14. Momos

Ahana

Mam, ye rahe apke special tikhe chutney wale momos," that momo wale bhaiya called from behind.

(Ma'am, here are your special spicy chutney momos.)

He handed me the plate, and I walked back towards Aastik ji with a not-so-innocent smile on my face.

Well... momos and pani puri are my absolute favourites, and that too street style wale. How could I let go of these tasty, tikhe tikhe momos for some blank-tasting, overpriced fancy momos?

And I very well know that Aastik ji's spice tolerance is 0. I heard it from his cook earlier.

Well... I just want to punish him a little.

It won't hurt that much.

Hehehe.

"Aastik ji, ye lijiye... aapne bola tha aap ek khayenge," I said with a teasing smile, holding the plate in front of him.

(Aastik ji, here you go... you said you'd have one.)

I looked at him and honestly, it was so cute. I mean, the way he looked slightly scared, like a kid being forced to eat karela.

"Umm... s-sweetheart I think my stomach is upset, you enjoy it," he LIED.

The Aastik Malhotra LIED.

I wanted to burst out laughing at his helplessness, but I pressed my lips, holding it in. I didn't want to ruin the moment yet.

"Oo, to aap ek bhi nahi khayenge? Ok, to main akeli kha leti hu," I said in the softest sad voice I could manage though honestly, I wasn't sure if it would work on him or not.

(Oh, so you won't even have one? Okay then, I'll eat alone.)

I took one piece, dipped it properly in that bright red dangerous looking chutney, and tossed it into my mouth.

"Mmm... so tasty," I moaned slowly, eyes half closed just for the drama.

The momos were stuffed with juicy vegetables, a generous amount. Spicy, flavourful, exactly the way I liked it.

Now let's see how long Mr. Zero-Spice-Tolerance holds up.

Oo now it's time to act.

"Aree ye to tikha hi nhi hai, whatever... let's enjoy aisehi," I said it a little louder, just enough so that he could hear.

(Arre, this isn't even spicy... whatever, let's just enjoy it anyway.)

"Aap ek bhi nahi khayenge kya? Ek bhi nahi?" I asked again, with that innocent, emotional longing look.

(You're really not going to have even one? Not even a single one?)

He looked away, scratched his neck awkwardly, then looked back at me. After a deep sigh, he replied,

"Ok... fine. Just one."

"But it doesn't have any spoon or fork... how should I eat it?" he asked, and I looked at him like I'm the biggest idiot alive.

Yes, you guys read that right 'I'

Because seriously, can't this tall, handsome man see that I literally ate a piece with my hand?

If we don't eat momos with hands, fir kya mza?

Without saying a word, I picked up a piece, slightly dipped it in the chutney cause that's more than enough for Mr. Devil and brought it up in front of his mouth.

His eyes widened, he looked at my face and then at my hand, and continued doing it for more than ten times, as if he wants to decode something.

"Khaiye na... mera khana thanda ho raha hai," I said with a soft pout.

(Please eat na... my food's getting cold.)

His eyes softened, and he finally bent down a little and took the piece in his mouth...

But what the HELL-

When I was about to pull my hand back, he held it firmly. And while maintaining eye contact with me, he started sucking and licking my fingers sensually. His lips were soft and warm, moving slowly over my skin. His warm saliva spread all over my fingers and all of this is making my heart race like I'm in a marathon.

My face heated up instantly, realising that the people around us were looking at us. T-This m-man is s-shameless.

I pulled my hand back and quickly looked away. What was he thinking? Is he out of his mind?

I stole another glance at him and this time I couldn't stop laughing. He was huffing and biting his lips looking like a kid. "Hahaha, look at you... The Aastik Malhotra is behaving like a kid with zero spice tolerance."

"You knew it, didn't you?" he asked, hiding the sting of spice.

But suddenly his face turned red and I got worried.

"Aastik ji, is it burning too much?" I asked and he didn't deny it.

"I... I'm sorry... wait... Here, I'm coming, just a second, ok?" I said and ran to the shop nearby.

"Bhaiya, jaldi se 1 lassi, 3 milkybar aur ek thanda pani dena to," I said quickly to the shopkeeper, glancing at Aastik ji from time to time.

(Bhaiya, quickly give me 1 lassi, 3 Milky Bars, and a cold water bottle, please.)

After getting the stuff, I quickly ran back towards him but suddenly my steps halted. There was a girl standing right in front of him.

Why ain't I moving? Why am I just standing here? Who is that girl?

No, I shouldn't imagine anything, it's okay. But then she suddenly offered him chocolates.

I clutched my dupatta tightly. But why? Why is she offering him chocolates?

I don't know. Him taking that chocolate... I don't like it. But he was struggling because of me, so wouldn't it be natural for him to take it?

"Sorry miss, I don't want it. My wife will bring me something, you can go," he REFUSED.

I smiled widely, like my heart finally felt at ease, and ran to him. "Aastik ji, look, I brought all the sweet and cold things for you."

"You're late," he said with a side eye.

"Sorry," I said, handing him the thandi lassi.

He drank it all within a second. His eyes were a little red from the spice, and a pang of guilt stabbed my heart.

Then I opened the Milkybar and offered it to him, but he shook his head.

"Why?"

"You should take responsibility for my condition. Didn't you feed me that spicy momo with your hand? So now feed me the chocolate with your hand too."

"W-what!" I replied with shock, blinking at him as my ears burned red.

"Achaa sorry na... mujhe nhi pata tha apko itna tikha lagega...." I mumbled with a flushed face, guilt dripping in my tone.

(Okay, I'm sorry... I didn't know it would be that spicy for you.)

"Aise kaise apka sorry kabul krle sweetheart, pehele aap khilaiye to mujhe," he said with that mischief dancing in his eyes as he pulled me closer by my waist.

(How can I just accept your sorry like that, sweetheart? First, you have to feed me.)

"Aap v na..." I sighed in defeat, knowing very well there was no winning against him. I picked up a piece of chocolate and then tossed it right into his mouth, knowing what he had done when I fed me those spicy momos.

"What was that?" He asked raising his one brow

"What what?"

"Why did you toss it in my mouth... now feed me one more bite. Normally," he demanded, leaning forward slightly and opening his mouth.

"Nhi... aap thik se nhi khate," I said, flickering my eyes sideways, trying hard not to meet his gaze.

(No... you don't eat properly.)

"Q? kaise khata hu mey?" he asked leaning a bit closer, clearly enjoying this.

(Why? How do I eat then?)

"Q... you don't remember what you did when I fed you a momo piece?" I whispered, the memory flashing in my mind, how he licked and sucked my finger with his soft and warm lips, instantly a warm flush crept up my cheeks.

"Why? What did I do sweetheart?" he asked with that fake innocent look, as if he didn't know exactly what he was doing back then.

"You..." I paused and then with a lower voice I mumbled "Why did you licked my f-fingers?"

I asked hiding my face with my hairs which worked better than I thought. I was looking down, sucking my lower lips in nervousness when his index finger rested under my chin and he tilted my head up, making me look at him.

"I licked it because there was that spicy chutney in your hand," he said, with his teasing voice and then continued... "Why sweetheart... did anything happen to you because of my licking and sucking?" he asked with a smirk, his eyes were watching my every expression like he already knew the answer.

"N-no I was j-just saying," I stammered and quickly stood up from my seat, "Abhi shayad apko mirchi nhi lag rhi... we should go."

"Hmm... let's go," he replied casually, but then smirked and added, "warna kahi apka strawberry face cherry red color na ban jaye."

(Otherwise, your strawberry face might turn cherry red.)

I shot him a glare, but he had already turned around and was walking towards the car like nothing happened.

I sighed and started following him, but my steps paused when my eyes fell on a small shop. Different types of jhumkas, bangles and pendants were hanging there, so many girls were busy buying and checking the items but what caught my eyes was a toe ring.

I love toe rings, but mumma never bought me one, saying it's a wastage of money and all. But my love for toe rings remained the same. I always hoped I could wear one someday... but dreams don't really come true, do they?

I was still admiring the toe rings when Aastik ji called out, "Ab ghar jana v hai ki nhi?"

(Do you want to go home now or not?)

I quickly broke my gaze from those little beauties and ran towards him. "Chaliye," I said softly, settling into the passenger seat but not before stealing one last glance at those delicate rings that still sparkled in my heart.

The drive was wrapped in a comfortable silence. Outside, the city moved past us, but inside the car, it was calm. My heart still ached a little for that toe ring, but I quietly let the thought slide... until something suddenly clicked in my mind.

I turned slightly towards him. "Aastik ji..."

"Boliye Aastik ji ki sweetheart," he replied, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Wo... mujhe kuch kehna tha... nhi nhi... maangna tha," I whispered, fiddling with the end of my dupatta.

(Well... I wanted to say something... no, no... I meant to ask for something.)

"Aap bole to ye duniya apke kadmo mey sweetheart... aap boliye, apko kya chahiye?" His tone was playful, flirtatious even, but the warmth and sincerity behind his words were unmistakable.

(If you say so, this whole world is at your feet, sweetheart.... tell me, what do you want?)

"W-wo mujhe na... apka n-number chahiye tha," I mumbled, fixing my eyes on my dupatta as I twisted it nervously in my fingers.

(W-well... I wanted your number.)

Suddenly, the car halted with a sharp screech, jolting me a little. My eyes widened as he turned to me with a slight frown and narrowed eyes.

"Tumko akal thodi kam hai kya? Bas number hi to chahiye na... itna nervous kyun hoti ho?" he asked with a DONE look.

(Don't you have a little sense? It's just number you want... so why do you get so nervous?)

"N-nhi... I thought you would get a-angry," I muttered under my breath.

He sighed, extended his hand and said, "Apna phone do."

(Give me your phone)

"Huh?"

"Apna phone do," he repeated.

I quickly handed him my phone, and for a few minutes, he typed something with complete focus and then he handed it back to me.

"I added my phone number, Instagram ID which I barely use and ya, I also logged in my all social media access on your phone too. I don't want you to get insecure or anything... becoz I already know you're an overthinker ki devi..." he finished with a soft chuckle.

I looked at him with wide eyes taking in his words, my heart swelled with emotions which I don't know how to hold in. Tears welled up in my eyes and before I could think twice, I leaned in and hugged him tightly, pulling his neck close to mine. His warmth, his scent... it was heaven. Pure, peaceful heaven. His embrace felt like a place I never wanted to leave. It wasn't just a hug, it was healing.

I remember very well when Kabir had my social media access and all but whenever I just asked for his, just for fun, he used to shout at me or play all emotional and this MAN? O God, please, thank you for sending him in my life, he gave all these things without even asking, just because I would overthinking, just to not make me feel insecure. He didn't make me feel clingy, or stupid for asking... instead he gave it all before I could even open my mouth. I don't know what I did to deserve this... but in this moment, my heart feels full.

Honestly, I wouldn't have ever asked him to give his social media access, never... but it felt so good that he thinks so much about me, even for the things I stay silent about.

"Pata hai Aastik ji... aap jitna mere baare mein sochte hain... utna meri puri zindagi mein kisi ne mere liye nhi socha... Thank you mere lia itna sochne k lia, mujhe itna safe feel karwane ke liye. Thank you meri, ek anjaan ladki ki itni parwah karne ke liye, thank you so much for everything," I whispered from the hug, my voice trembled with emotions.

"You know, mein abhi ek chiz karne wali hu... and the special thing to notice is I won't regret doing that, never in my whole life" I said, pulling slightly back, still in his arms. Then without thinking twice, I cupped his face gently, leaned forward, and placed a soft peck on both his cheeks. I closed my eyes, letting the moment wrap around me like a warm blanket, this is solace.

(You know, Aastik ji... no one in my entire life has ever thought about me as much as you do. Thank you for thinking about me so much, for making me feel so safe. Thank you for caring so much about a stranger like me. Thank you so much for everything.)

And then, slowly opening my eyes, I looked at him, he was already watching me with his softest gaze and a gentle smile.

"Apko bura to nhi laga na? You know, you could punish me or scold me or..." I started, but before I could blabber more, he pulled me into a hug again.

(You're not upset, right? You know, you could punish me or scold me or...)

"You're a gem, sweetheart... Don't be scared of me. I won't hurt you," he whispered softly near my ear.

And I just held his neck tighter, feeling safe at that moment.

But that warm moment was broken by a sudden call on my phone. I slowly sat back on my seat and he, while clearing his throat, started driving again. I picked up my phone to check who it was, but the name flashing on the screen was enough to wipe the smile off my face.

My hands started trembling, and before I could decide anything, I answered the call... but Aastik ji gently snatched the phone from my hand and put it on speaker.

"Hello, Ahana, kaisi hai tu? Ma ki yaad aati hai ki nhi? Achha wo sab chhod, sabse zaruri baat, Jamai ji ko khush rakhti hai ki nhi? Kuch garbar to nhi karti na? Jawab kyun nhi de rahi hai... Hello?" Mumma's voice echoed through the car, but it felt like my lips had gone frozen.

(Hello, Ahana, how are you? Do you miss Mom or not? Okay, forget all that - the most important thing, are you keeping Jamai ji happy or not? You're not causing any trouble, right? Why aren't you answering... Hello?)

"H..ha Ma, bolo," I whispered, my voice barely there.

(Y..yes Mom)

"Jawab dene ka mann nhi kar raha kya? Ghar se nikli nhi ki maa ko hi bhool gayi... Isiliye itna padha likhaaya tujhe? Sahi kehti thi main... tere jaisi beti ko to-" she started shouting in her usual frustration, and I knew what was coming next.

(Don't feel like answering, huh? You've left home and already forgotten your mother... Is that why I got you so much education? I was right all along... a daughter like you should-)

"MUMMA!" I shouted.

"W..wo apke j-jamai ji side mey hai, apko kuch kehna tha kya?" I said quickly diverting the topic.

(W-well, your son-in-law is beside me... do you want to say something?)

She paused for a second and then, spoke again with her sugar coated voice "Oo... j-jamai ji v hai kya? Ok ok... Sunn... Iss Saturday ghar aana, jamai ji ko leke... Papa ne bola hai... Sunday ekdam dinner karke jaana."

(Oh... son-in-law is also there? Okay, okay... listen... come home this Saturday with him... you both will leave after having dinner on Sunday)

"Ok Mumma... abhi rakhti hu... bahar hai hum, bye," I said in one breath and cut the call before she could say anything else.

I fisted my hands in a painful nail-digging grip and took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm rising inside me. The smile I had a minute ago was already gone.

I didn't have the courage to look at him, not even to utter a word. My gaze stayed fixed on the road ahead. Seeing my silence, he understood I didn't want to talk, so without pressing, he just started driving the car.

I closed my eyes and leaned back, 'thora khus kya ho jau, wo khusi chingne mey zada waqt v nhi lagate' I muttered in my mind.

(If I get a little happy, they don't take much time to snatch that happiness away.)

A minute ago I was overwhelming with happiness and now this is me. Funny right?

I put pressure on my nails more, finding comfort from the pain like past but before that could happen a hand opened my fist with a force and interlocked it.

I opened my eyes and looked at him, "last warning de rhaa hu sweetheart, agr ye kabhi mne firse dekha, to mere aisa roop dekhogi jisse tumhari rooh kaap uthegi...." he warned without looking at me, his face seemed angered with a hard face and gritting teeth but I couldn't smile right now.

(Last warning, sweetheart....if I ever see this again, you'll witness a side of me that will make your soul tremble...)

Mumma's call took my smile with it.

Silence filled the car again, only the sound of tyres on road and his slightly heavy breaths were audible. I didn't look at him again, just stared out of the window blankly.

Soon we reached home and without looking back I ran towards my room and locked it from inside.

I don't want to talk to anyone, nor want to see. I have to stay alone right now.

Ahana

Her face really seemed broken.... gloomy. What was her mother saying? It felt a little harsh... is that even normal? Honestly, I don't know.

But when her mother was about to say something more, she cut her off with a painful scream like she already knew what the rest of the sentence would be.

Seeing her like that was so heartbreaking that I cannot even put it into words. It was like a delicate flower slowly losing its colour...

I knew she didn't want to say anything, so I didn't force her. But what she did next to control her pain... that was unbearable for me.

How dare she do self harm when her husband is sitting beside her, she just needed to say the word, 'Aastik ji, I'm hurt' And I swear, I would've painted my hand in that person's blood in such a way that their soul would have forgotten that they existed in this world.

_________

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