As the couples descended the mandap after the wedding, Radhika and Shraddha put on their slippers, but the grooms were still waiting for theirs. The grooms’ younger brother had enlisted Avinash and Raghuveer to help him and his cousins in protecting the grooms’ shoes in the jootha chupai rasm (shoe hiding ritual). They pulled out two bags, smiling widely at their success, but as they pulled the shoes out of the bags, their mouths dropped open and everyone began laughing. In each pair of shoes, there was one of the groom’s shoes, but the other was a fluffy, glittery, pink slipper with ‘Bride’s husband’ written on the soles and front.

Vaidehi had been the mastermind behind this prank and had gotten the slippers custom-ordered in advance. She couldn’t control the evil smile that crossed her face as she saw Radhika and Shraddha clutching their stomachs, with tears of laughter pouring down their faces, while their husbands looked torn between being embarrassed and joining everyone in the laughter. Even Raghuveer’s jaw dropped open at the sight. He was confident in their plan to protect the shoes, but it looked like they had underestimated his wife again. She turned out to be more shaatir (cunning) than anyone had expected.

Vaidehi took out the two shoes she had hidden and stepped in front of her Jijus. Maitreyi and a few of Radhika and Shraddha’s distant cousins, who had helped her, joined her. She stretched out her hand. “Paise do, aur joothe lo,” she said, eyes twinkling. Still chuckling, the grooms’ parents placed money and a gold ring in their hands, which they handed over to Vaidehi in exchange for the slippers. “Vaidu, baaki dono pink slippers kaha hain?”, Shraddha managed to ask through her laughter.

(Vaidu, where are the other two pink slippers?)

Radhika looked at her in shock. “Tune telepathy kabse seekhi? Vaidu, mujhe bhi batao.”

(Since when did you become telepathic? Vaidu, tell me too.)

“Sabr rakh, baaki slippers, aur kuch extra gifts, tum donon ke rooms mein mil jayenga.”

(Be patient, you’ll find the other slippers, and a few extra gifts, in your rooms.)

The trio cackled on cue, sending a sharp sense of fear into their husbands’ hearts. Vaidehi had also ordered matching bathrobes, eye masks, towels, and more that matched the slippers. She had a feeling her friends would make good use of them. Raghuveer leaned down to her ear, speaking only loud enough for her to hear.

“I didn’t know you could be so sinister, wife. Much as it pains me, I must congratulate you for one-upping us.” She flipped her braid over her shoulder, “Thank you, lekin aur bohot kuch cheezein hain jo aapko seekhna hain mere baare mein.”

(Thank you, but there’s a lot more you’ll have to learn about me.)

“I will thoroughly enjoy learning everything about you, darling.”

During the vidaai (send-off), she hugged her friends tightly for several minutes, strictly controlling her tears. When she finally stepped back, Shraddha complained, “Dekh Radhi, yeh ro bhi nahi rahi hain!”

(Look Radhi, she isn’t even crying!)

“Kamini, maine tumhari vidaai mein kitni royi thi? Aur tum toh ek bhi aansoon nahi baha rahi!”

(Witch, I cried so much in your vidaai! And you’re not even shedding one tear!)

“Haan, kyunki tum dono ne itne roye the ki mere hisse ki aansoon bhi cheen kar roye the, toh ab mere kuch aansoon bache hi nahi rone ke liye.”

(Yeah, because you two cried so much that you cried my share of tears, too, so now I don’t have any tears left to shed.)

“Yaar, I’m going to miss your punch dialogues.” “Haan toh tum kaha door jaa rahi ho. Waise, jijus, jab bhi aapko apni jhalli aur chuhe biwiyon se break chahiye, beshak mere paas bhej dijiye.”

(But you’re not going far away. By the way, Jijus, whenever you need a break from your crazy and timid wives, you can send them to me.)

She turned back to her friends. “Ab dekh, hafte mein kam se kam ek baar milenge hum.”

(Now see, we’ll meet at least once a week.)

They whined at her teasing but gave her and their families one last hug before departing with their husbands to their new homes. 

Arriving home, Vaidehi immediately went towards the kitchen, Raghuveer following close behind. “Chai ya coffee?”

(Chai or coffee?)

“Chai.” She nodded, tonight was a chai kind of night. The rest of the family had left the wedding earlier and were already in bed by the time Veer and Vaidehi arrived. Veer handed her the things she needed and watched her silently as she unconsciously made the chai. They sipped from the small cups, because drinking caffeine at night should be avoided as much as possible so yes, small cups, and basked in each other’s presence. She felt his contemplative gaze on her, and decided to put him out of his misery. “About your two weeks of radio silence, there’s nothing to forgive. I don’t mind if you don’t text me back, especially with your schedule and the time differences. But yes, I do forgive you for leaving without a proper word. As long as you remember from next time that it’s nice to keep your family informed about your absences, and to let them know once in a while that you’re safe.” Raghuveer felt like a child being gently scolded by his favorite teacher. Hand over heart, he replied, “Wada hain.”

(I promise.)

Raghuveer clicked the bedroom door closed behind him. “Vaidehi.” As she turned around, he hauled her close, wrapping both arms firmly around her waist as her hands landed on his chest for balance. He held her gaze, and said, “I love you.” She was still for a moment, then her eyes widened as she absorbed what he said.

“I wanted to plan something romantic, a grand gesture. Then I realized, neither you nor I are like that. After these past few weeks away from you, after today, I don’t want to waste any more time. You slowly but surely dragged me out of the rut I was in and showed me how colorful life can be. You have a heart of gold, and you care so much for our family and our loved ones. I’ve already given my heart to your safekeeping. Now, I only want that heart of gold to be mine. I love you, meri jaan, and I’m selfish enough to ask you to love me back. Do you love me?”

“I…” Veer shook his head in chagrin. “You don’t need to answer. Not now…not ever.” He leaned closer, the vulnerability shining in his unwavering gaze. “Just know, I will always love you. Only you.” Vaidehi took a step back, pushing against his chest. Veer let her go, the sheen of wetness in her eyes telling him how profound this moment was to her. Vaidehi paused, not wanting to turn away. Ab bolti kyun band ho gayi. Batao usse. Give your heart a chance. Kuch banne do iss rishte se. Blinking hard, she looked up, not hiding any of the emotions she was feeling. “Yes…always yes.”

Raghuveer didn’t her to explain more, he understood her ‘yes’ for the lifetime commitment it was. “Say it for me, love, please.” “I…I love you, Raghuveer.” Vaidehi could feel her cheeks flushing, but despite her shyness, she couldn’t take her gaze away. Raghuveer smiled boyishly before pulling her closer. Now I understand what it means to have your heart bursting with joy. Mauka par ek aur chauka maar doon? Arey lelo yaar! What is life without a bit of risk? “I have one more request, may I kiss you?” Vaidehi couldn’t answer, lost in his gaze. “Is that a no, love?” “Yes,” the whisper slipped out of her mouth. If you ask like that, always yes. Her eyes closed as he smiled wickedly, then he leaned in and kissed her. It was slow and sweet at first, sending tingles up Vaidehi’s spine.

But soon, it deepened and became more passionate until Veer finally let Vaidehi pull away, gasping for breath. If it weren’t for his arms around her, she wouldn’t have been able to stand. Her eyes stayed closed for several moments as she caught her breath, and he continued caressing his thumb across her cheek. Finally, Vaidehi opened her eyes, melting at the love and lust that was visible in Veer’s eyes. “Mujhe change karna chahiye.”

(I should change.)

He kissed the tip of her nose, then propelled her towards her closet. “Go, I’ll change, too.” Vaidehi paused in her steps, slightly turning her face toward him rather than turning around completely. “Ek aur baat, maaf toh kiya, par kal ka sawaal ka jawaab aaj doongi. Abhi bhi thodi si naraaz hoon main aapse…Aakhir, usse hi naraaz hote hain jisse pyaar karte hain.”

(One more thing, I forgave you, but today I’ll give the answer to your question yesterday. Yes, I’m still a little bit mad at you…after all, we only get mad at those we love.)  

The next morning, Vaidehi was basking in the sun on the balcony, letting it wake her up, when her husband's arms wrapped around her from behind, and he nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck. “You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to do this.” “Good morning,” she said quietly. Vaidehi still hadn’t completely registered what had happened the night before, it felt like a dream. “Good morning, wife.” He placed kisses going up her neck.

“As much as I love this, I’d love to do far more.” She was snapped out of her self-consciousness by his words. “Itni subhe aise baatein kaun karte hain?”

(You shouldn’t say such things so early in the morning.)

“Subhe hone se kya lena dena, biwi?”

(What does it matter if it’s morning, wife?)

Vaidehi simply looked at him, as if it was such an obvious thing. Realizing their position, she averted her gaze and tried to push away. “Raghuveer, chodiye. Mujhe taiyyar honi hain.”

(Raghuveer-ji, leave me. I need to get ready.)

He only pulled her closer, and she allowed herself to relax slightly into his arms. “Pehle mujhe Raghuveer mat bulao.”

(First, stop calling me Raghuveer-ji.)

“Phir kya bulao?”, she asked innocently.

(Then what should I call you?)

“Veer. Jab tum sabke saamne mujhe Veer kehke bulati ho, mujhe accha lagta hain.”

(Veer. I like it when you call me Veer in front of everyone.)

“Theek hain, Veer…ji.”

(Alright, Veer-ji.)

She wasn’t surprised when he still didn’t let her leave; he simply brought out the prankster in her. “Ji kahan se aaya beech mein, sirf Veer.”

(Why is there a ji in between, just Veer.)

“Lekin main…”

(But I…)

He pecked her lips, stopping her words, and she parted her lips slightly in surprise. “Main aisa…”

(How can I…)

Another kiss. “Par…”

(But…)

One more kiss. Ok, stop playing with him Vaidehi. Finally, she whispered, “Veer.” Slipping his hand into her hair, Veer cupped her head and pulled Vaidehi in for a long, leisurely kiss. “I love you,” he whispered as she left.

The next few weeks passed by with Vaidehi and Veer slowly coming closer. The change in the couple’s relationship was evident in the past several weeks, a source of joy for their family, but it was even clearer in recent weeks. Vaidehi finally confessed that she had secretly celebrated their monthiversary by giving him disguised gifts, and to make up for all he missed, Veer planned a night in for them on their eighth monthiversary, and brought Vaidehi not just eight, but several more gifts. While she jokingly complained that he was spoiling her, she was grateful that her husband cared so much about her. It was that night that she signaled her consent for them to take the next big step in their relationship. It was an unforgettable night for both of them. 

___

Akanksha took a large, satisfied slurp of her chocolate milkshake before drawling in a mischief-laden tone, “Bhabhi…” “Kya hai, bacha?” (What is it, baccha?) Vaidehi was baking brownies to satisfy her period cravings, which had greeted her this morning, when Akanksha waltzed into the kitchen. Tempted by the smell of the brownies, she began craving a chocolate milkshake to stave off her hunger until the brownies were ready. “Aapko kuch interesting dikha doon?” (Should I show you something interesting?) “Of course, waise bhi paanch minute bache hain brownies banne mein.” (Of course, there’s still five minutes until the brownies are done.) Akanksha smirked and whipped out her phone, pulling up her latest and most precious piece of blackmail. Perhaps people would consider blackmail to be evil, but she never truly harmed anyone with it. And youngest children had so very few ways to retaliate against their older siblings. Especially with a sibling like Yagnik, blackmail and emotional manipulation came in particularly handy.