"Thanks, Maa," I reply.
"Well, technically, it's our birthday too, Anjali," Papa adds. "He's the one who made us parents." He looks at Maa fondly, and Maa shakes her head, trying to hide the blush on her face.
Two months ago, all this used to creep me out, but now I understand. The urge to make Shivani blush is so strong that I forget that, at one point in my life, I used to hate all this.
I leave the two alone for their romantic moment. No matter how much I understand it now, I still don't want to see my parents being all lovey-dovey. Trust me, I’ve seen my share of that... and suffered.
I head to the dining table, where Dadaji sits. He gestures to me to come near him as he hands me an envelope, and I touch his feet to take hisashirwad. Even though I earn millions now, he still gives me five thousand rupees every birthday. I don’t complain because, for him, I’m still a child, and he does itbecause Dadi used to. I was very close to her, and it hit me hard when she passed away.
I sit next to Dadaji, and we talk about general news. Aarav and Aditi walk in with wide grins on their faces. Aditi runs up to me and gives me a side hug.
"Happy birthday, bhai!" She cheers.
"Happy birthday, bhai," Aarav wishes, too, patting my back.
Aditi extends her hand, and I roll my eyes as I turn to Dadaji. "I still don't understand why I have to pay her on my birthday." I sigh while taking a few notes of five hundred rupees.
Dadaji laughs. "Well, that's my salary for enduring your grumpiness for 365 days," she teases, giving me a sheepish smile. I give her a side-eye, handing her two thousand rupees. She used to take a check from me, but since she has started doing this internship and claims to be self-independent, she has forbidden me or Aarav to ever help her without her asking for it. Little does she know that cannot happen because she's our only sister; it's obviously our duty to look after her in any way possible.
Then, I hear Shivani’s footsteps, and my head immediately turns toward the kitchen. I catch her eyeing me, and when she realizes I’m looking, she blushes and looks away. A smirk forms on my face as I see the effect I have on her.
"So bhabhi, did you use my idea?" Aditi asks, and Shivani’s face turns even redder, if that’s possible. She coughs awkwardly, and Aditi giggles. I’m curious now about this idea. What did Aditi tell her? Maybe I’ll ask Shivani later.
Maa calls us for breakfast, and we walk towards the dining hall. I serve myself, and a smile lit up on my face. She’s made dosa, my favorite. She knows that. I smile to myself. Not only does she notice the small things about me, but she remembers them. I’m still full from all the cake I ate yesterday, but that doesn’t matter. My wife made these for me, and I’m going to eat them, even if I burst. To hell with the gym and calories.
After breakfast, I head back to our room to get ready. Quickly, I pick up the tie Shivani gave me yesterday and smile to myself. I’m wearing it today and every day if possible. As I turn towards the door, I spot Shivani peeking into the closet, eyeing my biceps. She thinks she’s being subtle, but I can see right through her. I’ve caught her staring at my muscles before, and it never fails to make me grin. Such a boost for my ego.
The tie is navy blue, with a subtle pattern that matches my suit. It is perfect. I catch Shivani watching me and shoot her a playful smirk.
"Now that you're here, why don’t you tie it for me?" I ask, looking at her through the mirror, raising my eyebrow at her.
Her eyes widen, and her lips part. She disappears from the mirror, and I chuckle at her antics.
"Come on, I know you're here, Shivani." A grin forms on my face as she walks in, looking down like a child who’s been caught doing something they weren't supposed to. She stops in front of me.
"I don’t know how to do it," she mutters softly, not meeting my eyes, red still coating her cheeks.
I lift her chin up. "I’ll guide you through it," I say, gazing into her brown eyes. "And you don’t need to be embarrassed. I’m your husband; you can check me out."
Her face turns red,like a tomato,and I smirk to myself. I guide her hands through the process, and she watches me with curiosity, taking in every movement as if she’s trying to memorize it.
"It’s not perfect," she says, puffing in disappointment. Her eyes furrow as she stares at the knot.
"It’s perfect, you tied it," I tell her firmly, staring at her intently.
I pull her into my arms, her hands automatically sliding around my waist. My lips capture her lips in a kiss. I taste the sweetness of her lips, savoring the way she melts against me. Her body fits perfectly against mine, and I can feel her heart racing, matching the rhythm of my own. I deepen the kiss, my hands roaming over her body, pulling her closer. I can’t get enough of her. Her touch, her scent—it’s like a drug, and I’m addicted.
She taps my chest, and I pull away. She’s breathless and red, her lips pink and plump, making me want to kiss her again, but I hold back.
She needs to breathe.
I press a firm and gentle kiss on her forehead, and she hides her face in my chest. A smile softly lifts on my face as I feel her heartbeat against mine, resting my chin on her head, inhaling the calming scent of her lavender shampoo.
"I have to give you something," she says, pulling away and making me feel unsettled.
She brings me an envelope. I look at it, confused; she smiles shyly. I glance at her and chuckle as I try opening it. "No!" My wife shrieks, and my hands freeze.
"Don’t open it now," she says quickly.
