeped out of the window, There were 4 standing outside, as she had guessed they had arrived, she went running and woke him then came back running to welcome them, she greeted everyone and took some of the luggage and guided them in the house. Everyone looked very tired; she served them with water while he came to greet them. He was still sleepy; when he saw them in front he was bolted down and was shaken by the realization… Ohh my God he thought to himself… they are already here, I will need to go and fetch extra milk while they get fresh… as he was struggling to think what else… she came and handed him a piece of paper and went in the kitchen, he followed her and whispered, I will get milk by the time they get ready, she told him not to worry and she already has brought it.

  You just get ready and get the things in the list, by the time you get ready and chat with them it will be 8, I need the items by 9 ok?

  Yes ok…  so you have decided the menu..

  yes!! She said…  their conversation was broken as her MIL intruded in the kitchen.  He left signaling her he will get it on time.

  Everyone got busy, She prepared tea for all and served it with some biscuits.

  After taking the fist sip everyone was appreciating the tea, saying it was refreshing and very good, tasty. She was happy to hear that, it boosted her confidence a bit and helped to cope with the nervousness she was facing. Everyone asked her to sit and
chat with them, it was the first time after their marriage they were visiting them so all wanted to know the new daughter in law… she talked politely with everyone and answered all their questions, enquired about other family members, trying hard to recollect details about everyone. After a while she took all the cups and plates, she had to wash them herself, as she could not keep them for the maid, she started cleaning them and mentally started taking note of next task she had to do. Time was flying it was 8:30, she prepared snacks and then was worried whether she will get the vegetables and all in time, Just then he entered, he handed all the bags to her, while everyone was upstairs getting ready, she started segregating all the vegetables, he helped her arrange them in the freeze, while she started preparing, He took the carrot and cucumber and started cutting the salad, she stopped him, but he said, “you are doing your duty, let me do mine… ok… ” and without waiting for her answer he started cutting the salad and vegetables, she prepared the dough and let it settle, slowly everything was getting ready and things were at right place. She was tensed; she hoped they will like food cooked by her. She wanted to tell him to tell her how the food was. She thought of telling it to him that while they had food, he should signal her if it was good or bad, while she was about tell him this idea his cousin entered and started teasing him for not letting his wife alone even in the kitchen and forcefully dragged him out with himself. Disappointed he had to retreat from kitchen, he was her moral support she was a bit nervous but she felt happy that most of the things were done. Soon it was time for lunch.

  Everyone settled down at table, the men were supposed to have lunch first, so there he was sitting with all elderly uncles, She kept staring at him to signal him, she wanted to know how the food was from him, but he was so busy entertaining others that he never bothered to look at her, once in a while when he looked it was to tell her to serve curry or rice, she was still confused, no one said a word about food, was it that bad, she thought to herself, she was worried now, tension prevailing, she didn’t want to let him down. As they were about to finish and leave the table, her Father-In-Law came to her and said, “Bahu, I ate 1 roti extra today, I loved the food. If I stay with you here, soon I will put on weight.” and he laughed, those words felt so soothing, she was now at peace, as everyone settled down in the hall, she heard their conversation, they were talking about the food, and everyone seemed to be happy. Just then stealing everyone’s eyes he entered the kitchen just to tell her the food was wonderful, he helped her clean the dinning for the ladies, she insisted him to leave that job to her but he was not ready to listen to her, soon the table was set for ladies, and now was the true test, you know how it is… one lady will never praise the other and so she had already set her mind. She just hoped she doesn’t get a bad comment. He waited there in the kitchen itself, when one of his aunt commented, “You can go dear, she is there to take care of our needs…”, he replied wittily to her comment, “She is there but I want to serve my aunt you see, so I’m waiting here… ” and he grinned.