004

The woman's bare back glows as sunlight peeps through the window railing. Her body is relaxed, and one hand moves to the left, searching for...

Himani opens her eyes abruptly, astonished to see the bed next to her empty. She gets up, carefully clutching the blankets around her body, and sees him standing by the door, dressed in his blue shirt, denim trousers, and socks.

"Come to the bed," Himani says. He gazes at her, her brown skin gleaming in the early morning light.

"No, I'm heading out. Ensure your own well-being," Achintya replies as she gets out of bed and her eyes change.

"You’re leaving? What do you mean? Please stay," Himani begs, holding onto his upper arm with one hand while encircling herself with the sheet with the other.

He cannot leave in this manner. Definitely not. How could he? And did he just forget after their long night together?

"I meant what I said. I'm leaving, not because you are not memorable, so don't worry, but I'd rather keep it that way." Before she can say anything more, he is at the door, making his way out.

_

"Tough day?" Roopa hands a glass of water to her husband. Raghuveer has taken on extra duties more than he can handle.

"Even though Radha refuses our help, as her elder it is my job to ensure she and the children are provided for. She will not ask, but that does not mean I cannot give," he says.

"Hmm... Did the Pooja in three houses and then one couple came to the temple for their son's naamkaran. The market has gone chaotic now that the Chaudharys are hosting their youngest son's birthday party. It's created more traffic than the roads of Begusarai can handle."

She takes the glass from his hand as he makes his way to the bathroom. "Where are the children?"

"Amu and Maithili have come to stay since tomorrow is Sunday, with Radha and Ammaji."

Nodding, he enters the bathroom, locking the door behind himself.

Raghuveer watches his four children, snickering and giggling, their mouths busy chewing as fast as they can. Maithili and Gola look like kicked kittens, while Shivu and Amu grin like cats.

It doesn’t take him long to connect the dots—again, his youngest has fallen into the trap of the eldest.

"What did you two do this time?" Shivangi and Niyati look at him as if he’s accusing them falsely.

"Who... us? Nah, what could we do, Papa?" Niyati nods eagerly to support her sister's words.

Raghuveer points to his left. "These two look like kicked puppies while you two look like devils. Explain?"

Both girls look at each other, looking a bit shaken, eyes big, and faces turned into pouts. "Nothing."

"Haha, yes, nothing. Trust us." Niyati casts a nasty glare at her younger siblings. "Not them."

Raghuveer knows a lost cause when he sees one. Shivangi and Niyati love to pull pranks. One time, they mixed Roohafza and chili powder in a drink for someone who wouldn’t stop trying to marry Shivangi to her son.

"You two, speak up." It’s hard for the younger ones to speak against their eldest, who gives them puppy eyes to keep them from spilling the beans, but ignoring Raghuveer is just not an option.

"Niyati didi brought a horror movie from her friend's house. We are watching it, but it's scary, and they both keep telling us that it’s all real even though we know it’s not," Maithili speaks up. Both Shivangi and Niyati facepalm themselves.

Raghuveer had a hunch this was the case. The silence of the room when all four are present is never a good indicator.

"Amu..." he starts, but Niyati beats him to it.

"I only invited Shivu dii to watch it. These two somehow got wind of it and pleaded with us to let them see it too, promising they wouldn’t get scared. I didn’t do anything. I swear."

Niyati looks at him with her wide eyes and pouty face, which immediately reminds him of Laxman. She has his eyes and lips. Smiling at the fond memory of his late brother, he shakes his head.

"Okay. But next time, do not bring such movies home. Because if you watch them, they will want to watch them too. It is only natural." Smiling widely, Niyati nods her head and goes back to her food just as Manorama starts.

"Good, good, Raghu. Spoil them, spoil them rotten. Girls at their age are handling families, and these two cannot. Girls in our family do not watch TV, let alone movies. Only God knows what kind of scenes will be in their heads."

The sudden silence spreads in the air as the four children lower their heads after seeing the shaking of Manorama’s head and stern eyes. Raghuveer simply refuses to say anything.

He is aware of his mother’s acidic tongue and knows she is only looking for a core to start her monologue about how his children are spoiled and rotten.

So, he turns the topic to, "Roopa, I just remembered that the Chaudhary's invited me to perform the Satyanarayan Pooja at their house on their son's birthday. They have also invited our whole family to the function in the evening. But—"

"No one is going there. I am telling you this," objects Manorama.

What were they thinking? How can a Brahmin family like hers go to the house of people who consume meat and alcohol? No. No.

"Men there are like wild animals who think of themselves as gods, carrying weapons in their pockets. Surely we will not send our women and children there," Manorama elaborates.

Raghuveer won’t say that the thought hadn’t crossed his mind, because that would make him a liar. But he is also powerless to refuse the Chaudharys. What reason will he give when Durga Devi asks him about his family?

He says as much to his mother, who looks at him with a gaping mouth. Durga Devi extended the invite; a wise woman like her must be aware of the rules about Brahmins. Surely she will do something about it.

After careful consideration of what it might mean if the Mishra family doesn’t attend the function and its consequences, it is finally decided that yes, they will all go, but-

"No one will eat a single morsel there, otherwise I will not talk to or see that person."

"And now is the chance, Shivu dii," mumbles Niyati, and the stern look all four receive from their grandmother.

The dinner continues.

_

"One more thing... I will make this clear to you both—" Manorama looks at both of her daughters-in-law. The trio is the only ones present in the hall. Raghuveer has retired to his room while the children have gone to theirs. "--by God’s grace, both of your daughters have bloomed into beautiful roses. And while that might sound like a compliment to your ears, it is not."

"The society we live in is sick and likes to pluck things that they deem beautiful. The Chaudharys are like that. Their reputation is not unknown to you two either, so make sure the honor of our home remains intact."

She gives them a nasty look. "Make sure their reign remains only and only in your hands." She leave.

_

"Ammaji..ooh Ammaji..look what I have bought to you. You surely will be delighted after seeing it." Meenal sat down near the swing where Durga Devi was sitting.

Durga devi spit the remaining paan in the cuspidor, adjusting herself in the way she leans on the swing she looked at the contain of her daughter-in-law's hand.

The white envelope Meenal has bought,contains the photos of the girls."this is the pictures of the girls from all the potential families. I have bought it to you..so you can select the best one."

"For who?" Rukmani davi ask coming from the kitchen followed by Nupur.

'For you, you fat lady,' Meena thought savagely but chose not to say it aloud. "For Sundar, who else? You already know, Choti Amma, about his habits and antics. He's becoming a horse without a rein day by day, and it brings pain to my heart."

Rukmani Devi had seen enough in her life, but the level of melodrama Meenal could reach still amused her. "So, you decided to marry him off?"

"Of course not, Choti Amma. I just think that the responsibility of being a husband will knock some sense into him. Also, he's of age, and since I only have one son, I want to see him settled before God calls me." Meenal's face deflated like a balloon, her shoulders slumped, and her tone became extra dramatic.

Before Rukmani could comment further, Durga Devi extended her hand. "Give it to me."

For the next hour, all four ladies were busy examining one picture after another. Out of the twenty-seven pictures Meenal had brought, only six were selected.

The sound of footsteps announced Achintya's arrival in the hall, followed by Guddi and Abhay, who ran straight to their mother, Nupur, hugging her and babbling excitedly.

"We saw a big cat... teacher said I did the right thing, saving the girl." Everyone laughed at his cuteness, but Guddi couldn't help herself from interrupting. "I'm telling you, Bhabhi, our Abhay is going to be an even bigger Casanova than his Achintya Chachu... you better keep him away!"

Before she could finish, a hand came from the side to tug at her long braid. "Forget about Abhay or me, dear sister. Worry about yourself. Amma, when are you planning to send her away?"

It was the usual bickering between brother and sister. Guddi stomped her foot and threw a punch at her brother. "Wait until I tell Papa you're bullying me."

Achintya just smiled teasingly.

"Forget about Guddi, Achintya. Come here, sit by me, and I'll show you your future sister-in-law," Rukmani said. But it sounded more like a taunt. She and Meenal had always shared a cat-and-dog relationship since Meenal came into the house.

Meenal was about to glare but kept her expression in check, her heart thumping. If Achintya saw the photos and liked someone, it would definitely be game over for her Vijay. No one could escape the charm of Achintya Chaudhary if he really put his 100% into it. Vijay held no candle in front of him.

But before she could stop anyone, Achintya had already taken the selected photos in hand. "Let's see whose life you're all determined to destroy," he teased lightheartedly.

Meenal could only clutch her fingers tightly, seething in anger. She and her son held no value in this damned household—it was clear from the way everyone laughed at Achintya Babu's words.

If the roles were reversed and Vijay had said that, everyone would have come to Achintya's rescue in no time.

"I've invited a few girls and their families to Abhay's birthday function so Ammaji and Jethji could meet them," Meenal clarified. It was finally her and her son's opportunity to shine, and she wouldn't let anyone take it away.

Achintya passed the selected photos back to Durga Devi. "They all are beautiful. But I hope, Kaki, you've already informed them about your son's habits."

"Do not worry about them, dear brother. I will take care of it when the time comes. Care about yours." A sarcastic smile grazed Achintya's face as he turned and was greeted by Vijay's presence.

Vijay walked straight in front of him. They were both the same height, though Achintya was slightly taller, but Vijay was bulkier like Mithilesh, as their line of work demanded manpower and muscles.

Vijay's signature style—shoulder-length hair tied behind his back—highlighted the savage look on his face. "Worrying about me doesn't suit you."

"That's why I don't do it. I was merely showing concern for the girl. I don't want her to marry into our family just because of our reputation and power. Do something on your own for a change."

"Like you do? I heard this weird rumor a few days back, about you leaving some hotel with a girl crying and running after you."

They glared at each other as if they wanted to tear each other apart and taste blood. Their history had been bloodied throughout their childhood.

Both, being of the same age, always shared the same experiences: their first fight, first crush, first smoke, first jealousy, and the urge to taste blood.

Achintya and Vijay were two sides of the same coin but with different perspectives.

"Enough. Achintya—" Durga Devi looked at both of her grandsons, "—Vijay, this is my home. The place where my family lives. There's no need for any of you to draw the red out of one another."

The young men glared at each other before Achintya backed off, his expression shifting from fury to joy. "We won't, Amma," he said, giving his brother a pointed look. "And definitely not in front of you."

He left.

_

The day had turned into an unofficial festival. Sweets and clothes were being distributed on the streets, firecrackers were bursting, and men and women only had one topic to discuss: the function at the Chaudhary household.

"I heard they brought some famous dancer from Patna—"

"Really?"

"Hmm... why wouldn't they? It's the Chaudharys we're talking about."

Niyati felt like she would die or her ear canals would burst if she heard the name "Chaudhary" one more time.

When she finally reached home, her mother and sister were already there. "Hurry along... we're going to Bhaisaheb's place. Didi told me to lock the house, and we'll gather there since we're all leaving together."

Inside the house, Manorama was reciting chants while rotating her rosary. She gave them a look before turning back to her work.

"She's always busy remembering God, yet she talks and looks like the devil," Niyati muttered to Maithili, who nodded in agreement.

Shivangi was already ready in a beautiful peach-colored Anarkali suit, her hair tied in an elegant updo. The color of her dress complemented her milky white skin.

Someone whistled, and as she turned, she found Niyati and Maithili at the door. "Who’s being killed today, dii?"

Laughing, Shivangi pulled Maithili's cheeks. "You, if you don't get ready in half an hour."

The girl huffed, rubbing her cheeks. "It's only cool when we do this to Gola," and she left.

"You, madam, go get ready before Maa comes to haul us away," Shivangi instructed Niyati, who was busy skimming through a new book on Shivangi's table.

Half an hour later, the trio of sisters entered the hall, giggling and muttering between themselves. Radha and Roopa were the first to see them. As Roopa came forward, she placed a small black dot behind each of their ears. "Let no one cast their black eye on my shining stars."

"With the way they both look, someone surely will," Manorama interjected. "What I told you both goes above your heads, right? Why are they both dolled up so much when I strictly forbade them?"

Her eyes scanned her granddaughters' attire. While Shivangi, who was slimmer, looked elegant in her peach-colored dress, Niyati, with her more voluptuous figure, could easily outshine anyone in her dark green suit.

"Amu, tie your hair back. You're going to a function, not to impress other people. Tie them," she barked.

Shivangi was a known face in their community, but Niyati was a newcomer. People hardly recognized her as the Mishra family's daughter. What if some wretch mistook her and did something bad to her?

No, even the thought left a sour taste in her mouth.

Niyati looked at her with big eyes, a hint of gloss present, when she felt a hand behind her back as Radha tied her long hair into a simple braid.

A deep pang of sadness emerged in her. Back in Indore, her father never restricted her from doing anything. She would wear jeans and her hair open, and he would compliment her. She would wear any traditional dress, and he would compliment her.

A lonely tear escaped her eyes, which she quickly dabbed away.

"The rickshaws are here. Let's go," an excited Gola came running inside, Raghuveer behind him. He looked from one face to another, connecting the dots.

Something must have happened.

Before he could ask, he caught Roopa shaking her head as if signaling him not to ask anything.

"Come, everyone," the family followed behind Roopa.

_

Radha looked at the scene around her and thanked the almighty lord and her mother-in-law.

Manorama, who had always played the consistent role of the negative in her life, had finally done one good deed for her.

Radha was aware of her daughter’s beauty. The only concern she'd heard about was her complexion, because Niyati, unlike Maithili and Shivangi, was brown-skinned.

The scene around her was chaotic: men drunk slurring their words, and the sounds of gunshots mixed with the loud music from the DJ.

Women danced on the stage while men, some of whom appeared to come from respectable families, tried to touch them and lure them with money.

Fortunately, there was a separate tent for the women, guarded by five burly men. One of the women explained, "It's because the women of the Chaudhary family and other influential families are seated here."

This provided some comfort, though Radha still shivered at the thought of anyone’s eyes lingering on her daughter, Niyati, due to her beauty.

Raghuveer had introduced the family to their host, Durga Devi, who greeted them with folded hands. "It’s our fortune to have you here. Please don’t leave without eating. I’ve prepared special food for your family in my own kitchen."

When Maithili asked why they were receiving such special treatment, Radha explained, "It’s because we are Brahmins. Our caste is considered high in the eyes of people, almost like we're gods."

Niyati found this caste-based special treatment frustrating. It seemed to her that despite living in modern times, such outdated practices persisted. The so-called education of these people had done little to change their mentality.

_

They took their seats at an ornate table in the magnificent haveli. The interior was grand, with a vast courtyard featuring a large swing and a splendid living room made of white stone with touches of gold, giving it a regal air.

As the feast began, a variety of dishes were served under the watchful eye of Durga Devi. "I didn’t know about your brother and his family," she remarked.

Raghuveer responded politely, "They used to live in Indore and have only returned to Begusarai this year. They live with us now."

"Yes, of course, it’s only natural for families to stick together," Durga Devi replied.

Niyati's stomach felt as though it might burst; despite her refusal, the hostess insisted on filling their plates.

"I’d like to wash my hands. Where’s the washroom?" Niyati asked politely, needing to relieve herself and avoid any embarrassment.

She heard some snickers and pinched Shivangi’s thigh. Shivangi shot her a glare.

"Wait, Hema, come here," Durga Devi called. "Show the young girl the way to the upper-floor bathroom."

Niyati followed Hema, hoping for a brief respite from the overwhelming situation.

_

__&__

Achintya was having the blast of the day. The loud music, the dancers, free alcohol what more a man need.

Not to forget, Sundar babu's irritated face. His mother had strictly forbidden him to not even touch the reflection of the alcohol bottle let alone the real bottle.

"Do not find joy in someone else's misery." Mithilesh comments from the side. He too has not drunk even the drop of the alcohol because of the morning Pooja he sat down in with Abhay Laxmi and Nupur.

"Can you blame me? Look at that fucker's face. It is not my fault his misery brings me joy." Achintya answered. He also has not touched the alcohol, not the big fan of being drunk and giving people items for gossip.

Not like he will. He has the better control over himself than Sundar. Laxmi giggles in his arms clapping her hands together, "yes.. laxu. See, even she agrees to that."

"Do not involve my daughter in your agenda. "Mithilesh comments. But he too smiled looking at her toothless grin.

Achintya was busy twirling a giggling Laxmi in his arms when some idiot drunked fucker stumbled on this back, spilling the content of the bottle he was holding in.

"Madarchod." Achintya curses loudly at the man. His whole backside was covered in the alcohol. Mithilesh takes Laxmi in his arms as Achintya turns back, his fist hovering in the air to punch the git senseless.

But alas, the man was too drunk to even being aware of what he did. "Ask the security to throw this fucker out of our premise." Mithilesh nods, and Achintya leave the scene.

___&__

Niyati towel dried her hands, checking her reflection in the mirror. If only Manorama would have allowed her to open her hair, but she was not complaining anymore.

Not after she saw just what kind of scene was happening in the function as well as the heat that was enveloping them.

She pats her hair, tugging the baby strands behind her ears and left the washroom, is when the darkness enveloped her.

As well as the whole house.

The power supply was gone, masking the whole house in the darkness.

"Guddiya..stay where you are. The light will soon be back, we have two generators. It will soon be on." Hema assures. But her voice was coming from far like she was not present where Niyati herself was.

Niyati's palm were sweating, she was in no way afraid of the dark. But she was afraid of being in some stranger's house and get stucked in the dark.

She was busy reciting the Hanuman chalisa in her mind, the horror film did her numbers.

A strong light hits her face first and a man's body come next.

Achintya cursed the man more, because of that drunk he has to take the second shower. Not to forget, the ongoing light crisis.

But it was no problem, his family owns the two generators, they also rented two more generators for the function. The problem soon will be solved.

With that thought he switched on the flashlight and made his way downstairs. He actually has entered from the back door once the guard informed about the priest's family eating in the hall.

He did not wanted to give the first impression of his as the drunk son of the Chaudhary, but now that he is fresh, he will surely go and give his greeting to the priest's family.

Walking leisurely, he made his way to the corridor just when his leg got tangled in something and his body stumbled on the other's.

His hand found their purchase on the soft side of the arms, as small hands clutches his shirt crumbling them in their way to not loose the balance and make them both tumble.

"Ouch.."comes the soft voice clashing with Achintya's soft "fuck."

"I'm sorry" they both said at the same time. Bringing his other hand above he pointed it on the girl's face, and get greeted by the beautiful big eyes and red pouty lips.

The stare they both shared made the girl blinks her eyes multiple time as she brings her one hand to shield her eyes making them both stumble a bit as the arms Achintya had on her hands slipped and made their way to her waist to steady her.

"Are you planning to blind me here?" She spoke softly, her eyes lowering as well as her hand when Achintya lowers the phone.

"Uhm..sorry.." he utters back just as the light come back.

Niyati was about to usher herself away from the warm body when her eyes caught his face and they get stopped on their accord.

God!

How can a simple human be this handsome. But God! Ain't this man actually so-so beauiful.

Big brown eyes, high cheekbones, straight nose his face might be carved out of the marbles and by the hands of the almighty himself.

It also did not helps the fact that Niyati only reaches to his chest which makes the man hover above her head.

She clears her throat in the attempt to make him leave her. Since the lights were back, if anyone saw them in such close proximity only lord will know what will happen then.

Hurried footsteps "Guddiya..Guddiya" Niyati blinks her eyes in fear, with the full force her body could muster she shoved at him making him detached from herself and left the before Hema could come nears the door.

"Here..here..." And with that Niyati ran to her side, motioning her back towards the stairs, following her.

Achintya stood still there, what does just happened. The whirlwind left him before he could even inquires how and who she was.

She cannot be here if she was not special , not to forget the helper herself came to fetch her?

He takes hurried steps to reach downstairs to know exactly who she was.

__&__

Niyati take her seat beside Shivangi, "okay? The light was gone for few minutes but badi Thakurain assures us you would be safe." She ask.

"Fine.. I'm fine." Except her heart was doing Summerslam inside and she was thankful to her ribcage to hold it there and not let it escape and let it run back to upstairs.

She nods her head when her eyes meet with her mother's who looked relieved only then.

Sound of feet come down, as Achintya stood behind the chair Durga Devi was sitting. He folds his hand for the greeting as others do it too.

" I know you all already are aware about him but it is only polite if I introduced him. This is Achintya Chaudhary. My eldest son Phulan and his wife mala's second son." Durga Devi introduces.

The boy who stood besides her is her pride and joy and so it only natural people knows about it too.

Raghuveer smiles politely taking the cue "my wife Roopa, my sister-in-law Radha, she works as the teacher, her daughters Niyati and Maithili and my children Shivangi and Ranveer."

Raghuveer could see the way the boy respectfully touches each of the ladies feet and his too. How his eyes were respectful enough to not get look at any of his children.

He was aware of the reputation Achintya Chaudhary holds as the Casanova. He could only thanks his stars that none of those tendencies are visible now. It made him feel comfortable.

Niyati could not hold her head above, just the thought of what happened before, of his arms around her waist made her blush harshly.

But she can not afford to do that. Her mother as well as her kaki have the sharp eyes and nothing goes hidden from their sight.

Few minutes of chatting and soon the time to take their leave comes upon them. "Our car will drop you off Mishra jii. And no..you can not refuse that." Orders Durga Devi.

Niyati was thankful that the dreadful night has been coming to the end, soon she will inside the confiment of her home and leave those beautiful brown eyes away.

"I'll go and take out the car." Achintya offers. Durga devi looked at him suspiciously, how come her grandson who is fond of the parties and alcohol is willingly ready to leave it. And that too for such mundane task .

"No..it's fine. The driver will do that." It was one thing to be hospitable to the priest's family because they had come to her home but her grandson is not their driver neither he will do such mundane things.

Achintya's face did not loose it's cool like Raghuveer expected but he only smiles and nods his head.

So it was true, that the men of the family only kneels infront of the Durga Devi and no one else. "Then..we are taking our leave. Thankyou for invitation and the kind treatment. We will not forget that. "

The car left.

Niyati finally took the much needed breath she was holding back.

___&___

My sincerest apology for the late update. But I was busy with my college as well as in other matters.

From now on, I will try to be consistent.

Also, their are multiple Hindi words I have used if anyone holds any questions about them, please let me know.

The fun fact:-

In many regions of India,the Brahmin are indeed treated nicely and bit different than others. People offers them the superior form of respect as they are considered as the next to the gods.