Arakshi SS : Amour Four

Dear Guys,

To mark my successful writing career online thanks to you, :),  I shall post a story which has been churning around my head for several days! But then I never got to post it thanks to my irregular schedule and pending stories! With two ff and 1 ss ongoing (why you and cck are on hiatus); I bring along a story which, I promise, shall blow your mind !

Of course I can't begin this story without thanking all those people who wished me so lovingly and cared for my hobby as a writer and never left my hand in guiding me to where I am today.
I have too many people to mention out here and I think it would be thoroughly unfair to name them for I may miss out someone!

All my loyal and loving readers out there (who know themselves who they are) are the ones this one is dedicated to.

This is dedicated to;

My soul best friend last janam bichde hue behen whose name resounds that of a... RDX?

A little butterfly who touched my heart and turned from an unknown mentor to a person I can't live without today.

A buhaha sister who has been frank, honest and explained the essence of friendship to me.

Fairies, my bacchas! I can never forget you all... each and everyone has immense importance in my life and I may end up writing too much, clubbed you all together as I met you during the same time!

My IF mother out here *wink* Shef :*

Someone who calls me Anokhi :*

My loyal reader, come someone whom I advise a heck lot and someone who has this wonderful Sik n Shan SS going on. Man... we do create an awesome team together!

And my dear new loyal readers... if I could I would address you all individually! Minu, Swara, Nikki, Utsha... you guys actually give me the burst of energy to write more :)

All of you guys... man I was supposed to skip out this thank you session wasn't I?

But then owing this to be a VERY SPECIAL post for me; I couldn't actually skip this out! All those people who have bestowed me with several names such as Devil! Heart Attacker (Yes... Shamsad :* ,  Prachi!) All of you guys have made me reach where I am today :)

You'll soon know what I mean by that ;)

This story is also dedicated to Laila, I have no idea if she's reading this one or not but I got an inspiration to write this from hers.

Shall post the link whenever I get that story!

With love,

Armageddon

P.S : This SS may contain a few explicit and graphic scenes and uncomfortable situations/dialogues due to which it has been rated as 16+. So all those who get a bit uneasy can easily skip the part or inform me personally. If you feel one chapter is showing injustice then bear patience with me - for the first few chapters might puzzle your head but the next few will bring in proper justice. Another important note, 16+ doesn't mean I shall cater to erotic stuff or things which get the libido on a high. 
It's solely due to a few scenarios and situations.

This work is mine and any sort of duplication or reproduction of this work, no matter who you are, shall put you in deep trouble.

All work in fictional, any connection to locations, institutes, persons (living or dead) situations or events is purely coincidental.

UNEXPECTED

PROLOGUE

Devi Garh*, Jaipur, Rajasthan

He dusted his jeans and drank copious amounts of water from his steel flask. Slipping on an expensive pair of aviators he walked through the village and almost bit back a chuckle as the women were hushed into their houses and men stared at him.

Some in immediate admiration, some in pure confusion.

He pulled out a neatly folded kerchief from his pocket, a small smile adorning his face as the S' of his wife's name was neatly stitched in a wonderful embroidery at the end of the kerchief.

He sighed as the memories of her gazelle like eyes, lush mouth and breathtaking embraces provided solace to him amidst this arid heat of the Indian desert.

Apparently this was a five hour drive from the main city of Jaipur, many people debated whether it was a part of the city or not.

Wiping the sweat from his brow he walked towards the sarpanch's house and allowed himself to get astonished by the intricate decorations on the cement walls. One could have easily called it a haveli as the yellow stone from Jodhpur shimmered against the sun, no wonder Ray** had named 
his novel The Golden Fortress.

This little house seemed no different.

"I would want to meet the Sarpanch." He bit back at his inability to speak flawless Hindi. He was sure that a few were going to snicker at his accent while a few would fawn over his fair skin and chestnut hair.

"He's busy at the moment... may I know why you are here?" A man with salt and pepper hair, bearing a pot belly and a huge red turban on his head peered back at him.

"I'm from the State Productions and I had taken prior permission to shoot child marriages happening in this side of the world. Of course we're going to make a beautiful movie out of this." He had hidden that he was a part of no State Productions but of State Geographic.

And that he had come to make a documentary on child marriages - exposing them to the world as half of them would consider the discrepancy of the situation while the other half would be busy minding their own business.

The pot bellied man smiled at him, revealing his exquisitely stained teeth. An excess of a savoury made with betel leaves probably, the man mused to himself.

"This is the perfect time, his son is getting married today. Would you care to joinsahib?" The rubbing of the forefinger and thumb suggested cash, a gesture he was largely acquainted with by now.
Daniel focused his lens while the man stared at the couple in front. A girl, no more than fourteen years of age, was almost hidden under the piles of gold and heavy fabrics twisted around her frail body. The only thing that stood out were her large, dark eyes.

Fear, confusion, anxiety.

He cringed as her fluffy pale cheeks and baby lips screamed of innocence.

It might be hypocritical to state but he did feel relieved to find the groom to be just a mere few years older than her. He seemed to be more confident and the man could make out the adoration the groom had for his bride for his eyes never left the bride.

Strange, the man had never seen this happening before.

However, at least both were young. He could vouch that the groom was no more than eighteen.

"Robert?" Daniel called him out. Robert put on the traditional turban and motioned Daniel to start recording. He sent a short text to his wife, Samantha, of his delay in arriving back at home - New York.

He sighed as guilt ate him again. They were strongly advised to just record the event, no heroism or voicing out their opinions was allowed.

With the camera rolling, focusing on two contrasting faces, Robert and Daniel captured the wedding rituals.

"Dulhan ka naam..." the pandit spoke, his heavy voice sending a small shiver down the girl's spine.

"Sakshi... Sakshi Dhoundiyal." A soft tuned, one that of a lillet's chirped out under the red stole.

"Dulhe ka naam..."

"Arjun Maurya."


* Devi Garh is a fictional village.

** Satyajit Ray's - The Golden Fortress/ Shonar Kella

KATHPUTLI

CHAPTER 1 A

Ten years before the wedding.

A seven year old boy ran through the desert, letting the hot sand burn his tender feet as he rushed towards the vaid uncle’s house. He stopped before the mud house, his lips parting in fascination as several stick figures were painted on the walls.

He remembered his bhabisa doing the same thing. As he studied the circles, squares and lines he deduced this was similar to the Worli design she would often paint.

Tucking in his churidaar and rolling up the sleeves of his purple stiff cotton kurta, he swiped his unruly wavy hair and touched his silver earrings for good luck.

His mother said that he would be allowed just once to see his bride and he wouldn’t miss this opportunity for the world!

He had even secretly bathed with the imported soap his chacha had to smell nice. It did smell of a flower but he had no idea which one it was.

Under his arm was a small little rag doll that he had taken for his bride. His parents said that she was like a doll hence he decided to take a doll for the doll. He was in a desperate need to have friends, he didn’t have too many owing to his status and hence his bride would be his best friend ever.

A young beautiful woman walked out of the room, her hazel eyes bore a strange warmth and her smile besotted the boy. She cupped his cheek tenderly and laughed “Arrey Arjun bitwa! Aap kab aaye yaha? Hey Ram! Aapke naagra kaha gaye? Aapki masa ko agar pata chalega toh woh humko zor se pitegi!”  (Arrey Arjun baba, how come you’re here? Hey Ram! Where are your nagras? If your mother gets to know about this then she’ll beat us up!)She laughed and placed her hand on her swollen belly.

Had she eaten a watermelon? Arjun frowned… but he remembered that whenever women eat watermelon they had a baby too.

Oh… that means his bride was going to have another sibling!

“Aapne tarbooz khaya na? Mere saale ya saali saheba ke liye?” (You ate a watermelon to have my brother or sister in law right?) He gloated in pride as he had picked up a few Lucknowi words from his chachi. For he was utterly clueless what to call his bride’s siblings in his language.

He looked up to find the kind woman laughing her heart out “Kya hua maasa?” (What happened mother?)She lovingly patted his head and shook her head, she brought him in and gave him a glass of sherbet. As she bent to wash his tiny feet Arjun glared at her.

“Nahi maasa! Jo tarbooz khaate hai unka jhukna mana hai! Bhabisa kahe se ki bohut mushkil hota hai! Mare paas beitho na! Maara gudiya kaha hai?”  (No maasa! Aunties eating watermelons must not bend down! Bhabisa tells me that it is painful and tiring, come sit next to me… where’s my doll?) Arjun pouted and re set the little rag doll in his hand. His first gift to his doll.

He had completely missed out on the softening of his mother in law’s eyes. Ratna Dhoundiyal smiled as she saw the innocence in his eyes. They were indeed very lucky to have a jamai such as Arjun. He seemed tender and not arrogant like other lads of his age.

Moreover, he was almost the similar age of Sakshi.

A big relief for Ratna.

Her throat still parched and her body still shook in fear when she recalled sharing the bed with a man who was fifteen years older to her.

“Ratna…” Kailash had placed a finger under her chin and made her meet his eyes. Thirteen year old Ratna was terrified as her twenty eight year old husband led her to sit on the bed.

He was so… so tall. His face almost blocked the sun when he stood next to her.

Her heart stopped beating in fright whenever he would come close to her.

She longed to be out in the desert, enjoying the crisp breeze of winter. However her thoughts came to an ugly halt as he traced his fingers down her temple to her throat, his thumb skimming the pulse of her neck.

Fear blocked her mind when he removed his white kurta, revealing a toned body beneath. But none of that attracted her, it scared her further… why was he removing his clothes? Oh did he want a bath? But how could she help him? Or… perhaps he got hurt somewhere on his back, did he require her to put medicine on it?

She remembered her mother warning her to let her husband do anything he wants today. What difference did it hold today? Everyday she would listen to him! Bringing him cups of his special tea, cooking him his favourite dishes, massaging the sole of his feet, washing his clothes.

At times she would massage his head and would not realise when she would fall asleep, her palms aching from pressing.

Perhaps he had fever! Hey Ram! She climbed on the bed and checked a surprised Kailash’s forehead. When she voiced out her concern all she remembered was him beckoning her and pulling her close. She never questioned why he began to disrobe her.

Her mother forbid her to question her husband.

“Amma!” A soft shriek brought Ratna back into reality and she smiled as Sakshi came into the view, her chubby hands was fiddling with the string of her ghagra and her stole was in a sheer mess.

Arjun began laughing on seeing his “doll” and held his stomach as her controlled his laughs.

Ratna got up and tried to control the mess, setting up the ghagra and biting back her chuckle.

Her cherubic daughter pouted her lips and frowned as her rajkumar and amma laughed at her. She folded her pudgy arms and sat on the floor, wailing that nobody loves her.

Arjun stopped laughing and sat next to her “Arrey! Hum thare se pyaar karte hai! Aajse tu maara biwi!” (“I love you gudiya. I’ll call you my biwi!) He clapped his hands excitedly as Sakshi smiled with him.

Her mother had weaved stories of her playmate, he would be a rajkumar who would treat her like a princess and play with her all day long.

So was this her rajkumar?

She longed to have a friend but everyone tossed her off as the little one!

Arjun looked at her, taking in the sight of her huge chocolate eyes, perky nose and rose lips. Her pink skin reminded him of the dolls his chachu had bought for his chachi from a place called Len… Lan… Landen?

He pinched her chubby cheeks and giggled as they bounced while she laughed with him. He thrust the rag doll in her hands and waited for her reaction.

He was anxious, what if she didn’t like it?

But his fears melted away as she hugged the doll and began playing with it. It would be wonderful to be his bride! Sakshi thought. He would give her dolls and then they would play gudda guddi for the whole day. And he would even teach her more of the alphabet and numbers which she had learnt from her darling father.

Sakshi was literally the apple of Kailash’s eyes. Ever since her birth not only did his business flourish but he had faced immense prosperity! His mother had called the first born a girl as a bad omen but then Raghuanand Baba had claimed that Sakshi was an incarnation of the goddess.

He said that she was Saakshaat Lakshmi, the Goddess herself. She was going to be the witness of the changes and evolution of the good and bad. Hence they had given her the name Sakshi, fairly uncommon for a Rajasthani.

Kailash had decided that Sakshi would be wed with one of the highest and reputed families in their region. The fact that the Sarpanch himself had offered a relation was a pleasant surprise.

He had dismissed his wife’s silent plea to let Sakshi be wed after a few more years. Why! Her baby had just started to walk, talk and learn. Kailash had snapped at her, calling her ungrateful towards the wonderful opportunity.

He had later realised that her silence meant she was hurt. Kailash had married once. He had suffered from neglect and insults from his father’s other wives. He couldn’t let his child face the same. Hence when his father had approached him to wed someone, Kailash had made it pretty clear that he would marry only one woman.

In his terms he was a good man. He found nothing wrong in grabbing his wife or getting her to serving him all day long. Pati parmeshwar hota hai.

He turned to find Arjun and Sakshi engaged in an animated conversation, playing with their dolls.

He was glad that they were compatible.

“Suniye…” (Excuse me…) Ratna, now seventeen years old, looked even more ethereal than before. She tugged on to her yellow stole and placed her palm hesitantly on his bicep.

Kailash smiled at her and prodded her to continue. Ratna let out a breath and played with her fingers nervously “Un dono ki biyah ho jaani chahiye. Ek duje ke saath khubh milenge. Par, aapko nahi lagta ki yeh sab thodi si jaldi ho rahi hai. Maara matlab ke, Sakshi neh toh bas abhi abhi… aah!”(They should get married. Arjun beta and Sakshi will suit well but… they are still small. Isn’t it too early… I mean Sakshi has just learnt to…aah!) She yelped as Kailash gripped her arm, his fingernails bit into her flesh. Rage flashed through his eyes.

“Ek baar kehne se thaare mote dimaag main baat nahi ghusta hai kya? Sarpnach bhaisa ne khud yeh rishta diya hai! Aage ka ke matlab hai? Maare masa do varsh ki thi yeh Sakshi toh paanch varsh ki hone waali hai.  Thare ko kaha tha ki apni naak mat ghusa, par tu maara baat kaha sunti hai? Thare pet me maara baccha na hote toh jabda hila deta! Ab ja, chai le aa… waise bhi itna kaam hai….” (If I say it once doesn’t it go through your thick head? Sarpanch bhaisa himself offered this relation! What do you mean by early! My mother was two when she was betrothed, Sakshi’s going to turn five soon. I had told you not to interfere but you never understand. Had you not been bearing a child I would have slapped you for this insolent remark. Now go, get me tea. Anyways I am so stressed…) He pressed his temples and sighed.

He didn’t miss the sudden watering of her eyes neither the purple blue marks which appeared on her arms. She chewed her bottom lip and nodded, stepping back. She caressed her stomach and rushed towards the kitchen.

“Amma ko ke hua?” (What happened to Amma?”) Sakshi questioned Arjun as her mother flew past them to the kitchen “Pata nahi. Acha sun, jab tu maare ghar ayegi tab hum saath main khelenge na?” (Don’t know. So when you’ll come to my house we’ll play together?) Arjun asked placed the rag doll to a sitting position.

“Main thare ghar kyu aau?” (Why should I come to your house?) Sakshi asked “Arrey! Tu meri lugai hogi na! Phir main thare vaaste bohot saare gudiya le aunga. Hum sabse acche dost ban jayenge aur bohot saare mithai khayenge. Pata hai mara bhabisa is duniya ki sabse acchi khana pakati hai?” (Arrey! Because you’ll be my wife! And then I’ll give you many dolls and we’ll be best friends and we’ll eat many many sweets! Do you know my bhabisa makes the best food in the world!) Arjun’s smile faltered as Sakshi pouted further.

“Churio ke baare main toh bola hi nahi…” (You didn’t speak about bangles.) “Pakka! Thare liye sab khareedunga!” (Pakka I’ll buy them for you!) Arjun smiled while Sakshi frowned “Laal waali?” (Red ones?)

“Gulabi, neela, laal, hara, peeli, sona ka, chandi ka…” (Pink, blue, red, green, yellow, gold, silver…) “Bas bas!” (That’s enough!) Sakshi smiled and waved her rajkumar a bye as he walked away from her.

Life would be beautiful.

~*~

“Vaada kijiye, ki aap apne gudiya ko sabse zyaada pyaar karenge aur unko chot nahi pohochayegne.” (Promise me that you’ll love your doll more than anything and that you would never hurt her.) Ratna sat beside a groomed Arjun, she pushed aside the turban and looked into his eyes. “Main unse pyaar karta hoon maasa! Kyu chot pohochau? Maara dost aur gudiya hai voh!” (I love her maasa, why would I hurt her? She’s my friend and gudiya.) Arjun reasoned.

Ratna sat beside him and took his tiny hand into hers and looked at him “Arjun beta, Saakshi maara jaan hai. Vaada kijiye  ke aap unke khayal rakhenge.” (Arjun beta, Sakshi is my life. Promise me that you’ll take care of her.)

Ratna smiled as he vigorously nodded his head and hugged her. “Gudiya ke per zameen pe bhi nahi chuegi!”  (I’ll not even let guddi put her foot on the ground.)

~*~

Sakshi was excitedly playing with the red dress and her gold bangles, it seemed so wonderful. The vibrant colours wrapped around her made her look like the doll in her hand.

She felt saddened that her father was nowhere to be seen around.

~*~

“Yeh sach hai Sarpanch bhaisa? Phir biyah kaise hoga?” (Is this true Sarpanch bhaisa? Then how will we conduct the marriage?) Kailash scratched his head. Apparently the collector sahab was visiting the grounds hence it would be impossible for their children to get married. Collector sahab was a city man and he was strictly against child marriage.

Woh seher ke sahab humare riti riwaaz ko kaise samjhenge? Kailash bhaisa, humko ko lagta hai ki yeh  biyah aapke ghar ke mandir main hi kiye jaye. Shubh muhurat haat se nahi niklana chahiye. Arjun aur Sakshi ko bade hone de, ekees aur athra keh ke sabke saamne phirse biyah karwa denge.” (How will the sheher sahab understand our values and cultures! Kailash bhaisa, I think it’s best if the marriage takes place in the small temple at your ground. The auspicious mahurat is ticking by and we can barely waste any time. Let Arjun and Sakshi grow, after a few years we can pass them as twenty one and eighteen.) The Sarpanch scratched his head while Kailash agreed.

Thus in a small ceremony were Arjun and Sakshi wed.

~*~

Four years later

“Guddi?” (Doll?)Arjun looked at his Sakshi in concern who sobbed uncontrollably. Four years had passed by and just as he had promised, Sakshi had been pampered spoilt by Arjun, much to the ire of his family.

“Ke hua guddi?” (What happened guddi?) Arjun guided her thin arm to his lap and gasped as an ugly burn lay on her arm. “Main thare vaaste rotla* bana rahi thi par itni garmi thi rasoi ghar main! Paseena pochne ke samay haath chule pe lag gayi!” (I was making *a kind of flatbread for you but it was so hot in the kitchen! While wiping aside my sweat, my hand touched the stove!)

Anger built in Arjun as his little wife sobbed, he hated it if anyone made Sakshi do anything!

He stormed towards the living room “Masa! Bapusa!” (Mother! Father!) He yelled.

His parents came into view and he crossed his hands “Sakshi rasoi main ke kar rahi thi? Isko khana pakane ke ke zarurat? Uski haath jalgayi! Aaj ke baad agar Sakshi ghar ka koi bhi kaam karne nazar aayi, toh mujhse bura aur koi nahi!”  (Why was Sakshi in the rasoi ghar? Why does she need to cook? Her hand got burned! After today if I see Sakshi doing any household chore then I will be very angry!)

His father coaxed an angry Arjun while his mother made a face at Sakshi and huffed back into the kitchen. Arjun stormed back into his room with medicine and found Sakshi propped on their bed, reading from his school book.

“Thare ko padne ka shauq kabse tha?” (Since when were you interested in reading?) He asked as he gently applied the cooling paste on her arm “Hamesha! Tu mere liye kuch kar sakta hai?” (Always! Can you do something for me?) She chewed her bottom lip and waited for him to reply.

“Kuch bhi!” (Anything.)  he muttered and blew cool air on her burn. “Maare ko ischool jaana hai! Thare saath le chalo na!”  (Even I wish to go to school, take me with you… please!) Anger flashed in Arjun’s eyes “Sakshi, bapusa ne saaf saaf mana kar dia ki tu bahar ja. Ghar ke auratein  bahar nahi jaatein”  (Sakshi, bapusa has strictly forbid me that you go outside. Women of our house don’t go outside.) He said and sighed at Sakshi’s crestfallen face.

“Dekh, tu, bhabisa, maasa aur chachi iss ghar ke heere hai! Aur heerein toh bahar nahi rakkhe jaati! Agar kisine chori kar liya toh?” (See, you, bhabisa, maasa and chachi are the jewels of our house. Our jewels can’t be kept outside!What if someone stole them?) He prodded her while Sakshi stifled a sob “Mujhe school jaana hai! Bas!” (I want to go to school! That’s it!)

“AGAR MAINE EK BAAR KUCH KEH DIYA TOH SAMAJ MAIN NAHI AATA HAI KYA?” (IF I SAY ONCE DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND!) Arjun yanked her on the floor while Sakshi looked at him, horrified. “TU NAHI JAA RAHI HAI!” (YOU AREN’T GOING OUT. PERIOD.) Sakshi yelped as his hand brutally grabbed her arm.

Tears pooled in her eyes and she pushed Arjun away and ran to bhabisa’s (her jiji's) room. Aasha looked surprised as a sobbing Sakshi came into view. She had thought that her brother in law was different, the only sane one.

Dread filled in her as she noticed blue marks on Sakshi’s arms. Had Arjun turned like his brother? “Aaja bacche…” (Come here child…) She whispered and Sakshi climbed onto her lap. “Ar… Arjun…” Sakshi cried and told whatever exchanged between the two.

Aasha was no less exhausted by her husband, she had prayed fervently that Arjun would turn up to be different but alas! How could he not be like the other men of his house?

‘Na beta, shush…” (It’s ok child.. shush…) Aasha patted a sobbing Sakshi to sleep. What could she do? Was there any path through which she could…

Her words were stopped as her husband walked into the room, frowning at the sleeping Sakshi. “Humara kamra dharamshala kabse ban gaya?” (I didn’t know our room was a hotel!) He sneered while Aasha sighed “Arjun ne daata usse aur”(Arjun had been rough..

“Toh?” (So?) Baldev kept his turban aside and looked at his wife “Usse bahar bhej.”(Send her out.) A chill ran down Aasha’s spine as she cooed Sakshi away.

Sakshi groggily rubbed her eyes and frowned as bhaisa grabbed Sakshi and almost pushed her out of the room. She stared at the closed door, scared as she heard soft wails of her jiji.

Suddenly fear caught Sakshi up, she didn’t like it anymore at her rajkumar’s house. She wanted to go back to her amma. She didn’t want to be wedded anymore. She wanted to be free. Her hands trailed the marital jewel on her forehead which felt more of a burden than an illusion of happiness.

Illusion, that what it was.

CHAPTER 1 B

Four years later

Arjun walked into his room and sighed as Sakshi turned her back aside and refused to speak to him. They had fought, again.

“Soch maine thare liye kya laaya hai!” (Guess what I brought for you!) Arjun whispered while Sakshi threw aside the glass bangles which Arjun  bought for her. Suddenly Sakshi found her jaw being brutally cupped as Arjun glared at her, she whimpered in pain while his eyes spit fire.

“Agar main thare liye kuch le aaya toh uski IZZAT KAR!” (If I get something for you, YOU MUST RESPECT IT!) He glared and choked her slightly “Aa..a..” Sakshi’s throaty moan broke his trance. He closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair. “Maare ko pata nahi ki tu baat ka batangar kyun banati hai! Thappad hi toh tha! Aur iski zarurat thi! Kitni baar kaha ki bahar mat jaya kar!” (I don’t get it why you make such a big deal out of everything! It was just a slap! And you deserved it! How many times have I told you to not go out of the house?)

Sakshi stared at him in disbelief, nowadays even convincing herself that he was her rajkumar seemed to be nothing but self consolation.

“Accha, aur agar koi aur hume thappad maara toh theek hai?” (What if someone else slapped me? It would be fine?) Sakshi crossed her arms and glared at him. In quick steps Arjun stood close to her and caressed her cheek “Agar kisine thare ko chuha bhi, toh uska chamra cheel denge!”  (If someone else dared to even touch you, I would skin him alive.) He whispered and Sakshi broke away and took a deep breath.

“Tu humain thappar maare toh theek hai?” (So it’s fine if you slap me?) Sakshi asked, her fingers knotted in her stole. Arjun let out a chuckle “Beshak!” (Of course!) He snorted with pride. Sakshi was utterly confused, she certainly didn’t like his rough behaviour but his parents and hers dismissed her concern.

Arjun grabbed her hand and began to put the glass bangles in them. “Bohot khubsoorat hai tu.”  (You look beautiful.) He smiled and Sakshi felt unnerved more than flattered.

“Hmm…” She smiled back and sighed.

Arjun shook his head at her lack of bright smile and produced a colourful box on their bed “Aur sun… tujhe choone ka, maarne ka, pyaar karne ka aur nafrat karna ka  haq, sirf maare paas hai. Samjhi?” (And listen, to touch you, hit you, love you and hate you - these rights belong solely to me. Understand?)

A twelve year old Sakshi just looked up to find Arjun staring at her with a strange tenderness. Couldn’t he show this side more? A wistful glance at his rare smiling face and she wished if he would allow her to do anything she wanted. It often reminded her of the eight year old Arjun. Her friend seemed to disappear with age. Her thoughts broke as he called out “Ab soch ki yeh kya hai?” (Guess what’s this?)

The vibrant red packet caught Sakshi’s attention. She ran her fingers gingerly and raised her eyebrows “Soch… ” (Guess…) He ushered her to open the packet. His breath caught as for the first time Arjun noticed her in a different light.

Being a young lad of sixteen, forbidden desires pumped his blood as he gazed at his young wife. Her cheeks were full and tinted with a natural rouge. His lips parted as he noticed her lush blush pink lips. With the stole dropped casually on her shoulders, he was amazed that he never realised how the strands of her hair curled slightly around her cheeks.

She was beautiful. Her eyes crinkled in joy as she held a beautiful set of bride and groom dolls. “Dhanyavaad!”(Thank you!) She cried in joy and hugged him out of excitement.

His breath was knocked off his lungs as he felt her frame against his.

Sakshi’s smile disappeared when she realised that he was holding for a time longer than necessary. “Arjun?” She asked, completely unaware of the thoughts running through his mind.

“Hmm…” He parted, not before caressing the skin near her lips. Instinct flashed through Sakshi and she got up “Ke hua? Ab bhi dood pada hai hoth ke upar? Gadhi hoon main!” (What? Do I still have milk near my lips? Foolish me!) She chuckled and left towards the kitchen, trying to get out of the uncomfortable wave when he touched her.

It was different. There was a softer promise but something was strange.

A sudden fear crept in her blood as she realised that Arjun kept watching her with his hooded eyes.

What was happening to him? She didn’t like it in this house anymore.

~*~

Two Years Later

“Aur kitne din? Jawaani toh aa gayi Sakshi bindni ki! Ab tak toh humara pota bhi aa jata!” “(How many more days should we wait? Sakshi [daughter in law] has reached the prime of her youth, by now she should have given us our first grandson!) Arjun’s father complained to the doctor.

“Dekhiye, bacchi badi ho chuki hogi par woh ab maa nahi ban payegi. Haan chauda saal main ho jaana chahiye tha par shayad der ho rahi hai. Aur agar ab Arjun bete ko kahe bacche ke liye koshish karne ke liye, toh iska phal nahi milega. Aapko intezaar karna padega jab tak bitiya maa banne ki layak ho. (See, till now Sakshi hasn’t matured enough… it is late considering she’s in her fourteenth year. Even if you ask Arjun to start trying now, you still won’t get your heir. You have to wait for her to mature.) The doctor spoke, gently hinting for Sakshi to grow older.

That was the least he could do.

“Jis din hum sab jaan paye ki bitiya maa banne ke liye tayyar ho chuki hai toh ek hafte baad woh dono bacche ke koshish shuru kar sakte hai.” (The day she matures, one week after that they can start trying for a child.) The Sarpanch gloated with the thought that his favourite child, Arjun, would give him the heir of his family.

“Theek se.” (Fine)

~*~

“Ek… do… teen!” (One… two… three!) A young lady’s glee caught Arjun’s attention but before he could say anything he stared in shock as a marigold flower hit his head. “Ekdam sahi nishana!” (Bull’s eye!) The kids chuckled and Arjun frowned as he walked away from his friends and towards the children.

“Hey Ram!” (Oh Lord!) The lady hid her face in her palms and cleared her throat. She breathed deep relief when Arjun was nowhere in sight. “Chalo accha hua ki Arjun yaha pe kahi nahi hai!” She giggled to herself “Bilkul! Tu toh bohot hi shaatir hai Sakshi!” (Exactly! You are so smart Sakshi!)

Her giggles stopped and she turned around as Arjun smirked at her “Tu!” (You?) “Ji lugai.” (Yes, my wife!) He loved the scowl on her face when he called her lugai. “Kya chal raha tha!” (What was happening?) “Uncle ji mat bano, hum sab aapko maar rahe the! Hai na Gehna…  Gehna?” (Stop being an uncle! We were hitting you! Isn’t it Gehna…  Gehna?) Sakshi chewed her bottom lip and turned around to find her partner in crime having escaped.

“Tere wajeh se! Che footiya hone ke liye kisne kaha? Aur yeh dole leke ghoom raha hai! Aur teri daari dekhi hai! Khoon peeta hua pisach lag raha hai!” (It’s your fault! Who asked you to become six feet tall?And have you thought about those bulging muscles? This beard that you have started growing, do you know that you look like a blood thirsty vampire!) Sakshi babbled off while Arjun gnashed his teeth.

“Kya?” (What?) “Baaki ke ladkiya toh humain pasand karte hai!” (The rest of the girls seem to like me) Arjun growled and smiled as Sakshi pouted at him and pushed him on his chest “Ja, un me se kisi ek toh teri lugai bana! Hum toh apni azaadi lekar padhai kar lenge aur dekhna… kaise main apni kapdo ki dukaan kholti hoon!” (Go and get your new wife from there! I will grab my freedom and study… then you wait and watch how I open my own clothes store!) Sakshi grinned and yelped slightly as Arjun twisted her arm and brought her close. 

He bent his head to match her height and whispered “Tu mara pyaar aur lugai thi, hai aur rahegi. Hamesha! Aur tujhko toh main maare se chutkaara dene se raha.” (You were, are and shall remain as my love and wife. Always. And you won’t be spared from me.)

Sakshi pouted again “Waise agar dukaan kholni hai toh bata de, tere naam ka ek bada sa… ek kya , das dukaan kholunga!” (But if you want to open a shop then tell me! In your name I shall open a huge… wait not one, rather ten shops!) Sakshi shook her head and gently released her hand from his grip “Dukaan mujhe khud kholni hai.” (I want to open the shop on my own.)

“Haan toh thaara main aur maara main ke farak hai?” (Yes, so what’s the difference between you and me?) Arjun frowned while Sakshi placed her hand on her hip. “Koi farak nai! Par… choro. Batao, maare liye kitaab laya? Mujhe padhaoge na? Dekh firangi waala  please bhi keh rahi hoon!” (No difference! But… anyways. Tell me, did you bring that book for me? You’ll teach me right? See I am even saying ‘please’ in the foreign way!) Sakshi grasped his hand and jumped.

Little knowing how Arjun grew to love his wife to a frightful extent. The flush of colour on her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes caught his attention. As the years began to roll by he wasn't oblivious to the slight curves she had begun to develop. Hence he decided to do anything to keep Sakshi happy, for that made him happy as well. 

Even though his father was dead against Sakshi studying, that didn’t stop Arjun from teaching Sakshi his own subjects. Hence at the age of fourteen Sakshi found herself learning the first year courses of BBA. Arjun didn't study much as his father would pay the college for his degree and admission, so he allowed Sakshi to breeze through his books. 

The sight of Sakshi lying on the bed and absorbed in his books as if it were to be the Holy Bible made Arjun sigh. He would often surf through the net of his newly purchased laptop or gaze at Sakshi swinging her feet in the air, the heavy gold payals chiming. At times he used to hum to the chime of her payals, unbeknownst to her. As the love bug had bitten Arjun, he found himself growing more temperamental and cool as Sakshi's happiness held more priority.

She was the life of their home. Her giggles would light up Deepavali, her dance would burst the festival of Holi and her laughs would bring the joy in his otherwise mundane everyday life. He wasn’t remotely interested in joining his father’s business nor the line of politics, hence he took up BBA to keep them away from including him in family business. However, he felt a strange urge to spend more time with his wife but he was unsure of his own train of thoughts.

On the other hand his father and brother had been pushing him slightly to grow closer to Sakshi but he felt strange. He didn’t know how to go closer to his own wife. Even though she was heavenly beautiful.

“Arjun?” His brother knocked on the door. Sakshi put the stole over her head and kept the book on the table. She sat upstraight and seeing her ready Arjun walked towards the door and poked his head out. “Ab bhaisa ko kamre ki andar bhi nahi aane dega, humare kuch salah se pehle tune khud shuru kar di... maare ko ke pata tha ki tu itna shaatir hai!” (Now you won’t even allow your brother in your room? Before we advised you, you easily started… I didn’t know you turned this smart!) His brother laughed haughtily and Arjun turned his head aside, embarrassed.

Sakshi was completely unaware that her brother in law was referring to the bedroom intimacy between Arjun and her. She felt this uneasy feeling whenever she saw her brother in law, mostly because Baldev bhaisa didn’t treat his wife well.

Shaking her head she turned to look up at Arjun who asked her to leave in the pretext of bringing some snacks. Sakshi nodded and walked into the kitchen.

“Maharani khud padhari rasoi ghar main!” (The Queen arrives to the kitchen!) Sakshi bit back a tear of humiliation, it was always like this. Whenever she stepped out of her room and out of Arjun’s gaze then her mother in law would spend no time in taunting her. But years of having faced this, she just walked in and took what was necessary. Avoiding her mother in law she almost ran to back to her room.

She saw her brother in law laughing and and thumping Arjun’s back before leaving. Arjun on the other hand had a slight embarrassed smile but then he seemed very happy, especially when his eyes rested on Sakshi. “Chai pakoda ka kya?” (What will happen to this tea and snacks?) She asked as Arjun placed them on a newspaper over his bed. “Hum kha lenge.” (We’ll eat.)

Sakshi nodded and crawled on the bed, reading out his textbook and sipping chai alternatively. “Aise ghoorte kyu ho? Haa main Sakshi hoon… woh angrezi picture ki tarha koi alien nahi!” (Why are you staring at me? I assure you that I am Sakshi and not an alien from the English film you showed me!) She chuckled and gasped as he removed a few crumbs from her mouth.

“Main haath muh dhoke aati hoon, sone ka waqt ho chuka hai.” She mumbled and walked off with the tray. Arjun didn’t sense her discomfort. Hadn’t his brother told him that women turned shy?

Sakshi changed into her bedtime clothes and slipped into their bed. She frowned as Arjun came a bit closer. Her heart hammered in a strange fear and she closed her eyes, hoping he would sleep as well. Her eyes snapped open as Arjun traced his fingers on her back and removed a string from her blouse.

She shot up from her bed and looked at him. His eyes were different, not that of her friend’s. The pupils were dilated and his eyes were darkened in a feeling she never saw in his eyes.“Kk… kya kar rahe ho?” (What are you doing?)

“Chu raha hoon tujhe, patni hai tu meri.” (Touching you… you’re my wife.) Sakhi suddenly felt herself to be very exposed in front of Arjun. This never happened before. In fact there were times when she didn’t even have her stole before him yet they both slept on the bed without touching each other. Holding hands or cheeks was fine.. but the back or waist…

Her instincts refused to calm.

“Main kahi aur soti hoon.” (I’ll sleep somewhere else) Sakshi mumbled and that got an angry glare from Arjun. “Das saal se mere paas so rahi thi, aaj kya hua?” (You’ve been sleeping next to me for ten years, what happened now?) Sakshi gulped and shouted back at him “Tune aisa kabhi nahi chua…” (You’ve never touched me…)

She shut her mouth while Arjun released a laugh “Sharam aa rahi hai, waise idhar aa.” (You’re feeling shy? Anyways, come here.) There was still a small part of Sakshi who believed that nothing was wrong with Arjun. Sitting on her bed she allowed Arjun to pull her close and wrap his arms around her as he whispered in her ear. She turned her head aside in repulsion as he muttered “Ab se mera chuna seekh le… kuch din baad humare beech…” (Well then, learn my touch… after a few days…)

She turned aside and clamped his mouth “Yeh kaise behki behki baat kar raha hai tu!” (What are you saying?) Arjun closed his eyes and kept his anger in check “Pyaar kar raha hoon tujhse, aise darrke kya jaa rahi hai. Ghalti meri hai… tu toh shayad pyaar hi nahi karta mujhe… tu toh…” (I am just loving you, why are you scampering away? It’s my fault. Perhaps, you don’t even love me… you) He broke off as Sakshi had clutched her stomach and tears were running down her cheeks.

Water splashed on his desires and he sat next to Sakshi, cradling her gently “Kya ho raha hai?” (What’s happening?) Sakshi slapped his hand aside “Kyu? Tujhe toh lagta hai ki main tujhse pyaar nahi karta! Dekha, ghalat baat kaha isliye saza mujhe mil rahi hai!” (Why? You think that I don’t love you right? See, you spoke something bad hence I am being punished!) More tears rolled down her cheek as her abdomen crunched in pain.

“Khoon!” (Blood) Arjun paled and ran to his mother while Sakshi tried to hold on to the pain that accompanied her. What surprised her was the sign of relief on her mother in law’s face. Finally Aasha jiji had the wisdom to enlighten the girl about the menstrual cycle.

Sakshi’s mouth was left hanging at the new found knowledge. However, Arjun’s concern had melted her heart. What really surprised her was her re-marriage with Arjun being planned. She shook her head and looked at their wedding certificate in shock. When did this happen? When was she eighteen and Arjun twenty one?

“Bapusa! Main toh chauda saal ki hoon aur woh toh athra! Yeh main athra aur woh ekkees kabse ban gaye?” (Father, I am just fourteen and he’s eighteen. Since when did I turn eighteen and he, twenty one?) Her mother in law cursed her for her mouth and lack of intelligence while her father in law nodded disappointedly and walked off. What’s wrong? She had just walked into the puja room. Again, it was Aasha jiji who told her that she was unhygienic to enter the mandir.

“Kya jiji! Maine toh sabun se acche se snaan kar ke aayi! Yeh Arjun ne snaan nahi kiya ab tak!” (What are you saying jiji! How can I be dirty in spite of having bathed myself well with soap? This Arjun hasn’t even had a shower till now!) Utterly confused by the term not clean and by the certificate, she thought it was better to return to her room than face the snappy mouth of her mother in law’s.

As her cycle commenced she found everyone decking the house as Arjun and she were going to marry publicly. More than happiness she found herself in a burden of confusion. Why this sudden jubilation? Why the sudden secret smiles between her brother in law and husband? And what was with them decorating Arjun and her room? Aasha jiji had hinted on Sakshi and Arjun coming close but Sakshi just couldn’t fathom the meaning of coming close!

She turned aside to find her facing a few of Arjun’s friends. Though most of them looked at her as their sister in law, some didn’t. And that infuriated Arjun enough. She found herself dragged to their room with Arjun glaring at her.

“Un sabke saamne aane ke liye mana kiya tha na!” (Weren't you told to stay away from them?) “Haan par woh sab saamne aaye toh isme meri ghalti kaise?” (Yes, but they came in front suddenly! How’s that my fault) Sakshi turned her head aside angrily while Arjun held her hand and gripped it brutally “Pyaar nahi karte kya maare se? Hamesha aise dard dete ho!” (Don’t you love me anymore! You keep on hurting me!) She pointed to his grip and Arjun released his grip. He pulled her flush against his and whispered thickly in her ears “Kitna pyaar karta hoon… yeh parso tujhe pata chal jayega.” (How much I love you… you’ll get to know that day after tomorrow.)

His proximity and touch left Sakshi gasping for air and sent her in a state of shock as Aasha jiji gave her a slight hint into the birds and bees topic. She still tried to figure out what meant by deflowering?

Sakshi pressed her palms against her aching temples and ran towards her mother in relief, who just walked in to help deck her daughter for the wedding. She could barely say anything as she was swarmed by her family hugging her and chatting to her all day long.

Something in Arjun’s eyes sent fear coursing up her veins. Her childhood friend seemed to dissipate as a man who looked so familiar stood before her.

Everything was just a swirl of illusion. Was she even aware of what’s happening? Why was her mother in law happy with Sakshi’s bleeding? Why were the girls giggling while decorating the room? What was the reason for the sudden excitement in Arjun’s eyes? Why was Aasha jiji slightly embarrassed in telling Sakshi everything? Why was this remarriage even taking place? Is her life nothing but a character in a play their parent’s and her husband was orchestrating.

Wait, was she the only character whose strings were attached to everyone around her?

She looked down at the rag doll in her hand, the doll never knew when she was dressed up and decked like a bride. Still clutching the doll Arjun first gave her, she stared at the mirror to find the startling resemblance between the doll and herself.

Was she nothing but a kathputli?

....

Next Part

A/N:   

So you all must have guessed that this is a filler update. Most of you would argue that Arjun shoud've been more brutal or etc, or even more older than Sakshi. Well firstly this is a fiction so do take it with a pinch of salt and secondly, there is a completely different reason why Arjun is of similar age. Thirdly, Arjun's and Sakshi's dynamics have been completely different out here. If you notice the other couples such as Sakshi's parents [ Ratna and Kailash ] or her brother and sister in law [ Aasha and Baldev ] you'll realise that they are the usual side effects of child marriage. So yeah, hope this answers all your queries! Also... hope you know what's coming next! Looking forward to your views... also, Rajasthani's, please expemt me for my poor tone of trying to hold on to the dialect!