Another year later, Sanjana turns 16! And Bhairav is 28.

This is my longest chapter so far :)

I was really nervous about the cultural fest. Even though Maa, Dadi, and Baba preferred keeping me at home, my devil of a husband had made it clear that I wasn't going to stay away from school, especially because of Keshav.

"Itna ghabra kyu rahi ho?" Radha smiled at me.

(Why are you worrying so much?)

"Haan, Sanjana, itna ghabra kyu rahi ho?" Keshav laughed.

(Yes, Sanjana, why are you worrying so much?)

They were sitting on either side of me as we watched the dance performance on the stage. We were there only because a few of our seniors were performing, and Keshav had always liked a girl from the group.

"Sab tumhare karan ho raha hai," I glared at him.

(Everything is because of you.)

"Ab tum hi batao, Radha, bado se jhoot bolna galat hai na?"

(Now you tell me, Radha, isn't it wrong to lie to your elders?)

"Haan," Radha nodded innocently.

(Yes.)

"Dekha?" Keshav smiled, "Bhaiya ne kuch pucha, aur maine keh diya. Satyamevajayate!"

(See? Bhaiya asked me something, and I replied honestly. Truth always triumphs!)

"Mere baare mein toh hamesha sach bolte ho, par jab tumhe kuch chahiye toh jhoot kyu bolte ho?" I muttered.

(You always tell him all truths about me, but when you need something, then why do you lie, huh?)

Right then, my breath hitched when I spotted him in the distance. He walked towards the judges. A few men were walking beside him like faithful dogs. Keshav's eyes lit up on seeing his big brother, and he ran over, abandoning Radha and me.

"Tum nahi jaoge unke paas?" Radha asked in confusion.

(Won't you go near him?)

I fixed my dupatta, trying my hardest not to look in his direction. The judges were really involved in talking to him. I could see from their body language that they respected him greatly. At this point, the entire village respected my husband more than the Thakur, his Father. I believed that it was because even while busy in the city, my husband was the one who directly got involved in the matters of the villagers, unlike Baba Ji, who believed that a man had to help only those who maintained the same status as him. I personally believed that Bhairav Ji did it only for the recognition... Which wasn't really a bad thing.

"Nahi... Main kyu jau?" I mumbled, annoyed by her question.

(No... Why should I go?)

"Par woh tumhare pati hai na?" She giggled, "Jhoot bol rahi thi kya?"

(But isn't he your husband? Were you lying?)

I huffed, "Jhoot nahi hai, aur awaaz neeche rakho. Koi aur sun leta toh?"

(It's not a lie, and keep your voice down. Someone else might hear it.)

"Par ab tak toh sabhi jaante hai..."

(But everyone knows about it by now...)

"Phir chod. Unhe kuch chahiye toh mai unke paas jaungi. Ab hum chein se naach dekhte hai... Mujhe aage ki chinta hai."

(Then leave it. If he needs something, I'll go to him. Let's peacefully watch the performance... I'm worried about later.)

Radha began shaking my hand frantically, "Chote Thakur tumhare aur dekh rahe hai, Sanjana!"

(Chote Thakur is looking towards you, Sanjana!)

"Waha dekhna band karo!" I hissed quietly, pulling my hand out of her grasp. I glanced up just once from under my dupatta. Radha wasn't wrong. Even though my husband talked to the judges, his eyes often found their way back to me. My cheeks flushed instantly.

(Stop looking his way!)

I kept watching the dance, pretending to remain uninterested. But Radha just wouldn't stay quiet with the questions. In my class, she and Keshav were the only ones with whom I talked normally. But from the day that Radha had found out that I was, in fact, married to Keshav's oldest brother, she kept pestering me with questions.

A while later, Keshav sat beside me again. Bhairav Ji had disappeared from near the stage as well. "Woh chale gaye...?" I asked quietly.

(Did he leave...?)

"Nahi, vidyalay ke kuch logon se baath karne gaye hai, pata nahi... Bhaiya ne bola ki woh aaj shaam ko sheher laut rahe hai." Keshav turned to me. My face fell, "Kya matlab...? Woh ghar nahi aa rahe?"

(No, he's gone to talk with some officials of the school... Bhaiya said that he'll be returning to the city this evening.)

(What do you mean...? He's not coming home?)

Keshav shook his head, "Koi zaroori kaam hai. Woh bas mela dekhne aaye hai... Aur haan, tumse baat karna chahte hai."

(He has some important work. He just came to watch the fest... And yes, to talk to you.)

"Mujhse?" I asked in surprise, "Kyu?"

(Me? Why?)

"Shaadi ki hai na? Jaakar puch lo apne pati maharaj se," Keshav teased. Even Radha laughed at this. I shrank in my chair with my arms crossed. What could he possibly want to talk about?

(You're married to him, right? Go ask your dear husband.)

"Kuch samay baad puraskar baatenge hai na?" Keshav asked.

(They'll distribute the prizes after some time, right?)

"Haan, yeh aakhri naach hai. Tum jaldi hi stage par jaogi!" Radha grinned at me. I gave her a pained smile. The last thing I wanted was to go on stage to accept the prize that I had won for the quiz competition. Keshav was the traitor who had signed me up for it without any warning. And I couldn't back off either because I was from the Chaudhary family now... It was a matter of honor.

But it was also very embarrassing... Especially since my husband would be watching it, along with Keshav and Bhargav. They wouldn't shut up about it, I was sure.

(Yes, this is the last performance. You'll be on the stage soon!)

By the time the dance ended, almost all the chairs were occupied. Many seniors even paraded around the front of the stage and sat down right there. They were howling and cheering as soon as the small award ceremony began. I watched Bhairav Ji appear again. He was with the Headmaster and some other chiefs of the village. They sat down in the reserved seats at the very front, and the seniors quietened down only because of them.

My husband held an air of confidence and pride, as always. He had his right leg crossed over his left, and his hands rested over them calmly. He looked exactly like I remembered, and I was relieved that he was eating and sleeping well because he looked fairly healthy... and muscular, of course. His moustache looked sharper than usual. I liked the way his beard was trimmed. Bhairav Ji had recently gotten a haircut as well... He looked quite handsome without doubt.

At first, the Headmaster was called to give away some prizes. After that, to my absolute horror, the announcer said that they'd like to call the Chote Thakur on stage... In the absence of his Father. I felt my jaw drop.

"Keshav!" I turned to him sharply, seeing how quietly he was sitting.

"Kya hua?" He acted innocent.

(What happened?)

"Tumhe yeh pehle se pata tha!"

(You knew this would happen!)

"Mujhe kaise pata hoga?" He chuckled.

(How would I know?)

"Taiyar ho jao, waha stage ke paas jaana hai. Tumhara naam abhi bulayenge," Radha told me, giggling.

(Get ready, you have to go near the stage. They'll call your name now.)

"Haan, chalo," Keshav smiled as well.

(Yes, come on.)

I had gotten really flustered by now, and my hands trembled as I walked towards the stage and stood beside the queue of students. My palms were sweating. If I had known that Bhairav Ji was going to pull a stunt like this, I would have never come. I would have never participated in anything. But I was sure that he'd still force me into something or the other.

When my name was called, I walked onto the stage slowly. I tried to look down. My knees were shaking as the crowd clapped.

"Sanjana Bhairav Chaudhary. First place in the science quiz!"

I accepted my small prize with trembling hands, and I looked up at Bhairav Ji this time. His eyes held a warmth that I had never seen before. Our fingers brushed as he handed me the small award.

"Badi sundar lag rahi ho, meri gilehri..." He whispered, a ghost of a smile on his lips.

(You look quite pretty, my little squirrel...)

And that one comment was enough to make my breath hitch. I stared down with wide eyes. Embarrassment took over me completely, and I just wanted to run away. "Sh-shukriya..." I stuttered and got down from the stage as quickly as possible.

Soon after, another guest was called onto the stage to give away the rest of the prizes. By then, it was late in the afternoon, and the crowd had slowly begun to disperse. Keshav and Radha tried to convince me to eat panipuri with them, but I refused and stayed put in my seat. I didn't know why, but I wasn't in the mood to eat pani puri. I just wanted to go home.

Bhairav Ji was the main reason why my mood was so spoiled. If he only came home with us... I could have cooked so many things for him. But after that painful slap... We had stopped talking entirely.

"Sanjana!"

I turned upon hearing the unfamiliar male voice. It was a senior. I only remembered seeing him around once or twice, but I had never talked to him. I didn't understand how he knew my name or why he was walking towards me.

Married women weren't supposed to be alone with any man except their husbands. Keshav and Bhargav were the only exceptions to that rule. I looked around in fear, hoping either Radha or that good-for-nothing Devar of mine would show up... But nothing. They were nowhere to be seen.

"Kaha dekh rahi ho? Tujhe hi bula raha hu," he chuckled and sat on the chair right next to mine.

(Where are you looking? I'm talking to you, yes.)

"A-aap... Aap kaun ho Bhaiya? Aapko mera naam kaise patha?" I mumbled and secretly pushed my chair backwards. I wanted some kind of distance between us, because my heart was racing with fear. What if someone were to see us and tell Maa or Dadi? I'd be done for.

(Wh-who are you, Bhaiya? How do you know my name?)

"Arey, pehchaana nahi?" He smiled, "Tum muqable mein pehli aayi thi, aur mai dusra. Mera naam Yadav hai. Yakeen nahi hota, ek itni choti si ladki ne haraya mujhe. Pichle saal bhi maine puraskar jeeta tha, pata hai?"

(Ah, you don't recognise me? You came first in the competition, and me second. My name is Yadav. I can't believe that such a small girl beat me. I came first last time, you know?)

I gulped, "M-Maaf kijiye..."

(I'm sorry)

"Maafi kyu?" He laughed and opened the box of chocolates in his hand, "Aaj mera janamdin bhi hai. Maine saare doston ko mithayi di thi, tum bhi le lo."

(Why are you apologising? Today is my birthday as well. I gave chocolates to all my friends. You can take one as well.)

"Janamdin mubarak ho, Bhaiya... Par mithayi nahi chahiye..."

(Happy birthday, Bhaiya... But I don't want any sweets...)

"Arey lelo... Pyar se de raha hu," He grabbed my hand, and I freaked out even more. Yadav kept the chocolate in my hand. I pulled my hand away the next instant.

(Just take it... I'm giving it with love.)

"Mujhe pata nahi tha ki Keshav ki behen itni sundar hai," he smirked at me. I wanted to leave. I really did. But I couldn't think of any way to escape from him.

(I didn't know that Keshav's younger sister was this pretty.)

"Kya ho raha hai yaha?"

(What's happening here?)

I stood up as soon as I heard the loud voice. My eyes were wide, my heart pounding as I faced him. Bhairav Choudhary was glaring between us.

Even Yadav got up now with a bright smile. "Arey! Chote Thakur ji, aap yaha? Maine socha ki aap sheher wapas chale gaye."

(Chote Thakur Ji? You're here! I thought you went back to the city.)

Bhairav Ji ignored him completely, his gaze fixed on me. "Haath mei kya hai?" He questioned, and before I could answer, he grabbed my wrist and checked what I was hiding.

(What is in your hand?)

"M-mithayi..."

(Ch-chocolate...)

"Is saale ne di hai kya?"

(Did this bastard give it?)

Yadav's face fell. I looked down as my husband took the sweet from my hand.

"Janamdin hai mera, Chote Thakur Ji. Aap bhi mithayi lijiye," Yadav tried smiling, but he was met with my husband's cold glare.

(It's my birthday, Chote Thakur Ji. You can have a chocolate as well.)

"Kya baath kar rahe the tum dono? Hm?"

(What were you both talking? Hm?)

"Pratiyogita ki baath," Yadav replied.

(About the competition.)

I didn't want to be scolded. In fact, I was innocent. I involuntarily leaned towards Bhairav Ji and squeezed his hand, "Mai Keshav Bhaiya aur Radha ki intezar kar rahi thi jab... Ye mere paas aakar baith gaya."

(I was waiting for Keshav Bhaiya and Radha when he came and sat next to me.)

"Acha?" Bhairav Ji turned back to Yadav, who glanced between us in confusion.

(Oh, really?)

"Aap... Uh... Aap dono..." He mumbled, not knowing what to say.

(You... Uh... You both...)

"Patni hai meri," Bhairav Ji said, placing his hand on my waist. I watched color drain from his face.

(She's my wife.)

"O-oh... Mujhe... Pata nahi-"

(O-oh... I- I didn't know-)

"Ek aur baar isse chu ne ki himmat ki toh haath kaat dunga."

(If you dare to touch her one more time, I'll cut your hand off.)

My eyes widened as I stared at my husband. He threw my chocolate on the ground and crushed it under his shoe like a cigarette.

"Turant nikal jao, nahi toh ghaseet ke yahin se bahar phek doonga."

(Get out of here right now or I'll throw you out myself.)

Yadav glanced at me once before walking away in a hurry. Bhairav Ji didn't look away until he was out of sight.

"Baith."

(Sit.)

He pulled me down on the chair beside him. I was scared, especially because of the tight grip he had on my wrist. I was really scared.

"Kya kar rahi thi uske saath? Kyu baith rahi thi akele?" He growled. His eyes were furious as he watched me. I stared down in embarrassment. "Bataya hai na... Apne pati ke alava koi aur mard ke paas akela nahi rehna chahiye. Bataya hai ya nahi, Sanjana?" His harsh tone made me flinch.

(What were you doing with him? Why were you sitting alone?)

(You've been told right... You shouldn't be alone with any man except me. I've told you or not, Sanjana?)

"M-Mai... Maine jaan boochkar kuch nahi kiya, Ji... Maine socha ki Keshav Bhaiya ya Radha abhi ayenge... Mai unki intezar kar rahi thi jab Yadav Bhaiya aa gaye... Maaf kijiye. Mujhe kaise bhagu, pata nahi tha... Warna mai kabhi yaha baithi nahi rehti!"

(I- I didn't do it knowingly... I thought Keshav Bhaiya or Radha would return now... I was waiting for them when Yadav Bhaiya came... I'm sorry. I didn't know how to run away, or I wouldn't have sat here at all!)

I looked at him this time, determined to convince him of my innocence. Bhairav Ji sucked a sharp breath, his eyes softening just a little. He raised his hand, and I flinched, thinking he was about to slap me in public.

My husband gently rested his large palm against my cheek, caressing me. I blushed at the gesture and looked away.

"Seh nahi sakta, Sanjana. Kuch bhi kaho, meri ho tum. Aur hamesha meri rahogi. Thod dunga us saale ka haath, kyunki usne tujhe chua. Agar koi meri biwi ki or dekhta thak hai toh uska keemat zaroor chukana padega."

(I can't bear it, Sanjana. Whatever happens, you're mine. And you'll stay mine. I'll break that bastard's hand because he touched you. If someone even looks at my wife that way, they'll have to pay the price.)

I was a little frightened as he withdrew his hand, resting it over mine now, caressing my wrist with his thumb as he looked down.

"A-aap... Sachi mei... Haath thod denge?"

(Will... Will you really... Break his hand?)

"Sheher jaane se pehle karunga."

(I'll do it before I leave for the city.)

His voice was cold, dripping with malice. The murderous glint in his eyes left no room for questions. I stared down. I could have just gone with Radha and Keshav to avoid this drama.

"Aur ghar mein mithai nahi milti kya? Uske haath ka mithayi khaane ki kya zaroorat?" My husband barked again. I knew he wasn't going to let it go that easily. I always felt so scared around him.

(And do you not get sweets at home? What was the need to eat sweets from his hand?)

Bhairav Ji sighed in frustration. "Agar mithayi khaane ki itni shauk hai toh jab sheher se phone karta hu, tab batati kyu nahi? Do theen dibbe bhej deta tumhare liye."

(If you want to eat sweets that badly, then why can't you tell me when I call from the city? I'd have brought two or three boxes.)

"N-nahi... Aapko takleef hogi... Jab woh Bhaiya ne sab ko diya, mujhe bhi de di... Warna nahi leti. Maa kasam."

(N-no... It will be an inconvenience for you... When that Bhaiya distributed sweets with everyone, he gave it to me as well... Otherwise I wouldn't have taken it. I swear.)

He sighed, and I grew startled when he held the back of my head and pulled me towards him. Bhairav Ji kissed my hair over the dupatta that I wore. I clutched my lehenga skirt unconsciously, my face flaming. How could he do that while we were in public?

"K-kis ne dekh liya hoga... Meri kaksha se... Koi..." I stammered.

(S-someone would have seen us... From my class... Someone...)

"Isliye kiya hai. Sabhi ko janni chahiye ki tumhare upar haq sirf mera hai. Aur koi bhi ladka agar tumhare paas bhi aaye na... Uska mai dekh lunga."

(That's why I did that. Everyone should know that only I have every right over you. And if some boy comes even close to you... I'll deal with him myself.)

I gulped at his words. Bhairav Ji cleared his throat; he almost appeared calm now while addressing me. "Aaj... Pratiyogita ke karan uniform nahi pehen rahi ho?"

(Today... You didn't wear your uniform because of the competition?)

"Ji. Maa Ji ne bola ki ise pehnne ko..."

(No. Maa told me to wear this...)

"Sari kyu nahi peheni?" He asked curiously.

(Why didn't you wear a sari?)

"Woh..." I blushed, "Maa ko dar tha ki agar vidyalay mei sari dheeli ho gayi toh ache se akele nahi pehen paungi."

(Maa was scared that if the sari came loose in school, then I wouldn't be able to wear it properly.)

A soft chuckle escaped him. It was a rare sound that warmed my heart, but I was also embarrassed by my lack of skill. When Bhairav Ji had brought me home, Maa had wrapped me in a Sari almost every day. Of course, she'd scold me every single time. But it was never hurtful.

"Bai mudne ko kahu toh dai mudti hai, pakad ise," she'd mutter in annoyance.

(When I ask you to turn left, you turn right, hold this.)

"Ache se andar kar, ha, aise hi... Pata nahi kaisi bahu mili hai... Sari bhi nahi pehenne aati!" Maa would say furiously.

(Tuck it in nicely, yes, like that... I wonder what kind of a daughter-in-law I've got... Doesn't even know how to wear a sari!)

"Maaf kijiye, Maa Ji..." I'd reply with guilt as she pulled and pushed me around, struggling with my sari.

(I'm sorry, Maa Ji)

"Mai har din bandhte bandhte seekh lungi, jaldi. Sachi. Aap chinta math kare- ah!"

(I'll learn by wearing it every day. Promise. Don't worry- ah!)

She'd pull my ear, punishing me, but her tone always held tender affection whenever she scolded me, unlike my mother, "Dekhte hai kitni jaldi seekh leti hai. Bas muh chalana aati hai tujhe."

(Let's see how quickly you learn. You always keep chattering!)

I'd rub my ear, pouting at her, "Par maine do din mai nashta banana seekh liya. Aapke liye abhi chai banakar dikhaungi... Aap aaram kijiye."

(But I learnt to make breakfast in two days. I can make tea for you now and show you... You take rest, Maa.)

Maa Ji would smile. She'd caress my face lovingly, "Sabhi ke liye banao. Tumhare Sasur ji ko bahut pasand hai tumhare haath ka chai... Ja jaldi."

(Make tea for everyone. Your Father-in-law loves the tea you make. Go quickly.)

I'd smile at her encouraging words. Even if it was a little, it was more than enough for me. The family hadn't directly accepted me, but I knew that I wasn't a stranger in the haveli anymore.

"Maa ne sahi kiya," Bhairav Ji replied, "Hamesha unki baath sunna."

(Maa is right. Always listen to her.)

"Ji."

"Sone ki gudiya jaisi dikh rahi ho, meri gilehri..." He smiled at me, a strange glint in his eyes. I blushed and smiled just a little.

(You look like a golden doll, my darling...)

"Aur ha, pratiyogita jeetne ke liye badhai ho... Taufe mei kya chahiye, hm?"

(And yes, congratulations for winning the competition... What would you like as a present?)

I gulped. Staring at him. My eyes twinkled at the offer.

"Aap kuch bhi dilaoge?"

(Will you give me whatever I ask for?)

"Kuch bhi."

(Yes, anything.)

I gave him a small smile, "To phir aaj aap ghar rukiye na. Mai aapke liye bahut kuch bana deti hun. Aap thake dik rahe ho... Aaj raat aaram karne ke baad kal sheher nikal jaiye."

(Then today, please stay at home. I'll make all the things you like. You must be tired... Rest at home for tonight, and leave for the city later.)

Bhairav Ji sighed, "Aisa nahi kar sakta, Sanjana... Zaroori kaam hai." He checked his watch and sighed, "Jaldi nikalna hoga ab."

(I can't do that, Sanjana... I have some important work. I'll have to leave soon.)

"Aap ghar kyu nahi aa rahe?" I asked with concern, "Aapke liye kuch bana deti. Maine Maa se bahut saari cheeze banani seekhi hai..."

(Why won't you come home? I could have cooked something. I learnt to cook so many things from Maa...)

"Koi aur din bana lena. Kuch logon se milna hai sheher mei."

(Cook for me some other time. I have some important meetings in the city.)

I frowned when he said this and turned away. He just said that he'd fulfill any wish of mine. But he couldn't do such a simple thing. He leaned towards me, trying to win me over again, "Kuch aur cheez pucho. Zaroor de dunga."

(Ask for something. I'll definitely get it for you.)

"Mujhe bacha chahiye," I said finally.

(I want a child.)

Dadi had told me that it was the most important thing for a married woman. To bear a child with her husband, and if I knew how to do it alone, then I would have had a child long ago. But the problem was that only my husband knew the way.

"Bache ko bacha chahiye?" He repeated after me, his brows raised slightly in amusement. I glared at him in return.

(The child wants a child?)

"Maa banne ke liye taiyar ho tum?" He asked again, almost teasing me.

(You're ready to be a mother already?)

"Ji, bilkul," I said confidently.

(Yes, of course.)

"Pehle sari bandhna seekh. Phir Maa bana dunga."

(First, learn to wear your sari properly. I'll make you a mother after that.)

"Par aapne kaha..." My voice trailed away, disappointed, "Aur Neelam ko toh sari pehenne mei uske naukar madad karte hai... Par woh toh pet se ho gayi. Woh mujhse bas ek saal badi hai-"

(But you just said...)

(And Neelam doesn't know how to wear her sari. The servants help her. But she's pregnant. She's only a year older than me.)

"Sanjana." His voice was sharp this time, and I fell quiet. "Kuch saal intezaar karo."

(You're a child yourself, and in this state, how can you get pregnant? Wait for a few years.)

"Par Neelam Didi-"

(But Neelam Didi)

He raised his hand to slap me, and I flinched away, closing my eyes.

"Ek dunga toh kuch hafton tak muh nahi khulegi!" he gritted his teeth, "Kya dimaag kha rakhi hai? Kuch aur puchna hai toh pucho. Tum baakiyon ki tarah thodi ho? Tumhare jaan khatre mein daalne ka koi irada nahi hai mujhe. Isliye chup chap meri baath suno. Jab bache honi chahiye, tab honge. Sheher se kuch khilona ya namkeen wagera chahiye toh jaldi bol do."

(I'll give you a tight slap that will keep you quiet for weeks! Why are you eating my head? If you want something else, ask me. Are you like the others you see? I don't wish to put your life in danger. That's why I'm asking you to listen to me quietly. Children will happen when the time is right. If you want some toys or snacks from the city, tell me quickly.)

I gulped. How could I ask him anything after his outburst just now? I had felt the force of the wind against my cheek. Even that hurt. Then what if he had really hit me? I was sure that it would hurt twice as much as the first time.

"A-aur kuch n-nahi chahiye..." I whispered, "Bas aap salaamat se laut aiye."

(I don't want anything else... Just return home safely.)

He took a deep breath before patting my head. "Theek hai. Zyada sharaarat math karna. Aur hamesha yaad rakhana... Mere alawa tujhe chune ka haq kisi aur ko nahi hai. Theek hai? Jaldi laut aunga."

(Okay. Don't cause any trouble at home. And always remember... Nobody has the right to touch you except me. Okay? I'll return quickly.)

I swallowed the lump in my throat while nodding at his words.