Romance My experience with love [Completed]

[avsji]

“How did it go?”

Came Abha’s chirpy, curious question as soon as Latika entered her room. For many years Abha had been sleeping in Latika’s room, and tonight was no different.

“Why are you not yet asleep, my Mishti?”

Latika said, laughing at Abha’s child-like curiosity. The girls had spent so much time together to make her first date memorable. Abha was instrumental in the dress selection as well as suggesting how Latika should do her hair. Perfume and shoes were Latika’s choice.

“I was excited about how your date was going.” Abha expressed excitedly.

“Hmmm… now I am here… come, let me put you bed.”

“Not without hearing all about your date!” Abha grinned.

“Your Daddy proposed me.” Latika said.

“What! WOW! WOW!” Abha started to jump on the bed, “Congratulations my darling mommy!”

Abha jumped excitedly from her bed and into Latika’s arms, who fell on the bed because of the impulse of Abha’s jump!

Latika fell rolling and laughing, “Ha ha ha! Thank you my Mishti… thank you so much!”

Abha and Latika hugged each other and kissed so many times. This was a very happy news for Abha… more than when Latika disclosed her love for Amar.

“Details… details?” Abha excitedly asked Latika to tell more.

“Tumko sab kuchh nahi bata sakti, Betu (I can not tell you every detail, child). There are some things that only grownups should know.” Latika said sagely, knowing very well that Abha was not a person to let go of her curiosity that easily.

“Achchha ji…” Abha started with mock sarcasm, “Aap mujhko sab kuchh nahi bata sakti (you cannot tell me everything)!” she said putting her fists on her waist and nodding her head in a mock stern look.

“So now we will do this? Don’t forget that it was I who did all the leg-work to get you hitched to Daddy… gandi (bad) mummy!” Abha complained and suddenly attacked Latika by tickling the sides of her stomach sending ticklish tizzy across her body, resulting in Latika’s hysterical laughter.

“Theek hai meri Ma (Okay I give up) … chhod de mujhko ab (leave me now) … bataati hoon, sab bataati hoon (I will tell you everything).”

Latika relented and started to tell Abha everything that happened during her first date - from the dinner to our first kiss, to Amar’s crying remembering Abha’s mother, to Latika consoling him, to her giving a hand for his sexual and emotional release, and lastly Amar trying to suckle her breasts. Abha kept on listening to everything with curious amazement, asking follow-up questions where she needed more clarity.

“Did he like the taste?” she asked, “Of your nipples, I mean?”

“I don’t know… he was suckling from over the fabric. So, he might not have gotten much taste.” Latika giggled.

“What!” Abha could not believe when she heard that, “You are a doofus, Mummy!”

“Honey, there are many things that a woman can do for her man. Yes, I want to be naked in front of Him… but I want to do it on our wedding night… or day… I mean when we are married.” Latika said wisely, “I want Him to do everything to me… but not before we are married.”

“Hmm… I think if you love him, it should be alright… but maybe you are right too.” She thought for a while and then asked, “I have a question… why did you let me do it?”

“Do what?”

“Breastfeed.”

“You are my child… my daughter… you have every right to suckle my breasts…”

Abha smiled and kissed Latika on her mouth and hugging her close, she hummed a few lines from a famous song,

“Mama you know I love you…
You know I love you…
Mama you're the queen of my heart…
Your love is like tears from the stars…”

Latika beamed, “I love you too my honey.” Then looking at the clock, “Come now… now sleep. It is very late as it is.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something, gandi (bad) mummy?” Abha pouted.

“Ha ha! No, I am not. Wait for me.” Latika laughed at Abha’s childish behavior, “Let me get ready for the bed. I will join you in five minutes.”

Latika said and went to the bathroom, undressed to completely naked, and washed her face to remove whatever light makeup she had put on, and returned to the bed. These days it was usually hot and humid in the night, but Latika was not too keen on using air-conditioning, fearing that it would affect her ability to adapt to changing geographical conditions, ultimately affecting her track performance. Tonight was particularly comfortable, as it had been raining for the past couple of days, pulling the mercury down.

Abha closely inspected Latika’s chest. There were visible red marks around her nipples - so, it was true! Latika gave a broad smile as Abha gave a soft chuckle realizing what her daddy had done to her new mother.

“Satisfied with the goods?” Latika amusingly asked as she removed Abha’s camisole and boxer briefs.

“Yes.” Abha nodded and added before suckling, “I will tell Daddy not to be so vigorous… my mommy is delicate, so he must be gentle in his suckling.” Abha happily announced as she was now free of all her clothes.

Latika laughed. Abha latched on to her mumma’s breast. In about fifteen minutes or so, she fell asleep. Latika too fell asleep about ten minutes after Abha.


****

 

[avsji]

Laying alone in the bed allowed me to contemplate how excited I was at the prospect of spending my life with Latika. She had occupied my mind… so many thoughts came in waves. In some thoughts, I wrestled with the morality of marrying her. She was just so young. Yet, the power of my attraction could not be ignored. When I proposed to her, I made a mental contract with myself to have her as in my life and nothing less. Just how powerful Latika’s presence was in my life could be gauged from the fact that just thinking about her had brought a smile to my face. Very few people were capable of that feat!

I recounted our little date in the restaurant... while everything seemed like a blur, I could remember watching Latika eat, laugh, stealing loving glances towards me. I remember seeing the pleasure in her eyes and loved her company. Conversation with her was too easy and very mature. She was so comfortable to be with. She was way too attractive to me. It was sad that the time flew too fast. It was far too soon when I escorted her from the restaurant. But then those intimate moments happened! I never could imagine that she knew how to please a man. Yes, Rachna had taught her a bit. But she had this decisive manner. I loved it. I did not want a timid girl in my life. So, this was a definite plus!

I remembered that she promised to check on me in the night. Oh, how wonderful that would be. I felt so lonely in that bed. Without her things seemed duller. I felt a bit isolated from everyone else! Latika was a force, of that there was no doubt. She was young… she was very attractive… she was very smart, and she was very charming! Realizing that, the truth was even more shocking when I admitted that I wanted her in my life. I wanted more of her presence. I wanted her forever! God, was I having what I derided as a teenage romance?

Just as I was overanalyzing and contemplating over our future, the door to my bedroom went slightly ajar and Latika emerged with a bright smile on her face. She was wearing a soft white nightgown and looked absolutely beautiful. As promised, she had come to check on me. Oh God! Her impact was the same. I knew that I only had eyes for her. Nothing else interested me.

“Not yet asleep?” she asked.

“I told you that I will not be able to sleep.”

“Hmm… what should we do then?”

“Would you like to go out for a walk?” I asked.

“What? At this hour?”

“Why? It is only… eh, two thirty o'clock.” I looked at my wristwatch, “Oh! Okay… it is late in the night… but I can not sleep. Can’t we walk for a while? It is quiet now… and there is a slight rain. Satbir’s dhaba must be open. We can enjoy a plate of Maggi and chai? I am hungry.” I asked.

“Ha ha! Aap bhi na.” she thought for a moment, “Okay, let us go. But looks like everyone else is asleep. So, we should be very quiet?”

“Sure!” I beamed.

I quickly wore a tee-shirt and a pair of shorts, whereas Latika wore one of my shirts over her night gown and sneaked quietly out of the house. We walked slowly enjoying the sound of raindrops over our umbrella and cool and the rare quiet road in the night. Somehow, as we walked down the isolated road, we got closer to each other. When Latika’s hand brushed against mine, I did not even think twice, taking her hand in mine. She leaned against my arm as we strolled. She twisted her hand and our fingers intertwined.

That was it! I was done! It was a beautiful, intimate gesture! Her hand stayed in mine through the walk, separating only when she needed to use that hand to wipe some rainwater from her face or hair. She smiled, her soft black eyes shining with pleasure as she spoke sweet nothings. I felt like a teenager all over again. I had a partial erection just from holding a girl’s hand. I loved it!

Satbir’s dhaba was only about a kilometer away from our home. His family had dual business: in the daytime the same shop worked as auto-parts cum auto-repairs shop, and in the evening and late night, it worked as snack shop serving tea, coffee, Maggi, biscuits etc. The dhaba was at a strategic location, therefore both the auto-repair shop and the dhaba worked great and were profitable business for him. It was unusually quiet at the dhaba, mostly because of the low traffic and rainy conditions. Satbir knew me because he had repaired my cars a few times in the past. He welcomed us in his usual jovial manner and started preparing tea and Maggi even without asking for it - that is kind of given when you are in his dhaba.

Latika seemed to enjoy the gentle rain, as she looked out of the shop at the raindrops. They formed beautiful straight lines against the streetlights. One more realization - this girl enjoyed simple things! How amazing this night continues to be! We talked about little things as our piping hot Maggi and tea were served.

“When I was young, Ma never gave me Maggi. When I became older, I never saw the appeal.”

“That is a good thing. Isn’t it?”

“Yes… it is.”

“Aap jab chhote the, tab baarish ko kaise enjoy karte the (How did you enjoy rains when you were young)?”

“Oh! Baarish to bachpan me hi achchhi lagti thi (Rain was lovely when I was young).” So many fond and beautiful memories came rushing back, “Ma alag alag tarah ke pakode banaati thi (Ma used to fry different kinds of pakoras). Kabhi kabhi bhutte bhi bhoonti thi (Sometimes she used to roast corn over fire). Chai lekin mana thi mujhko (I was not allowed to drink tea, however) … She worried that it would burn my tongue, and cool tea is tasteless… Isliye chai sirf Dad ko milti thi (Only Dad used to get tea).”

 

[avsji]

Thinking about Dad pained me a bit, but that pain was short-lived. I continued,

“Lekin jab school me rainy-day hota tha, tab bahut maza aata tha (When our schools declared rainy-days, I used to have the most fun). Poora din Ma ki god me let kar unka doodh peeta rehta tha (I used to suckle her milk the whole day, laying in her lap).”

“I know… when we lived with Bou-di and Babu-ji, she made sure that Amma did the same to Dada and me.” Latika said in a very pleasant manner, “Unhone hum sabke liye itna kuchh kiya hai (She has done so much for all of us) … unko ab sukh mil raha hai to mujhe bahut achchha lagta hai (I am so happy to see that now she is getting so much happiness).”

“Haan… Su… [I was about to take Sunil’s name] Dad unko bahut pyaar karte hain (Yes… Dad loves her so much).”

“Bou-di bhi to Dada ko itna pyaar karti hain (Bou-di too loves him so much). Isiliye to unki patang ki dor to Bou-di ke hi haath me hai (That is the reason why she has his life’s control).” Latika commented laughing.

“Ha ha!”

“Haan… sach me (Yes, it is true). Propose to unko Dada ne kiya tha, lekin badle me unko sachcha pyaar mila hai (Even though Sunil proposed to Suman, it was he who got more love in return).”

“Mujhe bahut achcha lagta hai un dono ko aise khush dekh kar (I feel very good seeing them both so happy)!”

Latika smiled, “Haan… mujhe bhi (Yes, me too)!” and added, “Aur kya karte the (What else did you do to enjoy rains)?”

“Sometimes I used to run up the roof… it used to be soaking wet and slippery. I would apply soap on my bum and then slide over the slippery roof…”

“What? Ha ha ha!” Latika could not believe to hear about the 'wild side' of my childhood and was enjoying this conversation.

“Yes… I used to call it speed-jet!”

“Ha ha! And Bou-di did not say anything?”

“Oh she did! She used to wrench my ears on this mischief.”

“What! I can not believe that Bou-di can physically punish anyone.” Latika protested, and for valid reason too. Ma had rarely spoken in harsh voice, let alone beating someone.

“Ha ha! No. You are right. She did not. She only admonished me that if I did that and get hurt in the process, I will not get any milk. That threat of deterrent enough.”

“Ha ha ha! I am sure that would have rectified you.”

“That it did for sure!”

“There is so much to learn from Bou-di.’ Latika started softly, “I want to be able to love like her, care for like her, and be skillful like her.”

I smiled.

“Sach me (It is true). A lot… no, not a lot but most of what we are now, can be attributed to Bou-di and Babu-ji… and you.”

“Latika, may I ask you something?”

“Aapko kabhi poochhne ki zaroorat nahi hai (You don’t have to ask, ever).”

“Are you… I mean, are you thinking of marrying me out of some obligation?”

The expressions on Latika’s face were those of pain and disappointment, but she quickly subdued them.

“Why do you say that Amar? Yes, you and your family have done so many favors for us, and please understand when I say this - we can never repay those favors. What obligations do we have? Dada proposed to Bou-di because he loves her. They married because they realized their love for each other. I proposed to marry you because I love you… there is no sinister plot in it. No one put me to it. I only hope that you see my love for you and marry me only because you love me as well.”

That she was hurt because of my question, was obvious.

“Latika, thank you.”

She was not satisfied with my response. The hurt was still visible.

“I love you,” I added.

She raised her eyebrows.

“I love you very much.” I reiterated.

She smiled.

“Ha ha! Aap bahut simple hain (You are a person of simple tastes).”

“Ha ha!”

“That’s why I love you even more!” Latika proclaimed her love me the umpteenth time this evening and asked, “Aapka kaam kaisa chal raha hai (How is your work going)?”

I was curious that she showed interest in my work. She was still very young to show any active interest, but I was happy that she asked.

I told her about what I was working on. I told her that I wanted to launch a new line of service for my customers, so that I can get more value from them. What Latika said next was astounding: she gave me her perspective on customer value and how to deliver it. I was amazed at how intelligent this girl is! The ideas that she shared were so useful for my work. I probed some more, and she gave me even more ideas. Wow! In intelligence and business acumen, she was like Devyani… or perhaps even better! And that is saying something. I made a mental note that if her athletics career stalls or when she retires, I will give her an active role in the firm.

When I asked for time, Satbir told me that it was four in the morning. It was already the time that Latika woke up. I felt bad that I kept her awake the whole night, but she assured me that it was okay, as she herself could not have slept tonight. We walked back. Rain had increased in intensity. The forecast for Saturday was not very bright, so it was possible that we will have a nice family gathering in the day. That was a happy feeling.


***

 

[avsji]

When I woke up at around eight, I was welcomed with aromatic waft of delicious breakfast being cooked. I looked from the mezzanine, which overlooked the kitchen: in the kitchen it was crowded - Ma, Sunil and Kajal were together trying to make a feast! The kitchen was bustling with their playful chatting and bickering. Unlike the other days, Ma was decked in a delightful peachy red colored saree and matching blouse. She looked so beautiful, so youthful. Sunil wore white kurta and pajamas. Kajal almost always wore saree and blouse, so that was no different.

‘Too many cooks!’ was the first thought came in my mind, and I smiled.

Sunil was at his energetic and playful best. I could see him whipping something in the mixing bowl, instructing his wife to get something or the other. Ma on the other hand would protest and ask him to go out of the kitchen. He responded with giving her kisses on her cheeks, lips, and neck. I could also see the happy expressions of Kajal, who seemed delighted to see the love between her son and her daughter in law. I too was happy. Their love was like a gold-standard for many, including me!

I quickly brushed and did my daily routine and walked down to the kitchen. It was a rainy day, so no one among us had any excuse to be out of the house.

“Uth gaye beta (You are awake, son)?” Sunil exclaimed when he saw me, “All my children are sleeping till late today.” He added his observation.

I smiled, “Ha ha! Good morning, Dad… I slept very late.”

“Yes, yes… I heard you coming at around four or was it four thirty?”

“What! Ha ha! Were you spying on us?”

“Ha ha! No… no… not spying… I am just a normal, worried father, whose children were out in the night.”

I smiled.

“That and a couple of fussy children waking up in the dead of the night waking your Ma and me up…”

I laughed.

“Jokes aside, I am just happy that you and Puchuki had a very good time.” He added and looked at Kajal and Ma, who smiled broadly in response, “... enjoy all that romance before your own little monsters come and disrupt your sleeps.”

At his comment, all of us started to laugh.

“Now sit and enjoy your dad’s world-famous cooking.”

“What! Nooo!!!” I started to protest in a joking manner, “Ma, I think I will remain hungry today!” I jokingly complained, as Ma and Kajal laughed at Sunil’s expense.

“Don’t you worry son. Your Ma has taught me well! I am fully domesticated now.”

Ma gave a playful jab in his ribs, as Sunil responded with a dramatically painful ‘aawwooo’. I was happy to see them happy and chirpy. Even more delightful was to watch Ma behave like a little girl around Sunil. That was nice! I looked at Kajal, who adoringly looked at them. I felt very happy. While all this was happening, I was constantly searching for Latika, wondering whether she was still asleep. I knew that sleeping till late was not her thing. My searching eyes did not go unnoticed, and Sunil finally decided to let me know about it.

“Beta, tumhari nigaahen jisko itni der se dhoondh rahi hain, wo nahaane gai hai (Son, the girl that you have been looking out for is taking bath at present).” He teased me.

“Ha ha! Aap kyun mere bete ko chidha rahe hain (Why are you teasing my son)?” Ma said, finding me in minority support.

“Arre bhagyavaan, chidha nahi raha hoon, main to bata raha hoon (I am not teasing him, my dear, I am only helping him).”

“Haan haan (Yes, yes)!” Kajal chipped in, providing additional support, “Pata hai kya kya bataya ja raha hai (I understand how you are helping him).”

We laughed and giggled. It suddenly felt that the long-lost happiness had finally returned to my household. Everyone felt it and Sunil expressed it,

“I am so happy that my whole family is here with me… under one roof! We do not get many opportunities to be like this.” Sunil said with sincere reflection, “Let us all be together at home this weekend and enjoy like one big happy family?”

“I will like that.” I concurred. It was a very comforting thought.

Ma and Kajal smiled broadly.

“Arre! Meri Mishti bitiya kahan hai (Where is my Mishti)?” Sunil said, “Kal se dikhi hi nahi (I have not seen her since yesterday) … I have made her favorite fluffy pancakes… with maple syrup.”

That Abha has sweet tooth was a well-known fact and she really loved the one thing that Sunil could make - pancakes! I will be honest that Sunil’s pancakes were the best that I ever ate. Abha could gorge on them and sleep like a polar bear afterwards. No one else was as cray about those fluffy pancakes as Abha was.

“Abhi uthi nahi hogi… wo bhi to der me soi hai (She might not have gotten up yet… she too slept very late).” Kajal said.

“Haan haan (Yes, yes) … so le der me filhaal (she must sleep as much as possible for now) … jab school wapas khul jayenge to fir se routine shuru (when her school reopens, she won’t get to sleep as much). I will go and wake her up… cold pancakes are only good for dustbin!” Sunil said and left the kitchen.

Abha’s nickname, Mishti was given by Sunil. When he first saw the two years old baby, he observed that she was soft and cuddly baby, and sweet like a mishri (candy). But he did not like the sound of mishri, and argued that mishri was hard, whereas this baby was soft like a cotton ball. He instead used a rhyming Bengali word, mishti, meaning sweet. All of us loved this nickname so much that we started to call her Mishti. Sometimes she would ask me to officially change her name to Mishti. That was not a bad thought.

 

[avsji]

“Amar Beta, baitho… main nashta laga deti hoon (Amar, sit… let me serve your breakfast).” Ma said.

“Ma, sabko aa jaane dijiye… sab sath me nashta karte hain (Ma, let everyone come… we will eat together)?”

“Arre jaldi jaldi nashta kar lo (Oh don’t wait for everyone) … in teeno me se ek bhi shaitaan jaag gaya to hum me se koi bhi nahi kha payega (if any one of the three children wakes up, none of us will be able to eat).”

“Arre Bahu, sabki nahi, ye Latika ki raah dekh raha hai (Bahu, he is not waiting for everyone to come… just Latika).” Kajal said and burst into a laughter. Ma too joined in.

It was true: I indeed was waiting for Latika to join me for breakfast. And then she emerged! She wore an off-white colored chikan kurta and churidar pajamis. Her hair was wet, despite having been blown dried. She had put no makeup on her face, except for a cherry-colored lipstick that looked fabulous on her face! I was stunned seeing her raw beauty! Latika was gorgeous. That itself is an understatement.

“Lo… aa gai tumhaari (Here comes your [sweetheart]).” Ma teased.

I did not hear what Ma had to say. I was too stunned to respond. Latika was looking ten times more beautiful than how she did last night.

“Bahu… mat chhedo usko (don’t tease him) … ha ha ha!” Kajal discouraged Ma but enjoying my teasing all the same.

“Nahi chhedti (Okay, I will not tease him) … Latika beta, tu baith ja Amar ke sath me… nahi to aaj iska nashta nahi hoga (Latika honey, come and join Amar… otherwise he will not have his breakfast today).”

Latika gave her lovely smile and sat near me, “Hello!” she said, “Did you sleep some?”

I nodded, “You are gorgeous.” I whispered.

I received the most beautiful smile in response. Suddenly, Ma’s elder son came running. He was like me, or perhaps, Ma ensured that he was raised in the same fashion as I was.

“Arre mera raja beta (Oh my darling son) … uthu uthu ho gaya (are you awake)?” Kajal looked at the boy and started to mollycoddle him.

Ma had one look at them and she decided that there was no 'emergency' and it was safe at present as the younger children were still asleep and that she was not needed to look after them presently.

While she served our breakfast, Sunil came in the dining hall, carrying Abha in his arms such that her head rested on his shoulder, as she slept. Her arms were wrapped around Sunil’s neck. She was ‘dressed’ exactly how Latika put her in bed at night. Sunil held her with his arms around her hips and her legs were dangling. Abha was a fast-growing girl, so her long legs were colliding against his legs as he walked. It was so funny!

“Arre, bitiya ko aise hi utha laya (you got her here like that) … kuchh pehna to deta (you should have given her something to wear).”

Kajal looked at her and commented, reaching for one of her visible cheeks and kissed her.

Despite there were three younger children at home, it was Abha was the apple of everyone’s eyes. Everyone loved… no, adored her. It was not that the other children were loved any less, but Abha was mostly at the center of everyone’s attention. In her favor, she too showed remarkable gentle and loving attitude towards the younger children. The two boys were always around her, as she played with them and taught them.

“Amma…!” Sunil grumbled, “Kyun? Aise kya ho gaya? Beti hai meri (Why? What is wrong if she is like this? She is my daughter).” Sunil said as he lovingly kissed Abha’s arm.

I smiled. Abha was so lucky to have so many loving people around her. I strongly believe that children need all the love that they can to grow up and become affectionate people. I believe that love and affection do not spoil a child but make them well-rounded people. I was a product of such a system. Sunil and Latika too were products of such a caring system, and now Abha and the three young children too were getting the same love and care. Latika looked at my daughter with so much pride that my heart swelled. She had single handedly raised my daughter. I concede that she had much more rights over her than I had!

Sunil sat on the chair with Abha nestled in his lap. Abha curled up even more, adjusting to a comfortable sleeping position in his arms. ‘So much for waking up!’ I amusingly thought. We could see the conical swells of her breasts, 50 paisa coin-sized areolae, and pea-sized nipples. She had a pair of shapely long legs, and cute small pair of hips. Her vulva was small. The lips of her vulva were thin and clearly visible, whether she stood up or curled up like how she was, as there was no hair. I was relieved that headache of puberty was still afar and was happy she could enjoy being the baby of the household for a bit longer. I guess, daddies do not want their little girls to grow up! I do not know how other parents would respond seeing their daughter like this, but I felt very proud. My Abha was turning out to be a very beautiful young girl! She was intelligent, sharp, witty, and well behaved as well. On top of that, she was much loved by everyone in this household! What else could a father want?

“Mishti beta,” Sunil cooed, kissing Abha’s forehead, “... utho Betu (get up child) ... maine tumhare liye tumhare favorite fluffy pancakes banaye hain (I have made your favorite fluffy pancakes for you).”

“Ummm?” that piqued her curiosity, but the pretense of sleeping continued.

“Haan… maple syrup ke sath (Yes, drizzled with maple syrup).” He underscored the sweet appeal of his dish.

 

[avsji]

Ma looked on, smiling adoringly at her husband.

Sunil was a very natural with children - patient, loving and affectionate. He could spin stories out of thin air and had this innate ability to enthrall children. He was a perfect daddy material. I could learn something from him. Despite having a daughter for such a long time, I was still deficient in that department. Abha smiled hearing that and groaned happily. She was only half asleep and half pretending, as she did not want to get up. She was enjoying cozying up to her Dada.

“Nooo…” she pouted.

“Is this nooo for waking up, or nooo for the fluffy pancakes?” Sunil probed, copying how Abha said.

“To wake up.” Abha whined in her broken sleepy voice.

“Ha ha! C’mon… utho bachche (get up, child)! Nahi to sab thanda ho jayega (Otherwise it will get cold)!”

“Ummmm” she again pouted.

“Utho… utho (get up).”

Sunil persisted and tickled the side of her belly. She started to laugh. What I was pleased with was the level of comfort that they had. While Abha was very close to me, she was not as importune with me. I guess because Sunil used to fulfill all their tantrums, he was the favorite of all the children in this home, including Latika. He tickled the other side of her belly. Now Abha started to double up laughing and protesting.

“Utho… utho (get up).” He babbled, kissing her cheeks.

Even though the tickling continued, he made sure that it was never too much to make it hard to breath for Abha. Tickling should be enjoyable. To save herself, Abha curled up in his lap even more, almost in a fetal position. Seeing the fruitlessness of this little scuffle, Sunil shifted his tactics and lifting her in his arms, he bit one of her buttocks.

“Aaaooo” she protested, even though the bite was non-lethal.

“Utho… utho (get up).” He said.

When Abha still did not get up, he placed his mouth against her lower abdomen and blew air as if he were blowing a trumpet. That act sent ticklish tremors across her stomach. Abha could not help but start to laugh. Everyone started to laugh at this. These were our favorite things to do to every child in the household. Their buttocks were so soft that we used to say that they were made of sweet buns. Their bellies were so soft that we loved to muzzle our face against them. The best part - kids seemed to enjoy it as well.

“Uthti hoon (Okay, I get up) …” Abha relented and started to gaggle.

Before she could change her mind, Sunil bit her buttocks some more.

“Ha ha ha… Dadu!” she said and lovingly put her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek.

Sunil kissed her both cheeks in response.

“Meri bitiya ko main pancakes khila doon (Should I feed my daughter pancakes)?”

“Haan (yes)!” she agreed happily.

“Arre pehle brush to kar le (First brush your teeth).” Latika said.

“Rehne de na Puchuki (It is okay, Latika) … Sher bhi kya kabhi munh dhota hai (Does a lion ever brush his teeth)?”

“Haan,” Abha agreed, happy that she was now shielded from doing any routine acts.

“Haan… yahi sab bol bol ke bigaad do Mishti ko (Yeah, spoil her).” Latika protested, and looking towards me she sought my intervention, “Aap kuchh kahiye na (Why don’t you say something)!”

“Main dada aur poti ke beech me nahi aaoonga (I won’t meddle with grand-dad and grand-daughter)!”

I washed my hands off from this little banter. In truth, I was just happy to see such loving scene unfolding in front of me. I had missed out so much because of my work! I consumed my energies over providing material sufficiency for my family. Now I was at that stage where I could also provide emotional sufficiency. I decided I will love Abha and other three children more. I will try to be more hands on with them. I will play with them, love them, read them stories… in short, I will do everything that a father is supposed to do to love his children. And Latika will be with me supporting all this, I was happy about that.

“Mishti Beta, pancakes kha kar brush kar lena (brush your teeth after eating pancakes), Theek hai Beta (Okay, child)?”

“Okay Dadu!”

Sunil started to feed Abha. Little morsels of pancakes, dipped in spoonful of maple syrup. God, no wonder she used to became lazy like a polar bear after eating them. Only kids can digest so much sugar! She never left his lap and comfortably snuggled against him. Meanwhile, Sunil’s elder son also came jumping, asking to be fed,

“Papa, mujhko bhi (Papa, please feed me too).” He urged, watching his didi being pampered like that.

So, Sunil fed both the kids - one morsel to Abha and the other morsel to him, at the same time chatting and mollycoddling both the kids. Abha too behaved as if she were five years old and enjoyed every bit of the pampering she received! I guess this is the pleasure of parenthood. Feeding the children, raising them, loving them, caring for them, protecting them and watching them grow! That must be a very satisfying feeling. That was something I missed out with Abha, as I was busy building a secure future for her. But now that I had done it to some extent, I will have a more active role in her upbringing – I decided.

This breakfast was a good learning.

Our own breakfast was a tasteful experience: there was a whole gamut of dishes. I usually had very disciplined food, but apparently, today was not for showing discipline. So, I gorged on the aloo parathas and masala dosas. I topped them up with two cups of coffee. Latika was more restrained - she only ate couple of parathas with tea.

His stomach now full, Ma’s elder son now happily bounced around the house with his didi, Abha. Both the children looked so cute like that… unrestrained and unburdened, chirping all the way. The way they were, reminded me so much of my own childhood. Ma made sure that I never experienced any shame or guilt being naked. Naked is natural and natural is good. I was happy to see the children enjoying in the similar manner. With Ma around, I was sure that the younger three kids will grow up to enjoy being natural.

It was raining outside so they were told to remain inside by their mothers (Kajal, Ma and Latika)! I wonder why! I always ran outside and enjoy the cold drops on my skin. It gives such pleasant feelings. But I did not meddle with their decision. They had done an amazing job raising such wonderful children so far and I was not going to be a pooper in that process.

Latika served food for Ma, Kajal and Sunil. Ma kept praising Latika for her beauty, for her raising Abha wonderfully, for her qualities and thanked her for deciding to marry me. Latika could only smile graciously through that. I on the other hand just kept drinking her beauty. Latika was looking that beautiful! Sunil seemed to have temperament of my Dad: happy, always smiling, and not taking any unnecessary tension of anything. He enjoyed his work but made sure to cut off from it when he was with his family.

****

 

[avsji]

After the breakfast, we started some serious discussions. At the center of discussion were two topics: the first one was what to do with my ancestral properties, and arrangements required for the two weddings that were to happen soon… when, we were not sure, but soon.

The last wedding that took place was that of Sunil and Ma’s, and that was about eight years ago. We had extremely bitter experience with our relatives. That wedding created much rift between my family and both my paternal and maternal families. Ma never expected much support for her remarriage anyway, but she felt the hurt when she was called disrespectful names. They ostracized her for seeking happiness rather than suffering widowhood. I wonder what sin there was in pursuing our own happiness without causing hurt to anyone else. I do not understand that attitude at all. Indeed, I was very angry because of that behavior, but in my heart, I had this feeling that these people might come around. And come around they did!

As my business grew, and money started to flow in, I did a few things for my ancestral village. First of all, I donated money to build a high school there. For me it was an expense of just a few lakh rupees, but that resulted in helping the school-going children of three villages, especially the girl children. Although Ma did not know it [she did not visit the village again after Dad’s death], the school bore the names of both my parents. I agree, this move was a bit in-your-face for our relatives, but I liked it. Let them simmer and seethe in agony. Building of that school resulted in softening most villagers’ attitude towards my family.

Nothing brings people together as much as religion does. I hope you remember the Shiv-Parvati temple in my ancestral village. The local people could renovate it only to some extent when they first started. After my wedding ceremony with Gabi, not much action took place there. Since there was not a proper approach road leading to the temple, not many outside people visited it. That restricted the amount of ‘donation’ received and therefore, the upkeep of the temple became difficult. This was the next activity I undertook. With my connections, I pulled a few strings and got a paved approach road built with proper signage for the temple on the main road. In a couple of years’ time, the footfall to the temple increased, helping local people as well as the upkeep of the temple. This resulted in much goodwill.

In addition to doing all this, I also helped no less than a dozen people from my ancestral village in getting respectable jobs that were commensurate with their qualifications and aspirations, in the nearby cities. I did the same for the neighbors of my childhood home in that town. These people became loyal to me and spoke very highly of me whenever any social discussion took place. So, if you have any doubts whether loyalty can be purchased, you must learn from these examples. Earlier, they ostracized us for doing what was not socially acceptable, but now they yearned for my benevolence. They now requested my presence in many happy occasions at their homes. Money does that!

The topic of the ancestral and childhood homes always brought unease in Ma.

“Beta, why don’t you sell both the properties?” she suggested; she was visibly upset, “No one in our families lives there… and you are spending much money in the upkeeping and caretaking of them. Sell them and get done with it!”

Both the ancestral home and the house built by Dad were in my name and it was up to me to decided what to do with them.

“Ma, I understand what you are saying… but I intended to keep both the properties.”

“What? You want to keep them?”

At that time, the youngest baby woke up and started to cry. She must have woken up for at least half an hour: as she only cried for two or three reasons, when she was hungry, when she was soiled and when she was in general discomfort.

“Bahu, tu baith (Bahu, you stay). Main bachche ko dekhti hoon (I will look after the baby).” Kajal excused herself thinking that she was not required to be present when the property matters were discussed.

Sunil too was avoiding saying anything, but he stayed because he wanted to discuss the wedding.

“Theek hai Amma.” Then looking at me she added, “Are you sure Beta?”

“Yes, Ma…” I thought and added, “In fact, I would say that all of us should visit there. If that is not possible, you and Dad and the children should go there.”

“What! I can’t believe you said that. Have you forgotten how they behaved?” Ma was almost weepy, remembering all the bad memories.

“Ma… believe me, things have changed. Things are fine now, and your will find more acceptability and respect this time.”

“Na baba… I don’t want anything.”

Kajal returned with the baby.

“Le Bahu, bachche ko doodh pila de (Bahu, here, breastfeed the baby).”

Ma’s mood lit; she smiled and happily took the baby in her arms and cooed to her as she unbuttoned her blouse.

“Chhotu nahi utha, Amma (Is ‘the other son’ not awake yet, Amma)?”

“Abhi nahi Beta (Not yet child).”

Sunil watched interestingly as Ma unbuttoned her blouse. She used to fully unbutton her blouse before feeding the children. Ma noticed him looking and gave him a knowing smile,

“Aisa kya hai jo aapne abhi tak nahi dekha hai (What is there in me that you have not yet seen)?”

Kajal and Latika laughed at this, attracting attention of the two older children. I too laughed, but in more suppressed manner.

“Dekha to sab kuchh hai, meri jaan (I have seen everything my love) … lekin kya karoon, tumko jab bhi aise dekhta hoon, to mere dil me kuchh kuchh hone lagta hai (But I can not help myself… whenever I see you like this, my heart grizzles).” He said, shifting in his chair, obviously trying to adjust his erection.

 

[avsji]

“Sirf dil me hi Dada (Only your heart, brother)?” Latika teased him.

Now I too laughed this time.

“Oi, bachchon ke liye censored hai ye sab baaten (This is a censored discussion for the children)!” Sunil said in mock admonishment to Latika.

“Achchha… bachchi hoon to phir meri shadi kyon kar rahe ho (Is that so… if I am a child then why are you getting me married)?”

“Hum kahan kar rahe hain… wo to tum hi karna chahti ho, isliye (We are not getting you married… it is you who wants to get married that’s why)!” Sunil teased her.

It was true and therefore, Latika reddened with shame.

“Aap meri bitiya ko mat chhediye (Please do not tease my baby)!” Ma came to Latika’s rescue.

“Haan dekha Dada-ji… Bou-di meri Ma hain (Do you get it… Bou-di is my mother). Inke saamne aapki dada-giri nahi chalegi (You cannot bully me in front of her)” Latika teased, protested and even warned him.

By this time, the baby had started to suckle.

“Haan hai na tumhari Ma (Yes, she is your mother) … Sasu-Ma (your mother-in-law)!”

Latika realized that it was again true and hid her face with her hand in shame.

“Ma to main hoon teri, meri poota (I am your mother, my child).” extending her free arm she asked, “Idhar aa meri bachchi (Come here my baby).”

When Latika sat near Ma, she kissed Latika’s forehead and gently buried her face in her bosom. I was happy that the mood in the room was a bit lightened, so I resumed what I was earlier proposing,

“Ma… honestly… you will be really surprised to see all the improvements there.” I looked at her; she did not say any obvious signs of apprehension.

“I know you wanted me to liquidate those properties… but I kept them because one needs to have one’s roots somewhere. For me, our ancestral home and Dad’s house are my roots… now, I can not say the same for Dad and the children… so, I think and want that all of us have some place to call home… to be able to trace our histories back to.”

“I think that you are thinking in the right direction, Beta.” Sunil concurred, “I understood your point of view.”

I was delighted whereas Ma was shocked at Sunil’s assessment and endorsement.

“I am sure that if you are saying so, things must be much better! I trust you and your judgement.” Then addressing Ma, he added, “Suman, we must support him. I will take you and the children to both AAA and BBB when you and the baby are fit to travel.”

That brought me back to the reality - yes, Ma would not be able to travel much because of her recent delivery and because the youngest baby was too young to travel. So, weddings need to take place here. I was thinking of getting Kajal and Satyajit married in the ancestral village. Kajal was pleased that I thought about that. She loved it when she was there last and would have enjoyed her wedding there. Outwardly, she asked not to make much hullaballoo about it. She was not a young girl anymore and a simple court wedding would suffice. Besides, she wanted her entire family with her for that.

“Thank you, Dad,” I was grateful, “Thank you, Ma.”

“Honey, do not thank us… I know that you are attached to these houses. I think there is nothing wrong in going there once more. If they persist with their hostile attitude, that would be my last visit there.”

“That’s the deal, Ma.” I smiled, “I love you!”

“We love you too, Beta.”

“I think we should now discuss the more important and more urgent topic,” I changed the course of the discussion, “Satyajit has been pushing for a sooner wedding date than later. I guess, he does not want to delay it further if there is no solid reason.”

“Yes, I also received calls from him…” Sunil agreed, “… actually many over the past few weeks.” And added, “So, here is what I propose… Suman is recovering well. So, I think there is no excuse for Amma to be here any longer…”

“Yes. We can hire a full-time nurse, if needed.” I agreed.

“No no… I am fine.” Ma said.

“Good. So, let us get Amma married first… here itself.”

“But Sunil… how can I do it? Latika is waiting herself. It looks bad…” Kajal interjected.

“Amma,” this time Latika spoke, “I would rather have both my Amma and new Baba to bless me at my wedding than only you. I think it will be much more fun if you two, and my both brothers can come and bless me on my big day!”

“But…” Kajal wanted to say something, but Latika interjected,

“No but, Amma,” she said, “you have done so much for us… I can wait a few months.” And looked at me as if to ask whether it was alright to wait.

I nodded and smiled. Latika smiled too receiving my acceptance.

“Main Puchuki ki shadi itne dhoom dhaam se karna chahti thi (I wanted to marry Latika off with full fanfare).”

“And that is exactly how it would be, Amma,” Sunil assured her, “To make such an arrangement, we will need more time and much planning. Therefore, it is practical that we should get her married after you… say, in about two to three months later?”

"Pakka (Is that a promise)?" Kajal confirmed suspiciously.

"Pakka Amma... bilkul pakka (It is a promise, Amma)."


****

 

[Ashurocket]

Dear avsji super.

I'm relishing this feast of happiness, family bonding, love, care, affection in today's update.

May God bless Amar and family.


Ashu

 

[Ashurocket]

Dear avsji may God bless you and your family too.

Keep writing such things.

Ashu