EKANSH'SPOV

I look at her smiling as she takes the award from my hands.
I whispered " Congratulations, mrs.rathore"

She blushes.
After the event , Saanvi , Ishaan and Aadhya joined me in my car while the elders were in the other car.
Saanvi is still glowing from her win and  she's excitedly talking about the audience and her performance  with the other two.
When she turned to me suddenly,
Saanvi: Ansh, did -did you saw my performance?..was it that good?

I looked at her...cheeks pink, anklets still jingling softly, trophy in her lap like it was her most precious thing.

I leaned a little closer and whispered,
"You looked breathtaking, Vita. I don't think I even blinked."

Her lips parted slightly, her blush deepening.
Ishaan made a dramatic gagging sound from the back.
Ishaan: "Uff bhai... thoda toh hum single logon ka khayal karo!"
Aadhya laughed loudly.
Saanvi hid her face with her dupatta, whispering a flustered, "Ansh..."

I smirked.
Her reaction was worth every second of teasing.

The car was filled with their chatter again.
She kept speaking animatedly about her dance and honestly, I didn't care about the details...
I just liked hearing her voice, seeing her happy,watching the way her hands moved while she talked.
At the red light , I saw a person selling gajra.
I signalled him to come to me and bought a pair of gajra .
I could feel the their gaze on me.
I took the gajra from the seller and turned to my vita.
I held her hands gently and made her wear the gajras.

She blushed, while my siblings hooted.

As the light turned green, I held her right hand, and began to drive again.
After another 15 minute drive, 
we reached the Rathore mansion .

I swiftly parked the car in the driveway.

Ishaan was the first one to notice a car covered with red cloth.
Ishaan screamed " Whats that ?"
Saanvi and Aadhya look up and noticed it.

Saanvi's grip on my hand tightens unconsciously.
Aadhya gasps, "Bhai... yeh kya hai?"

But Saanvi doesn't say anything.
She's just staring.
I get out of the car and walk around to open her door.
She steps out slowly, her anklets chiming softly in the quiet night, gajra brushing her cheek as she looks between me and the covered car.

"Ek... Ekansh?" she whispers.
I offer my hand."Come."
She places her palm on mine, small and soft, still slightly cold from the AC.
I guide her forward, Ishaan bouncing behind us like an overexcited kid.
Aadhya joins him.
Both of them whispering loudly and not-so-subtly.
"Bhabhi ka gift lag raha hai."
"Naa, bhai ne khud ke liye li hogi. Bhabhi ko bas reaction chahiye hoga—"

I turn and glare.
They both shut up instantly.

Saanvi stops right in front of the covered car.
Saanvi: "Ansh... is it that..? "
Ekansh: "Open it."

She lifted the cover slowly, eyes widening as the gleaming yellow Maserati MC20 came into view.

Saanvi (voice trembling ):"Ansh... is this... for me?"
Ekansh (stepping closer, gently holding her hand ):"For my wife. You deserved it, Vita... for winning today and for being... you."

Ishaan's jaw literally dropped.
Ishaan( gasping, wide-eyed) :"Wait... whose car is this??"
Ekansh( arms crossed, smirking ): "Meri biwi ki hai. Chhoonaa bhi mat."

Ishaan ran to Saanvi, hugging her tightly.
Ishaan: "Bhabhiiiii... aap mujhe ghumne leke jaaoge?"
Saanvi (laughing, holding him back gently ):"Of course! We all go for a long drive tonight... maybe for some ice cream or dessert. And guess what? I'll drive!"
Ishaan (excited):"Yesss! That's like my bhabhi!"

Ekansh (sternly):" ishaan, meri biwi h ,voh....so stop being so clingy with my vita"
Ishaan (whispered): "jealous aadmi"
Saanvi giggled.
I raised an eyebrow at her.
She giggled again.
I smiled.
They made their way  inside to the home.
>TIME SKIPS<
Its dinner time.
Aadhya (excitedly): "Bhabhi , aap western pehoge aaj ?....i know aapko pasand nhi h...but please ek baar?"
Saanvi froze while eating.
I turn her chair towards me and cup her face and whispers:" u dont have to....she is silly....dont wear what makes u uncomfortable ,vita"
Saanvi smiles and i pull her close to me and hugged her and she mumbled" it hurts "

I frown and and asks softly " what do u mean , biwi?"
Saanvi whispers(stuttering in between)" they said i am a whore ....they -they touched me ...i said no..i screamed for help...she didn't open the door....she said girls -girl like me deserve to be like this....they - they didn't stop...i even begged , ansh....i cried for help...they didn't show any mercy...i was -was only 12 years old....i screamed ..i cried...Damini aunty did-didn't helped ...instead she asked them to give me a harder lesson....i swear , ansh...i was-was a good girl...i really didn't do anything and just asked her to give me food ..cause she was starving me since two days.....cause she told me ..that my punishment of -of no food was for 2 days....thats why...main unse khana maanga....but she got mad....so mad..she hit me with belt ..and -and those men entered ...and didn't leave until i fainted...I swear , Ansh ...maine kuch nhi kiya tha...i was a good girl."
I realized that  she has now shaking.
I swallowed hard.
My chest felt like it was being crushed from the inside, but I forced myself to breathe ~ for her.

Slowly,  I tightened my arms around Saanvi, shielding her completely, as if my body itself could become a wall between her and every memory that ever hurt her.

"Enough, baby" I said softly, but there was a quiet finality in my voice.

She was shaking violently now, her fingers clutching my shirt  as if letting go would make her shatter away.

I bent my head and pressed my forehead to hers.

"Vita... listen to me....You were a kid ," I whispered, my voice breaking for the first time.

She look at me with a her teary eyes.
I continued "A kid who was hungry. A kid who asked for food. A kid  who trusted the wrong adults."

My thumb brushed her cheek, wiping away her tears with infinite care.

"You did nothing wrong,"I said, every word heavy with truth.
"Not then. Not ever....My vita can never be wrong..she can never do anything wrong"
She shook her head and whispers"but they said.."
I interrupted and said firmly"I dont care what they said , baby....what matter is ....you survived...and became the strongest yet softest woman ,i know..."

A quiet sob escaped her lips as she finally broke completely, burying her face into my chest.
I wrapped her up fully, one hand cradling her head, the other rubbing slow circles on her back.

I whispered softly,"You are safe, baby...I am here , now...No one can touch you without your permission.....No one can hurt you , vita ...Because , Now I will be there to protect you at every step"
I looked up and saw elders were shocked and silently crying.
Aadhya and Ishaan were hugging eachother and crying.
I whispers" Vita , no one is forcing you to wear western clothes..."
She looks up and whispers" will you also think that i am whore if i wear western ?"

I cupped her face firmly, thumbs brushing away fresh tears."Look at me, Saanvi," I said softly.
She did.And I made sure my voice didn't shake...because she needed strength, not rage.
"If you wear a saree, you're my wife.If you wear a salwar, you're my wife.If you wear western clothes, shorts, dresses, jeans ~ you're still my wife." I leaned my forehead against hers and whispered"And not once ..will you ever become anything less than pure, dignified, respected  in my eyes.,"
Her breath hitched.
"Clothes don't decide character....Especially that of a woman", I continued.
I kissed her forehead, lingering there.
"You could walk into a room wearing the boldest dress in the world," I said quietly,"and you'd still be Mrs.Saanvi Ekansh Rathore "
Her lips trembled.
"So no,I will never think that about you ever ." I said firmly.
For a moment, she just stared at me.Then her shoulders shook.
She nodded.And then... she cried again.
But this time, it was different.
This time, it wasn't fear.
It was release.
I pulled her into my chest, holding her until her breathing slowed, until her fingers loosened their grip on my shirt.
Slowly, she calmed.
That's when I felt movement around us.
A soft hand touched her shoulder.
I look up and saw Aadhya.
"I'm sorry, bhabhi,I didn't know... I swear I didn't." she whispered, voice broken.
Saanvi hesitated.... then gently wrapped her arms around Aadhya.
Ishaan joined next, hugging her carefully, like she was made of glass
."You're the strongest person I know, and I am really proud that you are my bhabhimaa" he said quietly.
The elders stepped closer too.
No questions.
No explanations.
Just silent support.
Warmth.
Tears.
Acceptance.
Saanvi was surrounded ~ not cornered, not judged  but held.
She looks at me and says " I will wear western clothes ..."
I look into her eyes and said " you don't have to prove anything to anyone"
She smiles and says " I am doing this for me"
I smiled and nodded.
Later that night,
We all were sitting in the living room while Saanvi was in our room , getting ready...She asked all of us to wait outside for her in the living room.

We were still sitting there when the door creaked softly.
I looked up.

And for a moment,
the world went quiet.

Saanvi stood at the doorway.
The soft blue sweater hugged her gently, not loud, not revealing.The scalloped neckline rested delicately against her collarbones, bell sleeves falling gracefully around her wrists. Black jeans grounded the look, simple and confident. Her hair was loose, cascading over one shoulder, and her fingers were clasped together nervously in front of her.

Aadhya was the first one to  break the silence.
Aadhya goes and hugs her and says "Bhabhi ,my clothes looks soo better on you.....I am so jealous of your hotness...tell me your secrets, bhabhi .....Ekansh Bhaiya is so lucky to have a hot wife like you ."
Saanvi smiles and Ishaan runs and joins their hug and says "Uff....Bhabhimaaa....kaash aap single hote...U look so gorgeous....Aaj toh  Bhai gye...."
Saanvi blushes and then look up at me .
Chachi goes to her and took evil eyes off her and says to my mother"Bhabhi,humari bahu ko kisiki nazar na lage"

Mumma smiles and says "Meri beti kitni khoobsurat lag rhi h"and kissed her forehead.
Dad  goes to her and pat her head lovingly and says " Meri beti se jyada khubsurat koi nhi h..she looks like a cute angel"
Saanvi smiles and giggles and again looks at me .
I smile and says " agar aap logo ka hogya ho toh main bhie apni biwi ko compliment de du?"
Everyone laughs while Saanvi blushes.
I walked towards her and pecks her cheeks and whispers " Give me a chance to go on a dat with this goddess...U look soo mesmerizing , vita "
Saanvi blushes and looks away.
She was still blushing when Ishaan clapped loudly.

"Bas bas! Compliment session over. Night drive ka plan cancel nahi hona chahiye,"he announced dramatically.

Aadhya nodded eagerly.
"Yes! Ice cream. Long drive. And bhabhi driving."
We all laughed and Saanvi mumbles " Ansh, sach mein main drive kru?"
I nodded and said " Yes , even i want to experience being my wife's passenger prince"
Saanvi giggles , making my heart skip a beat.

A few minutes later, we were outside again.
The yellow Maserati gleamed under the driveway lights like it was smiling with her.

Saanvi stood in front of it, fingers brushing the hood almost reverently.
"Main… main pehli baar itni badi gaadi chalaungi," she whispered.

I leaned close to her ear."Tum dance ke stage par jeet sakti ho, Vita...  yeh toh fir bas road h"
She laughed softly and nodded.

Ishaan hopped into the back seat with Aadhya.
"Seat belt sab ne pehni? Kyunki meri bhabhi aaj fly mode mein hongi."

Saanvi shot him a playful glare." Ishuuuuu !!!"
She slid into the driver’s seat, adjusting it carefully, hands slightly trembling on the steering wheel.
I sat beside her.

Before she could start the car, I placed my hand over hers.
" Vita ,Slow. Comfortable. Main yahi hu.",I murmured.

She looked at me, breathed in… then turned the ignition.
The engine purred smoothly.
And just like that we were moving.

The city lights blurred past us as the car glided through quiet roads. Soft music played in the background, something slow and comforting.

Saanvi drove carefully at first, shoulders stiff.
I noticed it immediately.
I reached out and rested my hand on her thigh, casually.
"Relax,You’re doing perfect." I whispered.

Gradually, her grip loosened. Her shoulders dropped. A small smile appeared.

"Ansh… yeh bohot acha lag raha hai,"she said, eyes shining as the road opened up ahead.

Ishaan leaned forward from the back.
"Bhabhi, aap drive bhi itni graceful karti ho jaise dance kar rahi ho."

Aadhya giggled.
"Bas bhai, ab flirt mat start kar dena.vrna ekansh bhaiya firse cards block krdenge"

Saanvi laughed .
That sound alone was worth everything.

We stopped at a quiet ice cream place near the highway.
Cold night air brushed against us as we stepped out.
I ordered for everyone, but before handing Saanvi her cone, I held it away teasingly.

"Rule :Winner of the day gets first bite… from my hand.",I said casually.

She rolled her eyes but leaned in obediently.
As she took a bite, a little ice cream smudged the corner of her lip.
I froze.

My thumb automatically reached out and wiped it gently.
Her breath hitched.
The world slowed.
I leaned closer and murmured,"Careful, Vita… warna main tumhe hi kha jaunga."

She gasped, swatting my arm lightly."Anshhh !"

Ishaan fake-coughed loudly."Public place, bhai. Public place."

We all burst into laughter.

When we finally turned back toward the mansion, the house stood quiet against the night.
Too quiet.

Saanvi parked the car carefully.
As we stepped inside, Ishaan was still talking animatedly when I heard some low and hushed voice sounding familiar from garden.
I began to walk towards the garden...I was saw someone sitting on the swing in our garden.
I was about to take another step when i heard saanvi's anklet's jingling sound as we said loudly"Ansh , aap yaha kya kr rhe ho ...!?...chaliye naa humare saath"
I nodded and said " aachhaa, babaa...chaloo "
We entered the mansion when i turned back , i noticed that person wasn't present in the garden.
I thought " Jo bhie h ..voh h toh meri ghar se hi...i swear ..bus ek baar haath lag jaye....meri ava aur meri vita ki kasam...i will make them beg for mercy."
I was too lost in my thoughts of torturing that person .
I was brought back to reality when Saanvi pinched my arm and whined with a pout  " aap meri baat nhi sun rhe the.."

I immediately softened.
"Sorry,"I said, slipping my arm around her waist and pulling her closer as we walked inside."Bas… thoda dimag idhar-udhar chala gaya."

She tilted her head, studying my face.
"Idhar-udhar matlab?" she asked softly.

I smiled, brushing my thumb over her knuckles.
"Kuch nahi. Bas ye soch raha tha ki meri biwi itni perfect kaise ho sakti hai."

She narrowed her eyes."Jhooth."
I chuckled."Okay...aadha jhooth."

She shook her head, but then her lips curved into a small smile.
"You were angry," she said quietly.
I stopped walking.
She turned to face me, eyes gentle."Jab aap gussa hote ho na, aapki jaw tight ho jaati hai. Jaise abhi."

I exhaled slowly, resting my forehead against hers.
"Tum sab samajh jaati ho," I whispered.

She slid her hands up my chest, holding my collar lightly.
"Par aaj… no anger," she said softly."Aaj happy day hai."

Her words grounded me.
I nodded, kissing her hair."Okay...aaj sirff tum ..."

We reached our room. The lights were dim, curtains swaying slightly with the night breeze. Saanvi slipped off her sandals and flopped dramatically onto the bed." Main toh thak gyi , bhagwan jiiii"
I chuckled " aachaajiii....aap hukum kre aur bataiye..hum aapki kya seva kr skte h fir !?"

She peeked at me through half-closed eyes, the corners of her lips twitching.
"Seva?" she murmured lazily. "Haanjii… ek kaam hai."
I walked closer, sitting beside her on the bed "Farmayiye, meri rani saa"

She reached out and tugged my wrist gently, making me lie down beside her. Then she turned on her side, resting her head on my chest like it was the most natural place in the world.

"Bas… aaj mujhe apne saath rhene dijie " she said softly."Aur kuch nahi."

I wrapped my arm around her instantly, pulling her closer until there was no space left between us. Her fingers curled into my shirt again, but this time not in fear. This time, it was comfort.

"Done," I whispered, kissing the top of her head. "Zindagi bhar ka contract h."
She let out a small laugh, muffled against me."Phir toh aap phas gaye, hukum saa"

I smiled, tracing slow, absent patterns on her arm, feeling her breathing gradually sync with mine. After a few minutes, her grip loosened. Her breathing deepened.

I looked down at her face~peaceful, tired, finally safe.

"Goodnight, Vita," I whispered, so softly that even the walls wouldn’t hear. "I’ve got you. Always."
She shifted slightly, her lips brushing my chest as if answering me even in sleep.
And in that moment, something settled deep inside me.
All the anger.
All the vows of revenge.
All the storms I carried for her.
They could wait.

Right now, my only job was this~
to be her calm.
to be her shelter.
to be the place she could finally sleep without fear.

I rested my chin lightly atop her head, eyes closing.
As sleep engulf us ,
I knew one thing that whatever tomorrow bring us, it will never break us .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey sunshines!!!
I hope you like the update.
Please like and comment.
I know updates are irregular...
This is so because mere exams chal rhe h...
And  my boyfriend is quite strict when it comes to my studies...Unke strict instructions h that I shouldn't  focus on anything else  during my exams , else daant pad jayegi mujhe....
Ab sirjii ki baat to maani hi padegi..
But , i promise that after my exams , I will regular with my updates.
Till then , 
Aap sab aapna khyaal rakhoo.
I love youu allll 🩷