Jaatishwar (5 & 6)

Hello my dear friends, I am back with a double update for Jaatishwar. One of the most difficult updates of my life and I myself cried like anything while typing this out. Just a little warning for kiddos as this one is a highly intense sequence. Get ready for blushes and tears! Really looking forward to your responses!

Love,

You know who.

CHAPTER 5

Shaakhi had her eyes trained on the door, waiting with a bated breath for Arjun to step in their room. She toyed a little with the shiuli petals on a sturdy cot and breathed in their heady fragrance.

Chewing her bottom lip nervously, Shaakhi stared at her fingertips dyed red with alta and blushed. It was too good to be true. Touching her partition gently, she smiled as she felt the powdery sindoor.

She wasn’t jewelled as a bride for they had none to offer; her hands were encased in delicate jasmine bangles and her neck was adorned by a mala of flowers. And to be honest, she felt like the most beautiful women when Arjun had laid his eyes on her.

She pressed a palm close to her bosom, her heart beating frantically against her ribs. Swearing as her anxiety got the better of her, Shaakhi wrapped her arms around her knees and sat on the mat.

Waiting for her husband to come.

---

Arjun gnashed his teeth angrily as his rowdy bunch of friends didn’t let him go to his room. “Dada, akta toh jinish bol. Ak shopta tei boudi ke khuje, bhalobeshe abar biye o korli! Bol toh re bondhu ei bapar holo kikore?” (Brother pray tell me! Within a week’s time you found our sister [in-law], fell in love with and married her! How did you manage this miracle my friend?)

“Bondhu bondhu, ei oi chokra chilo je bolechilen…” (My friends! This happened to be the same lad who said) Sameer cleared his throat and gazed at everyone with a furious glare, imitating his newly married friend - Arjun.

“Aei mey shey amar kono kajer na.  Juddho te jabo ba fajlami korbo?”  (I don’t want to busy myself with these women. Should I fight to save our land or just roll in the hay for no reason?)Sameer wiggled his eyebrows in a perfect mimicry and earned the praise of his fellow friends.

“Kintu daran, bapar toh ekhane shesh hoini. Tar porer din e ami ki dekhi? Ami ki emni bollam boner jonno kapor an, amar bondhu toh shotti kore bajar e giye shob kichu kine anlo!.” (But wait my dear friends, this story has just begun! What do I see after his famous proclamation? This man had bought the entire bazaar for a woman, just because I merely suggested the idea!)  Sameer ducked from Arjun’s blow and laughed.

“Jei log tar muk theke shaala beroto, shei hotath kore… o go, shuncho hoigalo re! Bodhu ke? Amader bon ba Arjunda? Oh maa!” (The men who was very famous for his lingual expertise in slang, suddenly became the timid caller to his beloved! I wonder who’s the wife? Our brother, Arjun or our darling sister Shaa… oh heavens! Ouch!)  Sameer yelped as Arjun playfully slapped him.

“Hoi geiche toder faltugiri, toder haath theke toh akta mey obdi shamlaina. Ami ki biye kore fellam, toder ga kano jolche?”  (Are you done being a pest and an idiot! You nitwits can barely handle a woman! Just because I finally married one, that too an excellent one, do I smell something burnt from your ar**s) Arjun twisted Sameer’s ears and others chuckled at him.

“Akhon jokhon Mahadeb Parvati ke biye na kore thakte parini, ami toh akta  chaposha manush.”  (Even our Lord Mahadev couldn’t help but marry his beloved consort Parvati, who am I not to marry my dearest Shaakhi?) Arjun winked while the other hooted at his comment.

“Jamai babu…”   Arjun chuckled as Hussain struggled with his mini dhuti yet send a cheeky smile to Arjun. “Bolo shala amar, ki korbo ami apnar jonno?” (Tell me brother, how may I serve you?)  Hussain yawned as Arjun picked him up in his arms. “Ghunnu pacche…”  (I am sleepy.)  The rest of the men laughed as Arjun hugged his adorable brother in law.

“Chol, toke akta jompesh golpo shunie, patak se shui debo.”  (C’mon buddy, with a story and a good tuck I’ll set you off to bed.)  Sameer tried to take a sleepy Hussain from Arjun’s arms. Kicking Sameer away, Hussain bent his head on Arjun’s should, least bothered of his dhuti to have slipped off completely.

“Didi’r kache shubo.” (I want to be with my sister.)  Hussain pouted and Arjun’s eyes widened. “Galo, phool shojja’r raat e akhon tora Thakuma Jhuli shuna!” (For the first time in history will a couple spend their first night reading out Old Grandma’s tales instead of…)  Sameer laughed while Arjun glared at him.

“Cholo, aajke apnar didi ar jamai babu’r shate ghunu ghunu koro.”  (No issues, now come on pumpkin, today with us you’re going to have a good night’s res.)  Hussain wrapped his arms around Arjun’s neck and dozed off then and there.

Just as Arjun was about to go, Sameer stopped him “Dara re, shotti… mojok na kore tui shotti boro hoi geli. Kono raag obhimaan na kore ei chutku ta ke niye jacchish?” (Wait a minute, I mean truly… keeping jokes apart. Don’t you have any anger over the fact that your little brother in law is standing as a prick on your wedding night?)

“Phool shojja shudu oi shob hoina Shomi, bhalobashar’s shate shate oke ar or logderke amar nijer mone kore apnano. Ei kotha toh ami oke shaat paakhe diyechilam na?”   (First night isn’t about physical copulation Sameer. It’s about understanding and acceptance. Over that I had promised Shaakhi that her life is mine, so her brother is mine. )

“Bujhlam diggoj, akhon baccha ta ke amake de. Jani tui mohaan, kintu ei raat shudu ar shudu tor ar boner. Ei chutku ram ta ke ami shamlabo, ak du bochor ei moddhe ei Shomi kaka ke to aro choto choto Arjun ar Shaakhi ke toh shamlatei hobe!”  (I under o wise one! Now hand over the baby to me. I know you are a self sacrificing hero, but this night is just for you and my sister. I’ll handle this little munchkin, anyways within a year or two I would have to prepare myself in handling your tiny tots.) Arjun chuckled at Sameer’s joke and smiled.

“Ki bolchish!”  (What are you saying!)

“Dada, jodi tui akhon na jas tahole shotti kore amar kaka huwar shopno te jol pheledebi!” (Brother, if you don’t leave now then really my dreams of becoming an uncle would remain just as empty!)  Sameer whispered and went to his room, carrying Hussain in his arms.

“Chol bhai, akhon theke kaka howa shuru.”  (C’mon tiny one, let me get prepared to be an uncle.) Sameer thought.

---

Finally Arjun made it to his bedroom. His heart thudded with a strange anticipation and excitement. A small smile lit up his lips as he recalled Shaakhi, her sight had stole his senses.

Clad in a red taater saree, jewelled in nothing but flowers… Arjun had hopelessly fallen in love with the nymph. There were so many things he wanted to do for her. Hold her, kiss her, love her, praise her, sing for her, touch her, tease her… they all made to his list for tonight.

But all he wanted to do was worship her and take in her presence, nothing else.

With a nervous smile on his face, he opened the door and entered his room.

Arjun lost his heart, once again.

There wasn’t anything much in the room, except a large cot and a large grilled window. Since it was a cloudy night,   there barely was any moonlight streaming in. The room bathed in soft glows of light as a lantern lay near the cot and the other was hung at the corner of the room.

And in center lay Shaakhi, huddled on a bed of shiuli phool.

---

Shaakhi’s heart skipped a beat as she watched the silhouette of his lean frame on the door. She absentmindedly clutched the flowers and closed her eyes as he settled next to her. Her lungs expanded as she took in his essence, musky and exotic.

So masculine.

Her cheeks burned at her trail of thoughts and she waited for Arjun to take the first step.

To say something.

Arjun removed the garland from his neck and looked at her anxious form. He frowned and thought that he needed to reassure that nothing would happen, unless she wished otherwise.

They were enveloped in a sweet agonizing silence, with Arjun staring at his bride every now and then and with Shaakhi staring at her groom, every now and then.

Arjun let out a little chuckle on her silence and proceeded to shift slightly towards her. Shaakhi responded with a shy smile and a soft sigh.

A little idea lit in his head, and without saying another word Arjun flopped himself to bed and dozed off.

Shaakhi looked in surprise and lifted her veil to see her husband of few hours actually snoring to his glory! “Oh maa! Ei ki!” (Oh Lord! What’s this!)  She thought and contemplated whether to call him or not.

And if she succeeds in waking him up then what should she say, why did she wake him up?

Giggling at herself, she gently patted his head, completely unaware of his little prank.

Brushing a few locks of hair away from his forehead she said “Ghapti diye ghumie porle?  Thoke gacho.” (Did you just doze off like that? You must have got tired, isn’t it?)

“Ami khub bhalobashi tomake. Shukhe thako. Kotha dicchi, duniyar shob ador tomar jonno. Konodin tomar muk theke hashi ta jete debona.”  (I… I love you a lot. I just want you to be happy. I promise that every happiness in this world is in your name, I would never let that smile disappear from your face, ever.)

“Aar ami jokhon jege chilam ei shob mishti kotha kano boloni?”  (Why weren’t I graced with such sweet words when I was awake?) Arjun opened his eyes and crossed his arms beneath his head, chuckling at her shocked reaction.

“Natok korchile! Cholo jao, ami natokbaaj e shate kotha bolina.” (You were acting! Off! I don’t speak with those who feign themselves!)  Shaakhi turned aside and pressed her lips to stop the little smile forming between them.

“Ei ki, biyer ak din o hoini ar amar ginni tej uthe gache? Bhaba uchit chilo biyer age, theek bolchilo Shomi.”  (What’s this! Barely has the sun risen from the day of our marriage and you’ve shown your temper! Sameer was right, I should have thought before having gotten married!) Arjun whispered near Shaakhi’s ear and got a slap on his shoulder as a reply.

“Kono jatra te kano chole jaona? Aar Shomi da ke machkhane tenona, bhaloi dada o. Ar ki bolche, ami tej dakhachi!”  (Can’t you realise the theatre is in deep need of you! And don’t bring Sameer into this, he’s a sweet brother of mine. Wait a minute, what were you saying? I have a temper!)   Her wide eyes, flaring nostrils and red cheeks made Arjun laugh.

“Ginni ki hoi geichi, ei shob bolar ki konno odhikaar nei?” (Now that I have become your wife, don’t I have the right to say anything to you?)  She pouted and placed her chin on her knee. Laughing, Arjun pulled her into his arms and tipped her chin up.

As his eyes met her kohled ones, he smiled “Shobkichu’r odhikaar ache. Amake  ja icche chao bolte paro, jokhon icche hoi dekhte paro aar jokhon mon chai, amake sporsho korte paro.”  (Oh dear, you have the right to everything. You say whatever you want to me, see whenever and whichever state I am in, and if you wish, you can me wherever you want.) Shaakhi blushed and averted her gaze.

Arjun mused at the several shades of red passing through her face and brought her closer. She lay on his lap, his right arm curled over back protectively. He cupped her cheek and brought her face closer to his. Touching his forehead to hers, he whispered “Tomar shob odhikaar ache, amar upore, amar jibon er upore.  Tumi ja chao, thik otai hobe.”  (You have all the rights on me and my life. Whatever you want, I’ll give you that.)

Shaakhi realised what he asked for silently, her permission. Her skin blazed with desire yet her eyes were downcast with shame, she couldn’t look into his eyes and just ask for it!

To make matters worse for her, her husband tucked a finger under her chin and prodded her to look at him.

“Bolo… ki chao?”  (Tell me, what do you want?) His lips brushed against her ear in a caress and Shaakhi held on to his arm for her dear life.

The air sizzled under his sensuous touch and she felt bare under his gaze. Arjun smiled at his bashful wife, she lay so delectable and adorable in his arms. His eyebrows rose a little as she tried to avoid meeting his eyes, looking here and there.

Even though the urge to succumb to his passions shot through his body, her care and wishes would remain first.

No matter what.

“Jodi tomar oshoshti lag…”  (If you’re feeling uncomf...)  His words remained incomplete as Shaakhi took him in a tight embrace, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

“Arjun…” she breathed into his ear, her eyes flickered in anticipation.

With her arms tightly bound around him and not having to meet his eyes, she used all the courage she had and mumbled “Ami… chai…  tomake chai.”  (I w… want… want you, just you.)  Unable to say more she pressed her lips against his shoulder and closed her eyes shut.

Arjun smiled and groaned at the same time as her lips touched his skin. Cradling her head, he gently shifted her from his lap and placed her flat on the cot.

“Ami tomake bhalobashi.”  (I love you.) Arjun whispered as he tugged off the flowers from her bun and let her hair cascade down. He ran his fingers through the rich dark brown hair, humming a tune to himself.

Placing a tentative kiss to her forehead, he gently wiped the chondon*  above her eyebrows. Using his wrist he smudged the teep**, a dull red spread across her forehead. Kissing her temples, he cupped her cheek and wiped off slight bits of her makeup… seeking her face beyond the dust of sandalwood, kohl and sindoor.

* sandalwood paste

** bindi / a red dot placed in between the eyebrows, often out of vermillion.

Shaakhi felt a tight knot in her stomach as Arjun spent quite time in peppering her face with butterfly kisses. His mouth met hers as his hands wandered away.

A soft moan escaped her lips as he pressed a kiss right next to her throbbing pulse, followed by a sweet sting from his teeth.

As he reached for the edge of her achol*, Shaakhi shied away.

* end of the saree cloth, the part draped over the shoulder.

What followed suit was a tantalizing dance, his young bride would shy away to the corners of the cot as he revealed inch by inch of her golden skin. Her eyes fluttered shut and she bit her lips in sweet agony as she felt him without a stitch of cloth.

Just the way nature had intended them to be.

When he touched and latched onto her where her heart lay, a shock shot up her spine and she turned right around.

She didn’t mind his touch but was hesitant for the lantern nearby. Nuzzling her neck for her adorability, he dimmed the lantern and went back to feast his delicious little wife.

Gasps were exchanged, touches became daring. His hand left a scorching imprint as he fondled her in the most intimate of places.

His sinful mouth left a Shaakhi blushing till her toes as he explored her further, her hands too making a daring touch here and there.

Shaakhi arched as Arjun played with the waist chain, his fingers tracing the chain. It was a secret fantasy, he had always envisioned how would a little gold enclasp her delicate little frame.

And her to be dressed only in that.

A sigh left his mouth as the chain rode low on her hips, his lips soon followed the path of his fingers. He grinned slightly as thousands of goosebumps broke through her body.

Deciding to act according to his fetish, he left the chain on her.

He wiped the little tears of pleasure from her eyes and sang softly “Ei tumi kamon tumi chokher tarai aina dhoro? Ei kamon kanna tumi amai jokhon ador koro…”  (How do you hold a mirror in your eyes? What are these tears when you’re loving me?)

Her eyes fluttered open and she lay dazed before her husband, his melodious voice rang out in her ears and she felt a gush of warmth as he sang softly to her.

However, he needed to wait before the culmination they pined for.

She was too new to this and he didn’t want to shock her.

Crawling back to her, he laid his head on her bosom and hugged her possessively.

Shaakhi was still in the pleasure of the heavens on having received the most intimate of caresses when the hug caused a deep stir in her soul.

Panting for slight breath, she raised a limp hand and caressed his head “Ki holo…” (What happened?)

“Bhoi lagche…”  (I am afraid.) He whispered while Shaakhi got up slightly, pulling him closer to herself she asked “Kano?” (Why?)

Propping up on his elbow, he looked at his wife. There was a slight sheen of sweat making her skin glisten against the pale light. Stroking her warm waist gently he said “Emni, shob kichu ato taratari… ar aage ki hobe, ke jane?”  (Just like that, everything’s happened so fast, who knows what’s in store for future?)

Shaakhi grabbed for an edge of a sheet and covered themselves as she felt the cool air nip her skin. She cupped his bristly jaw and smiled “Ami jani aage ki hobe.” (I know what will happen.)

“Shotti?” (Really?)  He raised her eyebrows in response which she nodded furiously.

Slipping a hand under her back and drawing her closer till they were skin to skin, she said “Shotti, shunbe?” (Oh yes, really. Will you hear me out?)

Arjun moved aside a few wet tendrils of her hair behind her ear and prodded her to go on.

“Toh aajke raat e shob… mane ota…”  (So tonight everything… as in that…)“Ki ta?”  (What that?) He teased while Shaakhi pushed his hand away. “Ki!”  (What?!)

“Kache thakte chaile amar kotha shunte hobe!” (If you want to stay close then hear me out!)

“Ja bolo ginni!”  (Whatever you say, wife! ) He grinned while she rolled her eyes.

“Tumi juddho te na giye potrika e mile jao. Jara pora likha, amader jamidar er moton… ooder jodi shaat pai tahole onek jinish thik hoi jabe. Aar ami tomake joto ta  shahajjo korte paari, korbo. Jara oshusto ache ba shorir kharap, ora ekhane eshe ilaaj niye jete pare. Beshi taka nibone. Amon daam lagabo jei shobai jano theek hote pare.”  Her eyes were dreamy and wide as she spoke.

(You won’t fight, instead you’ll join the press. The press has a reach with the higher classes of our society who can back us up and as well as convince the weaker sections of our society who wouldn’t listen to yelling men. And I’ll help you in whichever way I can. Probably opening an affordable clinic here.)

“Aar?”  (And?) He nudged her gently.

“Tarpore shob jokhon shesh, ei duniya teh shudu shanti… tokhon amra ghurte jabo.”  (Then when everything’s over, when peace is the only remaining thing… then we’ll go out for a vacation.) The hope glittered in her eyes and filled a sweet longing in his heart.

“Tai… kothai jete chao?”  (Really sweetheart? Where do you want to go?) He cupped her cheek and asked.

“Darjeeling e. Thanda thanda pahar er machkhane amra…”  (Darjeeling. Between the biting cold of the mountains we’ll...) A childish grin formed on her lush lips.

“Ak chador e mesha meshi korbo. Baire thanda borof ar bethore…”  (be wrapped up in a single sheet with nothing in between us. On the outside there will be the cold of nature and inside there will be the heat…)  Shaakhi was stunned at the wolfish smirk he bore, before she could say he began to kiss and grope her playfully.

“Arjun! Ar… umm… hmmm…. uff darao! Jokhoni chau shuru hoi jao!  Tomar mathae Darjeeling shune shudu etai jacche ki! Chee…”  (Arjun! Ar… oh… oh… yes… oh love yes…. oh… oh wait! You just start off at any moment! Is this your first thought on hearing Darjeeling?Eww... )  Shaakhi tried to hold a tight control of her senses which seemed to spiral out any moment.

“Chee! Darao tumi…”  (Eww?! Oh you wait little lady...)  He challenged Shaakhi and her eyes shut, hoping that he would skip to prove her anything.

“Haha… Arr… r… j…”  (Haha! Ar… a…. oh… umm… ) Shaakhi laughed as his hands tickled her but when his dear mouth began to kiss right where her body seemed to depend upon, a desperate moan left her mouth.

For the next few minutes Arjun gently loved his wife while  she shivered against his touch.

Gaining her senses, she placed her head on his chest and randomly trailed her fingertips on his skin. “Kothai chilam?”  (Where were we?)  She asked.

“Chador er mach…”  (In between the she...) He swept a hand beneath to get pushed by her.

“Dhat! Dushtu…”  (Off you naughty one!) She chided him and proceeded to remove a few flowers from her hair.

“Mani ami kothai chilam? Tomar b…”   (Oh you meant where was I? On your b...) Her eyes widened and her fingers stilled, without a second’s delay she clamped her hand over his mouth.

“Eesh! Tumio na, pal pal e amon dushtu hoi jaccho!”  (Oh Lord! You are becoming bawdier by the second!)  She turned aside and curled into a little ball while Arjun hugged her from behind.

“Acha re baba! Amra Darjeeling e chilam.” (Alright alright… we were in Darjeeling.)  Shaakhi took his little apology and played with the long hard fingers of his hand. She turned aside to meet his eyes and an animated glint shone those brilliant orbs.

“Haan, toh pahar er machkhane akta chotto bari te thakbo. Okhane ami ar tumi mile amader shonshaar boshabo. Tumi kaaj korbe, amio ektu kaaj korbo. Shuncho, oi je du tola bari golo hoi na. Upore teente ghor aar neeche  ranna’r jayga, khawar jayega, boshar jayega aar akta chotto kaajer jayega. Bolchi ki, akta choto bagaan o hobe. Amader neejer phol hobe.  Aar haan, baranda tei kapor shukanor jayega aar duto diwan, boshar jonno.  Tahole raatir e…”

(Yes! So in between the mountains we’ll have this little cottage. In fact, that’s where we’ll start our new life. You’ll be at office and I’ll do my little job. You know, we’ll have a little bungalow to ourselves.Three rooms on the first floor while the ground floor has the usual living room, kitchen, dining hall, an office. If you wish as well, maybe we can have a little garden to ourselves? We’ll grow our own flowers! And yes! A nice balcony to dry our clothes on one end and set up a diwan on the other end, to lounge on. You see, then at night we can…)

Shaakhi sighed and stared in an unfocused gaze, her cheeks glowing with happiness.

“Raatir e, amra akta diwan e akshate boshe thakbo, akdom kache  aar taara golo dekhbo.” Arjun pecked her forehead and she giggled.

(We can cuddle up against each other and watch the stars.)

“Hihi… shotti.”

(Hihi, true.)

Arjun tapped her button nose in response and then frowned as a thought struck him “Accha… amader teente ghor kano dorkar?”

(Okay, but why do we need three rooms?)

Shaakhi settled her head on his bicep and began to describe “Akta hobe amader, arekta hobe jekhane bhogobaan er staan hobe. Tomar bhogobaan er murti aar amder Quran. Joto golo boi patra, kaajer jinish, shob bhogobaan er shatei hobe. Ki bolo?”

(One will be our room, the other will be where we’ll keep our little temple, your God’s idol and the Holy Quran. All our books and main office will be there along with the temple, what do you say?)

The little imaginary house seemed brilliant to Arjun “Darun, kintu arekta ghor kano?”

(Wonderful, but why do we have a third room?)

She shyly said “Amader…”

(For our…)

Having caught a hint to what she meant, he teased her further “Amader?”

(Our?)

Burying her face in his chest she whispered “Baccha’r jonno.”

(Our kids.)

Arjun mumbled against her hair“Koto golo baccha chao?”  She mumbled“Teente, duto mei ar akta chele.”

(How many kids do you wish to have?)  (Three, two girls and one boy.)

He seemed to think for a while and replied “Na, ami chaatte chai, duto chele, duto mei.”

(Nope, I want four. Two boys and two girls.)

Shaakhi got up abruptly and turned a bright red “Chaatte!”

(Four!)

“Mojak korchi, ami duto chai. Kartik er moton chele aar Saraswati’r moton mei.”  Arjun smiled and pulled her back to him. (Just kidding sweetheart! Honestly I want two, one to be as talented and handsome as the Lord Kartik and the other to be nothing short of the Goddess of Wisdom.)

“Haan… etao theek.  Kintu khobordaar jodi beshi alladi dau!” She warned him. (Yes, that does sound wonderful but dare you spoil them rotten!)

“Mei ta toh amar praaner chaite kom hobena.” Arjun said in his defence. (I can’t do anything about our daughter, she’ll be my precious one.)

“Kano? Amar cheler ki galo?” Shaakhi feigned hurt. (Why what’s wrong with our son?)

“Mei ta jodi tomar moton hoi Shaakhi, tahole amar shobkichu hoi jabe na?”  (If our daughter ends up being just like you… then won’t she be a replica of my universe?)Arjun kissed her cheek while Shaakhi just melted into his arms, giving him every bit of her love.

“Haan, tokhon obdi tomar bishal boro bhuri hoi jabe, mei’r ador nei kaaj chalao.” (Oh yes, then you’ll have a huge pot belly and only your daughter will be able to love you.)  She joked while his eyes went wide with shock “Ki bolle? Bhuri, aar amar!” (Me and having a potbelly!)

Shaakhi paused to giggle and added, “Ami je roj din barite allu dom, kosha mangsho, aloo posto,  dimer dhokkar dalna, malai chingri, ilish maacher jhol, aloo chochori ba shukto je banaboi!”  (Of course, with me cooking up allu dom, kosha mangsho, aloo posto,  dimer dhokkar dalna, malai chingri, ilish maacher jhol, aloo chochori or shukto , I don’t see how you can escape that!)

“Amar Annapurna, bhuri kikore hobe? Ami roj din doura dori korbo. Ar jodi akta jinish bhabte hoi, eta ki shotti hobe? Rannar ghore ami tomar haater ato bhalo khabar…”  (Oh my Goddess of Food, I won’t let the fat remain on my stomach, I’ll exercise! But jokes apart… will it be true, my wife cooking for me such wonderful dishes?) Arjun smiled while Shaakhi stopped him from becoming too sentimental.

“Kano na? Tar shate luchi ba bhaat.  Ar cholar dal! Mishtio banabo. Ar jokhon tumi ghor e ferot ashbe, aam er shomai aam pora shorbot to deboi.”  (Why not? And with that I’ll serve luchi or rice. And even cholar dal!  Sweets not to be forgotten either! And when you’ll return from office, I shall serve you mango sherbet.)  She clapped her hands in joy while Arjun suddenly interrupted her “Kintu akta kotha acche.” (But I have a condition to eat your food.)

“Ki?” (What?)

“Tumi roj din amake khawabe.”  (You’ll feed me, daily.)  He winked at her, reminding her of how she fed him two days ago.

With a bright rush of crimson on her cheeks, she managed to say “Theek ache.”  (I will.)

“Tarpore?” (Then?)

“Tarpore ghor e eshe, tomake khawar pore ami ak din bollam je amar petu te akta chotto baccha ache. Khushi tei amader shonshaar bhore jabe. Roj diner moton, shonde te cha khabo, bhogoban er pujo korbo. Tumi kaaj shesh korbe aar ami ghor…” She rattled off when he interrupted her again. “Kajer lok ke rakhbo, tumi amar kaajer amake shahajjo korbe. Jodi ami teen ghorer akta bishal boro bari kinte pari, ami ki amar ginni diye kaaj korabo? Dakho, akta hoi ki kajer lok rakhbo ba amio tomar shate ghor puchbo.”

(Then? One fine day I’ll tell you that I have our gift of love in my tummy, and the happiness will be beyond everything that we can imagine. Like every evening we’ll treat ourselves to tea, then head for our evening prayers. You will finish off your pending work and I’ll clean the hou…)

(I’ll keep a servant, surely I can afford that if I can afford such a beautiful house. I will never make you work my dear wife. And you see, either there’s a servant or I’ll help you in cleaning the house.)

“Bhalobashi tomake, prochondo.  Ar tarpore tumi dood khabe, shada kurta pajama porbe aar arekbaar chaan korenebe. Amio halka shari porenebo, aar amra ghumote chole jabo.”

(I love you more than I can ever explain. Truly. So, after all that you’ll drink a class of milk, dress in your nightwear and take a quick shower before you end up to bed. Even I’ll change and then we’ll go to sleep.)

Shaakhi grew emotional and placed a tender hand on his cheek.

“Na na… amra jodi roj din ghumote chole jai toh amader baccha kikore ashbe?”  (No no missus, if we just sleep off everyday, then how will our little babies ever make an appearance?) Arjun winked at a bright red Shaakhi.

“Eesh!”

“Kintu shotti kotha bolte gele, eta ki amader jogot hobe? Ami tumi aar amader chotto duto Abir ar  Sati.”   (But honestly, will this be our wonderful world? You, I and our little Abir and Sati?) Arjun placed his hand on her stomach, wishing to see it swell with their children. The very vision of her ripe with his child made him the happiest man on the planet.

“Abir ar Sati!” She asked. (Abir and Sati?)

“Kamon laglo naam golo? Dak naam etai hok.” (Why… didn’t you like the names? These can be the pet ones.)

“Khub shundor… Haan, aar bhalo naam hote pare Abhimanyu ar Mahamaya.” (Beautiful, love. And yes, their good names can be Abhimanyu and Mahamaya.)

“Shundor!” (Beautiful)

“Ar tar pore, ak din tomar kole te more jabo.”  (And then, one day I’ll die in your arms)

“KHOBORDAR!”  (How dare you!) Arjun barked at her and hugged her tight, the sight of his dear wife dying before him shook him to his core. “Arrey boishko…”  (I meant when I’ll turn old…) “Morar kotha bolona…” (Just don’t talk about death.)  Arjun cried out

“Konodin na… maaf kore dao.”  (Never, forgive me my love)

Her answer was met by an urgent kiss and an intimate meet of their skins. Wrapping her legs around his waist, he pressed a heart melting kiss at the corner of her mouth “Bhorosha koro?” (Trust me?)

“Amar jibon er shate.” She panted and locked her arms around his neck. (With my life)

~*~

CHAPTER 6

Just as he was about to thrust a frantic knock on the door shocked the duo. Arjun immediately pulled Shaakhi to his chest and waited;

“ARJUNDA! BOUDI!” (Arjun! Sister [in-law])One of his friend’s frantic voice came from the other end of the door.

Arjun and Shaakhi quickly slipped into their clothes. “Oh Maa…”   (Oh God!) Shaakhi prayed, her instinct warning her of her future.

Grabbing a lantern, Arjun opened the door and his eyes popped in horror as his friend looked like as if he came from hell.

“Firingee, hamala korche. Tora bero… amrao shobai fatafati berocchi.”  (The British have attacked, we are leaving as soon as possible.) Harihar said.

And before either could  say anything, a bullet whizzed past and struck Harihar right into his head. Shaakhi and Arjun cried out in horror.

“There’s that man!” A British soldier screamt and guns were pointed at Arjun and Shaakhi.

Arjun banged the door shut and looked around frantically. After bolting it with the cot, Arjun ran towards the grill.  

Fear and anxiety clogged into her hearts as they heard the door being banged. Tears started pouring down Shaakhi’s eyes as Arjun furiously tried to break the wooden grill. “Cholo!” (Let’s go!)

A scared Shaakhi held on to Arjun with her life as they ran.

Arjun’s heart cried out on her fear and he held her as close as possible “Ssh… ami achi na? Kichu hobe na Shaakhi, kichu hobe na.”  (I’m here love, aren’t I? Nothing will happen Shaakhi, nothing will happen)

“Aar ami kichu hote debona.”  He vowed and ran to the jungles along with her. (And I won’t let anything happen to you.)

They ran for what seemed like eternity.

Terror ran through his veins as Arjun held on to Shaakhi “Thoke gacho? Kono chinta korona… ami achi, shob thik hoi jabe.” He panted. (Are you tired? Don’t worry love, I am there… everything will be fine)

Shaakhi passed a weary smile to him “Tumi chinta korona, ami akdom theek achi.”  (Don’t worry about me, I am perfect.)

The sound of hooves broke their trail of thoughts.

“Ghora…” Arjun gasped and sprinted into a faster run with Shaakhi. (Horses!)

“Arjun, tumi chaile amader kash theke bachte parbena. STOP I SAY!” An officer barked. (Arjun, even if you want you can’t escape from us. STOP I SAY!)

Shaakhi began to cry and run faster, holding on to his arm she continuously prayed. Tears poured out of Arjun’s eyes as he himself knew that he had no escape routes. They were severely outnumbered.

“Kadishna, ami toke kichu hote dibona. Amra beche jabo.” He  put up a brave smile and clung harder to his wife. He spotted a gap in a tree trunk and pulled her into it. (Don’t cry honey, I won’t let anything happen to you. We will survive this.)

Shaakhi grabbed onto Arjun and shook violently. “Arjun, ami tomar shate bachtechai. Ei shob kano  hocche, aajke kano hochche.” (Arjun, I want to live with you. Why is this happening, why today of all the days!)  She whispered while Arjun pulled her to his chest “Ami janina, amio shudu bachtechai, tomar khuda’r theke ektu rehem chai.”  (I don’t know baby, even I just want to live. Ask your God to have mercy on us.)

“Na na, kichu hobena… ei shokal toh hote choleche, kichu hobena. Na, kichu hobena.” Shaakhi mumbled and hugged him tighter. (No no my dear, nothing will happen. The morning will bring in new hope. Nothing will happen, no… nothing will happen)

But nature was against them. As dawn broke, the light filtered through the jungle and highlighted where they were.

Arjun and Shaakhi clung on to each other, tighter in fear as they heard the hooves stop near the tree they were in.

“Kichu hobena, ami achi toh.”  (Nothing will happen baby, I am here.) Arjun patted a terrified Shaakhi when he himself knew that his fate was sealed as he found the soldiers staring back at him.

“Beriye asho, chupie lab nei.” (Come out, there’s no point hiding.)  The officer snapped as Arjun tried to huddle himself more into the trunk, cradling Shaakhi closer to himself.

Her body shook in fear as her head snapped up to find the British soldiers mocking them. What hurt her more was that only the commander was an Englishman, the rest were Indians.

“Tor bou ke na dekhe toke guli mere debo, sheta tor bou ke laguk ba toke, chee chee… jei din biye, shei din mritu!”  (We will shoot without considering that your wife is near you, it can injure your wife as well. Sad story, dying on the day of your wedding eh?) One of the soldiers laughed as they spotted the desgined kurta and the bridal red saree. Shaakhi looked at them with frightened eyes.

“Doya koro… eke bachtedao. Kano marte chao? Doya koro… amar jibon e or chara ar kyo nei. Ami tomader paae porchi.”  (Have mercy, let him live. Why do you want to kill us. Have mercy… he’s my everything. I’ll fall on your feet if it’s necessary.)  Shaakhi pleaded as the men raised their eyebrows.

“Shaakhi, kotha bolishna oder shate. Tomar kichu hobena.”  (Shaakhi, don’t speak with them. Nothing will happen to you, love.)  Arjun tucked Shaakhi closer to them while the men laughed.

“Tsk tsk, Arjun ke toh ei revolution aanar aage bhaba ochit chilo, akhon bero!”   (Tsk tsk, Arjun shouldn’t have thought about the revolution then, COME OUT!) They barked and dragged Shaakhi and Arjun out of the hole.

“Oke cheredao! Revolution toh ami ene chilam… o toh kichu koreni, oke dhorcho kano.”  (Please leave her alone. I am the one responsible for the revolution, my wife had no play in it. Why are you holding her?) Arjun shouted as they dragged Shaakhi. His answer was his heat being hit by the back of a gun.

“Arjun!”  Shaakhi screamed and tried to wriggle out of a soldier’s grasp. Arjun managed a weak smile in spite of blood trickling down his cheek.

“Theek acche, tor bou ke jel khanae dalbo. Kintu toke toh morte hobe.”  (Fine them, your wife will just be in jail but you.. you have to die.)  The commander said.

“Na… ami tomar pae porchi… amar Arjun ke doyo koro. Oke maarona,  ami bachte parbona. Apnar ki chai bolo? Or jibon ta bokshish koro.”  (No! Please, I beg of you, I’ll fall on your feet. Please spare my Arjun! Don’t kill him, I won’t be able to live without him. What do you want? I’ll give you whatever’s necessary… just spare his life.)  Shaakhi fell to the commander’s feet and pleaded for his life.

“Shaakhi chaar!”  (Shaakhi leave him!) Arjun yelled as he was beaten up again and again.

“Arjun! Mar dhor ta bondo koro… doya koro…” (Oh Arjun! [turning towards the commander] Please stop beating him… please spare him!)  Shaakhi cried and tried to run towards Arjun who was getting relentlessly beaten by the men.

Shaakhi got kicked by the commander and Arjun watched helplessly as he tried to reach out to her.

“DEKHTE PARCHONA!  TOMRAO TOH SHOB BANGALI, NIJER LOK KE KIKORE MARCHO! DOYA KORO!”  (CAN’T YOU SEE! YOU’RE JUST AS BENGALI AS HIM! HOW CAN YOU KILL YOUR OWN PEOPLE! PLEASE HAVE SOME MERCY!) Shaakhi screamed and ran to her bleeding Arjun.

“Arjun, ami acchi… kichu hote debona.” (Arjun, my love, I won’t let anything happen to you.) Shaakhi cried at his swollen face. The commander rolled his eyes and removed his gun.

“Tt… t… tomake bb… bhalobashi.”  (I ll… love.. you.)Arjun whispered and groaned in pain.

“Ami acchi toh… tumi jano na ota? Tomar Shaakhi acche ekhane.”  (I’m here baby, don’t you know that? Your Shaakhi is here.) Shaakhi tried to wipe the blood oozing from the corner of his mouth when three gunshots rang in the air.

“ARJUN!” Shaakhi cried in hoarse disbelief as before her eyes three bullets pierced in his chest. A cry from his mouth ripped out and he held Shaakhi’s arm in agony.

“Ssh… sh…” He tried to call out to her but coughed up blood. Shaakhi stared at him in disbelief and looked at the men “EI KI KORLE? OR KACHE KONO GULIO CHILO NA! AMAR DIKE KI TAKACHCHO… DOYA KORO… KONO DACTAR, EKE BACHAO…. DOYA KORO.”  (WHAT DID YOU DO! HE WASN’T EVEN ARMED! WHY ARE YOU STARING AT ME! HAVE SOME MERCY… PLEASE SAVE MY HUSBAND, HAVE SOME MERCY!)  Shaakhi screamed but none took a step.

“Arjun darao, ami acchi… ami tomake theek korbo.”  (Arjun wait, I am here… I’ll make you alright.)  Shaakhi cried in desperation and kissed his forehead. “Dariye acho kano? Bachao na eke… ja danda dite chau dau…kintu bachao na eke.”  (Why are you standing? Please save him… punish him as much as you want, but at least save him.) She begged but none came forward. They just stared at a man dying on his wife’s lap.

Arjun forbid her to ask and held her hands. Pain ripped his heart, he wanted to live. His dreams of their children, their life… all blurred before his eyes.

“Arjun… Arjun tumi jete parona. Arrey amar shopnor ki holo? Haan? Darjeeling e amader bari hobena? Pahar e pashe! Arjun… ami toh tomake ranna kore khawabo, shuncho tumi. Ei! Chok bondo korono! Shono na, amader baccha… Kartik er moton chele, Saraswati’r moton mey… ei shopna ta sarkar kikore hobe? Ei… chok bondo korono… Arjun, tumi chara ami kikore bachbo? Akhon toh koto kichu baaki acche… amader phool shojja ta toh pooro holona… amader ghor kena holona. Arrey, ami biyer pore kichu khawayni toh tomake.  Shoddo shoddo toh biye hoiche Arjun. Arjun chok bondo korona… ami nishaash nite parbona, Arjun takao amar dike. Dakho Arjun!”  Shaakhi sobbed and held his teary face in her hands.

(Arjun… my love, you can’t leave me. What will happen to my dreams? Who will fulfill it? Are you forgetting the life we created? Won’t we have our house in Darjeeling? Right next to this hills! Arjun, wake up love! I will need to feed you… are you hearing me? Hey! Don’t close your eyes… listen to me my love! Our kids… as handsome as the Lord Karthik and as beautiful as the Goddess Saraswati! We have to fulfill this dream, don’t we? We have so much more to do! We didn’t even complete our wedding night! Our house hasn’t been bought yet. I didn’t even cook a meal for you after our wedding. Arjun, it has even been a night since our wedding… Arjun! Don’t close your eyes baby. Arjun I won’t be able to breath! Arjun, love! Look at me… look at me Arjun!)

“Kh… khoma…”   (For… forgive me… ) Arjun gasped for air and held on to his wife. Where was the lord? Which woman was to be bestowed with a fate to be a widow on her wedding attire? He half smiled as he took in his wife for the last time. The vermillion on the partition of her hair was still a bright red. Her forehead was still reddish and creamy from the shidurer teep and chondon. The passion of last night teased his dying body to make a last effort to live.

He looked in helplessness as Shaakhi cried for help in sheer desperation.

He knew the men would watch over them until he died.

He needed to get closer to his beloved right before he died, he barely tugged on to her hand that she pulled him onto her lap and kiss him, in a vague attempt to restore in life.

But life wasn’t a fairytale.

“Ei… k.. .kamon…. kanna…. j… jokh…. add… ador… ko… koro….”  (Ww.. what are… tt… these… tears… when you l… love… mm… me?) He whispered and found her howling as there were the words he sang for her during their night.

The same words.

But different situations.

Shaakhi cried harder and tugged on to her husband “TUMI…  JETE PARONA…  JAAGO TUMI…  Arjun…”  (Arjun… you CAN’T LEAVE ME!)

“ARJUN!”

A widow’s howl can stir even the coldest of hearts.

Not being able to take the emotional mess anymore, the commander shot Shaakhi in the head.

“Sir!” All the soldiers looked at him in shock, they usually didn’t kill women and children.

“Ektu beshi kaanchilo.”  (She was crying too much)The commander roughly explained and trotted off on his foot, for his horse refused to budge.

The soldiers looked in confusion as Arjun’s eyes widened in horror and desperation in being unable to save his love. His mouth oozed more blood in an attempt to wake Shaakhi.

A soft smile tugged on Shaakhi’s lips as she felt the piercing pain of death cease her body. Encased in Arjun’s arms, her vision of his worried face depleted rapidly before her.

But he couldn’t die, shouldn’t die.

Her heart cried out in foul as she saw his head, still resting on her bosom, roll slightly back and his eyes go still.

“ARJUN…” She rasped out.

---

“ARJUN!” Her eyes fluttered open but darkness was all that she was met with. Her eyes blinked repeatedly but there was nothing that she could see.

It was black, all the time.

His dying face floated before her eyes.

“ARJUN! Amar ARJUN!” (ARJUN! My ARJUN!)She screamed and got up hastily, stumbling into whatever came to her path.

She had been mourning ever since eternity. A widow by the cruelty of the lord.

Her cry brought people close to her but she refused to stop crying or give into his hushes.

Tears continued to pour from her aimless eyes as she reached out to her book, the only one which could soothe her. She felt a needle prick her arm as the people nearby tried to stabilize her panic attack.

“Arjun… amar Arjun…” She whispered and felt the song she had jotted down in her early days, the only thing that had kept her alive.

Ei tumi kamon tumi chokher tarai aina dhoro….

Ei kamon kanna tumi amay jokhon aador koro…

“Arjun…” She chanted like a mantra, her tears falling relentlessly, as the memory of him singing whirred in her head.

For twenty years she had mourned for her lover.

The only image she ever saw was his face.

The only sound she ever heard was his song.

Sakshi Anand was born on 5th September 1995.

She had met with an accident at the age of eighteen months that left her,

blind and deaf.

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