Do Anjaane

Chapter 17

Sorry, only one chapter today! And of course, any comments/constructive criticism are always welcome!

Once they were seated in the car and they had backed out of the community, Raghuveer broke the silence. "So, madam, care to tell me why you orchestrated this grand reveal rather than simply telling me that you are one of the government's most talented cryptologists?" "If you bothered to read the file you have on me, I wouldn't have had to reveal it this way," she replied sassily. 

Veer burst out laughing, and it was the first time since they had gotten married. Vaidehi looked at him with awe, then cursed herself afterward for not documenting the moment with a picture. "Hum samajh gaye, biwi-ji! That's why Yagnik was saying that it would be better for me to find out about your work myself. Congratulations to you on your well-kept secret wife." He picked up her hand and kissed the palm, holding on to it as he drove with the other. He leaned in, lowering his voice. 

"But can I confess, my wife looks hot while taking charge and giving orders. I was mesmerized for a few minutes back there." Vaidehi flushed and looked out the window, biting her lip. Her husband was a charming man when he decided to flirt outright. He was definitely interested in her, and she couldn't delude herself anymore into thinking otherwise. God, the dreams she hadn't even dared to dream were coming true. "Keep your eyes on the road." 

Veer chuckled again and kissed her palm, then her wrist. The rest of the ride passed by in comfortable silence. Their lunch passed by enjoyably, with friendly banter, and both learned more about their educational backgrounds and college experiences. Both of them had graduated with honors, summa cum laude. "Hmm, so the only difference is that you and Abhiram Bhaiya met in college, while Radhika, Shraddha, and I met in school." 

"You call him Bhaiya? Then why was he..." He trailed off as he realized it was just his friend's ploy to make him jealous. "Bastard. Either way, I want you to keep some distance from him, ok?" Vaidehi nodded, laughing at his frowning face. "Are you laughing at me, wife?" "Would I ever dare?" Vaidehi went to turn on the radio to distract him, but he stopped her hand. "I have a request." She looked at him, questioningly. "Will you sing for me? I didn't tell you last time, but you have a beautiful voice, and I only want to hear your voice this time." 

She nodded shyly. "Is there any specific song?" "Whatever you want, I just want to listen to you." Vaidehi thought for a moment, then began singing one of her favorite songs. "Aap ki aankhon mein kuch meheke hue se raaz hain..." Veer kept requesting her to keep singing, until she had sung the entire ride back to her office. As they pulled up at the building, he said, "I'll never get tired of your voice. I'll always ask you to sing for me." Not knowing what to say, Vaidehi quickly stepped out of the car and waved. "I'll see you at home." She turned around and hurried inside, leaving Raghuveer staring after her.

Finally, the day of Vaidehi's birthday dawned just one day short of a month after their sixth monthiversary. There were days when Vaidehi had forgotten it was her birthday, but her siblings and friends were always there to remind her. Fortunately, she hadn't forgotten today. As she stepped onto the balcony for a breath of fresh air, she noticed an incoming video call from Bhai. "Good morning, meri pyaari gudiya. Happy 23rd!" "Happy 23rd birthday, didi!" 

It had been a tradition amongst the siblings to wish each other on their birthdays at the time they had been born, and cut a cake. Vaidehi had been born at 5:24 am, so she usually woke up to her siblings wishing her. There obviously wasn't a cake to cut this time, but they all chatted for a few minutes. "Theek hain baccha, taiyyar ho jao. Hum shaam mein milte hain." "Main intezaar karungi. Bye!"