Whisper of Desire" chapter 13-14

From chapter 12 continued

Chapter 13

        The Ties That Bind

Rishav and his mother Pratima devi came to live in with Reba's house as Reba insisted them to stay along with her own family and Rishav’s 2BhK flat in city of Kolkata was given in rent having another source of income for the family.They were given the entire 2nd floor,of reba's home . Reba's children were too happy and cheerful with rishav and pratima devi.Abani’s memory still put both Rishav and Reba in melancholic moods and rolling tear drops from reba's eye sometimes. Reba worships Abani's portrait as like she worships others God in morning and evening garlanding him daily .sometimes when rishav wants , Reba physically in urge in night they used sharing beds of Ambani's room and Reba used to offer her soul and her body completely to Rishav but in darkness. Rishav however could not be yet totally free with Reba in foreplay and became nervous and shy full Reba understands and Reba every time consoled him not to be so nervous for his failures and hesitations to mate successfully with her

Mousumi one day came to Reba's house and in presence of Reba and pratima devi insulated right and left Rishav for his treacherous behaviour and illegal relationship with his widow mejo mami and she declared that her parents fixed her marriage with a businessman in the town and rishabh if agree in her own terms she can be still considering rishav and rishav must not have any more relationship for Reba and her children. That was not possible for rishabh and pratima devi too rejected Moushumi s proposal    

         chapter 14

      Reba's second bridal

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue through the window of the Reba,s modest apartment. Reba stood before the mirror, adjusting her bridal veil. The soft rustle of her red banarasi saree echoed in the quiet room, a stark contrast to the chaos of inner emotions swirling within her. Today marked a new beginning, but the journey had not been without its struggles.

“Reba,” came a gentle female voice from behind. It was her would be mother-in-law, Pratima Devi who was so long her sister in law's. “Are you ready?”

Reba turned, her heart racing. “I think so. Just… give me a moment.”

“Take your time,” Pratima smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “It’s a big day for all of us. Is that not? I hope you can make my son rishabh happy next .He loves you more than he loved me and Moushumi”

As Reba took a deep breath, she glanced at the photograph of Abani on the showcase , her late husband. “I wish you were here now, Abani. I hope you’re watching over us from heaven.” Her voice trembled slightly, but she straightened her back, determination flooding her veins.

“Reba!” Rik's voice broke through her reverie, urgent yet soothing. He appeared at the door, dressed in a crisp sherwani, his expression a mix of excitement and anxiety. “Are you ready to take this step with me?”

She stepped closer to him, the veil fluttering like the wings of a butterfly. “I am, but I need to talk to you again first.”

“Now?” His brows knitted together in worry. “Is something wrong?”

“No, no,” she reassured him, placing a hand on his arm. “I just want to say… no matter what happens, I won’t leave you or the kids. You’re my family now.”

Rik’s eyes softened, reflecting the warmth in her words. “I’d never want you to. We’re in this together.”

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Pratima devi burst in, a flurry of energy. “You two! The guests are starting to arrive! Reba, you’re going to miss your own wedding if you don’t hurry!”

“Coming!” Reba laughed, a sound that felt foreign yet exhilarating. “Just a moment.”

As they stepped out into the bustling living room, Reba’s heart raced. Invited Family and close friends filled the space, laughter and chatter enveloping her like a warm embrace. The scent of flowers and sweets wafted through the air, creating an atmosphere of festivity.

 “Reba!” a familiar voice called out. It was Asif, her brother. He pushed through the crowd, beaming. “You look stunning, my dear elder sister!”

 “Thanks, Asif!” she replied, a smile spreading across her face. “I can’t believe this day is finally here.”

 “Neither can I,” he chuckled. “I never thought I’d see you in a wedding dress again.”

 “Neither did I,” Reba admitted, her voice dropping slightly. “But it feels…i am right.”

 “Good,” he nodded, squeezing her shoulder. “Rik’s a good man. He’ll take care of you and the kids.”

 “I know,” she sighed, glancing at Rik, who was chatting with Pratima devi . “I just hope I can make him happy.”

 As the ceremony commenced, Reba’s heart swelled with joy. She exchanged vows with Rik, their voices steady and strong, echoing promises of love and loyalty. 

 “I do,” they both said, the words resonating in the room.

 Suddenly, a loud crash interrupted the moment. Everyone turned to see a large cake teetering dangerously close to the edge of a table. 

 “Watch out!” someone screamed.

 “NO!” Rik lunged forward, arms outstretched, but it was too late. The cake splattered to the ground, frosting flying everywhere. Laughter erupted, breaking the tension.

 “Great start to a wedding!” Asif guffawed, wiping frosting off his face. 

 “Oh, my God,” Reba exclaimed, half-laughing, half-groaning. “What a disaster!”

 “Just a little cake fight!” Pratima chuckled, her laughter infectious. 

 Rik shook his head, laughing along. “Well, at least it’s memorable.”

 As the ceremony continued, Reba felt a surge of warmth envelop her. The chaos around her faded into the background, and all she could focus on was Rik. His eyes, filled with love and promise, anchored her.

 After the vows, they shared their first kiss as a newly married couple, a sweet and tender moment that silenced the room. Cheers erupted, and they turned to face their friends and family, who showered them with blessings.

 “Now, let’s eat!” Asif shouted, breaking the moment again. 

 The party shifted into full swing, music playing and laughter filling the air. Reba and Rik moved about, mingling and enjoying their new life together. 

 Hours later, as the celebration began to wind down, Reba found herself in a quiet corner with Rik.

 “Can you believe it?” she whispered, leaning against him. “We did it.”

 He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her more close. “I’ve never been happier, Reba. You’re my everything now.”

 Suddenly, Pratima approached them, her expression serious. “Can we talk for a moment?”

 “Of course mom,” Rik replied, concerned about etching his features. 

 Reba felt a knot form in her stomach as they followed Pratima to a more secluded area. “Is everything okay?” she asked, her voice laced with worry.

 “Absolutely,” Pratima assured them. “I just wanted to talk about the kids. They’re really excited about having you both as their parents now.”

 “Of course,” Reba smiled, her heart swelling at the thought. “They mean the world to me.”

 “I know it’s a change for them,” Pratima continued, “but I think it’s important we all work together to make this transition smooth.”

 “Definitely,” Rik agreed. “They need to know we’re all here for them.”

 Pratima nodded, her eyes misting. “I’m so proud of you both. You’re going to make an incredible family.”

 “Thank you,” Reba said softly, feeling the weight of Pratima’s words. 

 Just then, they heard the sound of giggles and tiny feet padding toward them. Reba turned to see her two children, Adhyay and arjun, dashing into the room.

 “Mom! Dad!” Adhyay called, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Can we have cake?”

 “Absolutely!” Rik laughed, bending down to their level. “But you have to help clean up first!”

 “Deal!” Arjun grinned, his enthusiasm infectious.

 As they all gathered in the main room, the remnants of the cake disaster became a source of laughter and joy. Reba felt her heart swell as she watched Rik interact with her children, his natural warmth enveloping them like a cozy blanket.

 “Can we have a cake fight?” Adhaya asked innocently, her eyes wide with hope.

 “Only if you’re ready for a sugar rush!” Rik teased, winking at Reba.

 Reba laughed, shaking her head. “I think we’ve had enough cake for one night.”

 “Aw, come on!” Arjun whined playfully. 

 “No more cake fights,” Reba said firmly but with a smile. “But we can have a family dance-off instead!”

 “Yay!” the kids cheered, jumping up and down.

 As the music started, Rik pulled Reba into the center of the makeshift dance floor. Their laughter mingled with the melody, and as they danced, Reba felt a sense of belonging wash over her.

 “Look at them,” Rik said, nodding toward the kids, who were trying to mimic their dance moves. “They’re so happy.”

 “They are,” Reba agreed, her heart full. “And they deserve this.”

 Rik pulled her closer, their bodies swaying to the rhythm. “You know, I was worried about today. About how it would all turn out.”

 “Me too,” Reba admitted, resting her head against his shoulder. “But it feels right.Do you remember the first day we two danced ”Reba whispered. You are lisenced now she pressed herself on his chest Reba smiled

 “Does it?” he asked softly, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. “Because I want you to know that no matter what happens, I’m here for you, for them.”

 “I know,” she whispered, her heart racing. “And I’m here for you, too. We can face anything together.”

 As the night wore on, the remnants of their past worries faded, replaced by the sweet anticipation of their future. They danced, they laughed, and they shared glances that spoke volumes.

 And as the last song played, Reba felt a sense of peace settle within her. They had faced their trials, and together, they had emerged stronger. 

 “Let’s make a promise,” Rik said, his voice low and serious. “No matter what challenges come our way, we’ll face them as a family.”

 Reba nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I promise.”

 “Good,” he smiled, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. “Because I love you, Reba. And I love our family.”

 “I love you too, Rik,” she replied, the weight of her words settling into the fabric of their shared life. “Always.”

 As they held each other close, the world around them faded, leaving only the warmth of their love and the laughter of their children echoing in the background. They were bound together, not just by love, but by the unbreakable ties of 

family—a bond that would carry them through whatever lay ahead.

To be continued chapter 15