EKANSH ✧
"Chup ho jao teeno nahi toh yahin utar dunga. Phir jana shopping karne paidal." (Keep quiet, you three, or I'll drop you off right here. Then you can go shopping by yourself.) My voice was low and firm, laced with irritation.I had lost count of how many times I'd had to warn my siblings-five times, to be exact-ever since we left the house for shopping. Avni, and Lakshya were on the backseat, continued bickering on anything and everything. Tanish was scrolling through his phone, commenting sometimes and laughing. Finally, they sat silent this time. I smirked. I was driving the car, Anaisha was on the passenger seat, smiling and clearly enjoying the chaos. Maa, Papa, and Dadi were coming in another car.Thankfully, my schedule had finally cleared up; the big meetings were over, projects were on track, and the backlog was cleared. Since I had a small three-day break, elders decided we should have the reception in four days. It was the only time that worked, because right after that, a huge project starts and I won't have a moment to spare."Bhabi ke saath akele jana tha toh aise hi bol dete bhaiya...." (If you wanted to go alone with Bhabhi, you should have just said so, Brother...) Lakshya teased from the back."Haa hum Tanish bhaiya ki car mein aa jate," (Yeah, we would have come in Tanish Brother's car,) Avni joined in the fun."And what fun was that? Phir hum bhaiya ki yeh romeo wali side kaise dekhte?" (And what fun was that? How else would we see this Romeo side of Brother?) Tanish added, grinning."Shut up." My voice remained firm. Blood rushed through my neck, I glanced at Anaisha from the corner of my eye. Her cheeks were pink and her hands were tightly clutched together in her lap; she was clearly just pretending to be fascinated by the view outside the car window. I smirked."Bhaiya music on kardo na please, Bhabi kya sunegi?" (Brother, please turn on the music, what will Bhabhi listen to?) Avni asked curiously, looking at Anaisha, leaning forward.I looked at her, our eyes met."Anything," she replied.I turned on the FM and regretted it instantly as soon as the lyrics filled the carLabo ko labo pe sajao...Kya ho tum mujhe ab batao...I stilled. My hands tightened around the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white. My jaw went tight as I immediately turned off the radio. I didn't dare to look in Anaisha's direction, not even a side glance, because I knew she was as mortified as I was."Bhaiya song ach-" (Brother, the song was go-) Avni whined."Not a single word now." I cut her off firmly.....We entered the showroom; Maa, Papa, and Dadi joined us. Everyone was busy choosing their outfits. I was sitting back, but my eyes were on my wife, Anaisha, who was sitting beside Maa with that soft smile on her lips she always wears. She was nodding politely whenever Maa showed her sarees, occasionally laughing lightly with Avni when she made faces at dresses that weren't to her taste.Maa was trying on a heavy maroon Banarasi saree, seeking Dadi's approval, while Avni was busy trying to convince Lakshya to hold three different lehengas for her.Sitting on the couch with Papa, I was observing everything-the subtle hesitation in her, and the way her eyes always landed on the white dresses first before reluctantly turning to the other colors. That's when it hit me white was her favorite color, calm and pure, just like her. Her eyes were truly the mirror of her heart. I saw her fingers brush that white saree, but she quickly pulled away when Dadi remarked, "Wo zyada hi halka rang hai." (That color is much too light.)My chest tightened. For some reason, I didn't like the way she pulled away. I wanted her to choose what she truly liked, not out of pressure. She looked a bit overwhelmed. She picked up a bright orange saree Maa had suggested; her smile was polite but lacked that genuine spark.When everyone was done with outfits and moved towards the exit, I stayed back. I signaled the manager over, pointing toward the corner."Pack that white one," I ordered, my voice laced with that authority. "Don't add it to the main bill. I'll take it separately." I just wanted to see that genuine smile on her face. Yesterday, after an exhausting day, when I entered the house I had no idea that she was waiting for me because no one ever did that-not Dadi, nor Maa, never. But when she said that she was waiting for me for dinner... she hadn't eaten. Something shifted inside me. I had never felt that kind of care and understanding before. In all these years, for the first time, I felt the warmth of someone's care, that someone truly looked out for me. The way she said, "I wanted to, Mr. Rajvansh," my heart stopped beating. Slowly, she was finally getting comfortable. And for now, it's perfect. A smile came up on my lips.Everyone was choosing their jewelry; Avni was rejecting every delicate piece with a slight shake of her head. Maa and Dadi were looking at something that roared wealth and royalty. But my eyes were on Anaisha. She was sitting quietly-hesitant, calm, innocent, never demanding- she smiled softly when Maa, Dadi, or Avni showed her heavy diamond necklaces, only for them to reject the pieces themselves. I moved towards her. She looked up at me as I stood beside her. Our eyes locked. I extended my hand towards her without a word, but before she could say anything-Tanish whistled "Ohho bhaiya kya baat hai? Helping in shopping huh?" (Ohho Brother, what's the matter? Helping in shopping, huh?)"Bhaiya you never helped me before," Avni teased."Looks like someone can't even stay a single second away from his wife," Lakshya chimed in.Anaisha's cheeks turned crimson. Then suddenly, they began humming the same song-Labo ko labo pe sajaoJust loud enough for use to hear.We both froze.I pinned them with my sharp, familiar elder brother glare. "One more word and your cards will be blocked for one month. And Tanish, The project which is on the outer side of the city, you will be handling that personally."Silence. They gulped hard. "No, no, no, bhaiya, we were just helping in looking for the perfect piece for bhabi," they said together and turned back to whatever they were doing.Good. I smirked.Then I turned towards my wife. "Come."Without a word, she placed her soft, cold, small hand in my hard, large palm, avoiding eye contact. I smiled slightly.Moving away from everyone, we sat on the couch, her hand still in mine. My thumb rubbed softly over the back of her hand to ground her. I watched her for a few minutes before asking "What happened, Anaisha?""Ekansh..... I've never actually been out to shop for myself like this. I mean... even for my wedding, bua was the one who bought everything. And these necklaces, they're so heavy, and so expensive. They're beautiful, of course, but... I just never spent this much on myself. And I really like something light and simple. Could we..... look for something simpler?" She whispered hesitantly.I hated that she felt embarrassed or hesitant-not in front of me, never. My eyes softened and hold tightened on her hand "We'll take whatever you're comfortable in, Anaisha. If you don't like the heavy necklaces, we'll find something lighter. It's you who's going to wear it. So only you will decide. This is about your liking and comfort, no one else's. You never have to be hesitant about your preferences-not with me. Understood, wife?" She nodded.To lighten up her mood, I added "Aur jahan tak baat hai expensive ki toh aapka pati itna toh kamata hi hai ki aise kai showrooms apni wife ke liye kharad sakta hai." (And as far as the price is concerned, your husband earns enough to buy many such showrooms for his wife.)And it worked. She smiled. "Are you flaunting, Mr. Rajvansh?" she teased back."Of course not, my wife. Trying to ease your worry," I shrugged, winking at her.She laughed softly. Her laugh was like music to my ears."Now come, we'll try something lighter for you." Her hand was still in mine. We stood up and moved towards the other side of the exclusive section. This side held more expensive and delicate pieces of jewelry, but not bulky-just the way she liked. As the staff began displaying the collection. I realized I was never a man who cared for ornaments, I never did that not even for my mother. But for her, I wanted to do it because it was not about jewelry; it was letting her know that I'm always there by her side. I looked around and one neckpiece caught my attention-The Crystal Ice Leaf Necklace, unique and light. The necklace was a study in understated beauty. Bypassing the more decadent and diamond-studded options, she settled on a piece that is simple, yet arresting.The necklace features a Crystal Ice Leaf design, characterized by a series of delicate, shimmering elements that mimic the organic shape of frost-covered foliage.The piece is crafted with a fine, silver-toned chain that leads into a V-shaped fringe of marquise-cut stones. Each leaf is composed of brilliant American diamonds that catch the light like captured stars, providing a subtle shimmer similar to the texture of liquid silk. It possesses a quiet elegance that doesn't demand attention but refuses to be ignored, resting against the collarbone with poised composure. This delicate selection stands in sharp contrast to the expensive and untouchable atmosphere of the store, offering a serene point of light amidst the rarefied opulence of the private selection lounge.Before I reached for that, Avni's voice came; she was literally running towards us like the world was ending."Bhabi, which one? Please help me. I can't choose one, I'm confused," she pouted, looking at Anaisha with puppy eyes.I shook my head at her antics. This girl. I looked at the bracelets she was holding up. "This one," Anaisha gestured to the one she was holding in her left hand."It's perfect, thanks bhabi!" she grinned. I patted her head lightly."I told you the same!" Lakshya huffed, crossing his arms."I can't trust your disgusting opinions," Avni made a face."Whattttt??? Disgusting? Come next time to me, I won't help you!" he snapped, offended."Tune simple gold chain ko bhi beautiful necklace bola tha Lakshya," (You called even a simple gold chain a beautiful necklace, Lakshya,) Tanish laughed."Bhaiya yaar, yeh kuch choose hi nahi kar rahi thi," (Brother, she just wasn't choosing anything,) Lakshya rolled his eyes."Haa isliye hi tujh pe trust nahi kiya jaa sakta.... idiot," (Yeah, and that's exactly why you can't be trusted... idiot,) Avni said, pinning him with a glare.And we all laughed, then they walked away, continuing their fight.I turned towards Anaisha. "How's this?" She asked, holding the same necklace I was looking at before. My heart skipped a beat, an unknown warmth spread through me. She had chosen the one I liked for her. "It's nice, let's try this one."She was struggling to tie the hook."Let me help," my voice dropped to a low.She nodded. I stepped behind her quietly. Gently, I moved her hair to one shoulder. I took the delicate necklace-the one that was not heavy, just like her- As I reached around to fasten the hook, the tips of my fingers accidentally brushed against her skin. In that second, I felt a sharp spark, like a tiny bolt of electricity running through my hand. I felt her breath catch in her throat, and she went very still. The air between us felt heavy and warm.I looked at her in the mirror. "You liked it?" I asked, my eyes fixed on her."Yes." She smiled, that genuine smile that I had desperately wanted on her face. There was a spark in her eyes. I smiled back.And in that moment, I realized how much she affected me-her smile, her pale face, her discomfort. How much I wanted to protect this woman, this smile, this shine, and the quiet grace she brought into my life. ❀❀❀❀❀❀How's the chapter ? Please do vote ( hit that star icon ) and comments guys ✿ Follow me on instagram for updates of the book id in bio ✿
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