Her Warrior Poet (Pune Diaries Book 1)

by Candy Laine

  Shweta laughed when his lips came away dotted with her lipstick. She rubbed it off with her thumb. “Come on, let’s go get married before you ruin all my makeup.”

  It was a simple set of signatures and exchange of garlands before the magistrate pronounced them husband and wife. That was when Arun kissed her properly, claiming her in front of everyone. Amidst the hoots, laughter and claps of their family and friends.

  They all went back to the Rastogi home for lunch. The caterer had done a splendid job of the food, but Shweta had no idea what she was eating. The home was full of guests and Rahat showed up with her newborn just as they finished lunch.

  The general bonhomie was too much to take for the baby who howled his protest. Shweta escaped the chaos with Rahat in Arun’s room. Their room now, she reminded herself. Rahat settled down on the bed and began feeding the baby.

  “I swear this kid only wants to feed and poop.” Rahat sighed. “Did you take any pictures this morning?”

  “I think Vishal took some, and maybe Ashima.” Shweta had wanted to change out of her sari into jeans and a t-shirt, but with the large number of guests thronging the home she didn’t get the opportunity.

  “You look gorgeous. I’m sure the photographs will be great. So has he told you where he’s taking you yet?” Rahat was more curious about the surprise honeymoon destination than Shweta was.

  “No, not a word.” Shweta pulled off her shoes and climbed on to the bed herself. She couldn’t care less how much her saree got crushed now. Ashima was already threatening her with playing dress up for the evening’s ceremony.

  The baby stopped feeding and Rahat put him down on the bed between them. Shweta brought a finger near his fist and he grabbed it immediately. She loved the little tug he gave her. There was an answering tug in her heart. Suddenly she couldn’t wait to have a baby of her own. A knock on the door diverted her attention. It was Gagan. He was turning into a helicopter parent already.

  “How is he?” Gagan came into the room followed by Arun.

  “Will probably be ready to poop in a few minutes.” Rahat said dryly.

  “Have you decided on a name as yet?” Arun sat down on the bed next to Shweta and ran a finger on the baby’s belly.

  “There are a few suggestions, but we are yet to settle on one. Hopefully the decision will be made before the naming ceremony. You guys will be back from your honeymoon by then, won’t you?” Rahat probed.

  “Yes, we are out for six days.” Arun smiled refusing to say any more.

  “There you are.” Ashima came into the room dragging a suitcase with her. “It’s time to start getting ready for the evening pooja. It’s already four and the ceremony begins at six.”

  “That’s two hours away!” Shweta protested.

  “Yes, and we need to get started now if we want to get everything done in time.” Ashima looked at Rahat for help.

  “She’s right. Alright you guys, get out of the bedroom. We’ve got work to do.” Rahat gave Gagan a look that meant business.

  “Okay, I get the message.” Gagan raised his hands above his head and walked out.

  “I can stay, right?” Arun looked at Shweta. “I am her husband now.”

  “No you can’t. Scram.” Rahat pointed to the door.

  Arun leaned over and kissed Shweta on her cheek. “Can’t wait to get you alone.” He said softly and she blushed but her eyes promised him a lot more. “Don’t look at me like that, I’ll never leave.”

  “Shweta, stop flirting with him and go change out of that saree.” Ashima was already laying out the red ghagra on the other side of the bed. She had a ton of other stuff in the suitcase that she was taking out. “Arun go away.”

  “I’m going.” Arun reluctantly rose from the bed and walked out.

  Two hours of torture later her wardens pronounced her fit to pass. Shweta was just happy that Rahat and Ashima were done. When she finally stepped in front of the mirror she was shocked at her own transformation. If she thought her morning finery was heavy, this was over the top.

  She had zardozi embroidery on the dupatta and the ghagra choli. The satin material, heavy to begin with was literally weighing her down with all the embroidery. The choli top accentuated her slim waist while the gathered skirt of her ghagra gave it a beautiful flow. The jewellery matched the shade of gold thread used in the zardozi work. She did not look anything like herself.

  “You look so amazing!” Rahat said as she sank down onto the bed and Ashima agreed. “Are we good or are we great?” The two of them high fived each other as the door opened and The Mothers came in.

  “Are you ready, Shweta? It’s almost time for the pooja to begin.” Urmila spoke and then stopped. She slowly walked up to Shweta, took her face in her hands and kissed her on the forehead. “Stay blessed, my beautiful daughter.”

  Everyone choked up till Rahat blew into a hanky and exclaimed, “No waterworks people. I don’t have time to fix her makeup a second time.” That brought about a round of giggles and laughter as they all moved out to the hall. The mandap and hawan was being set up by the priest on one side.

  Arun was also dressed in a traditional beige bandhgala with a white turban. He was already sitting on the low stool opposite the priest. There were a number of relatives and friends lounging in the room. Shweta saw no one but Arun. His eyes never left hers once till she sat down besides him.

  Sameer gave away Shweta in marriage and Arun tied her mangalsutra. They took the seven vows associated with the Saatphere. The first phera signified working together for nourishment to be able to live an honourable life together. The second phera signified growing together in mental, physical and spiritual strength. The third phera was a pledge to support each other and become prosperous.

  The fourth phera was a promise to look after the elders in the family and keep the family bonds strong. The fifth phera was a request to the Almighty to bless them with healthy children. The sixth phera was a prayer for a healthy and harmonious life together. The seventh phera was a promise of faithful companionship where they pledged their love and friendship for life.

  Everyone present showered them with flower petals and rice grains as a blessing and for good luck. The ceremony was finally complete four hours later and Shweta felt much more married than she had that morning. Dinner followed the ceremony. Most of the guests left after eating. Just the immediate family and their circle of friends lingered on.

  Shweta was exhausted and wanted to sleep. Finally at eleven her mother and brother left. She felt a tinge of unease realising for the first time that now she was part of a new family. The rest of their friends left as well. Now it was just Arun, his mother and her at home. Her new mother in law came and sat down next to her on the sofa. She had a gift in her hands.

  “My darling daughter.” Geeta Rastogi smiled as she handed over the gift. “This is a small welcome to the family gift for you.” It was a pair of gold earrings.

  “Thank you so much. They are beautiful.” Shweta blinked away tears that threatened to flow. She wanted to call her Ma, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it as yet. She didn’t want to call her aunty any more either. Shweta felt so confused.

  “I’m going to bed now. It’s been a long day and you have an early start tomorrow morning.” She kissed both her son and her daughter in law before she left.

  Shweta looked at Arun and stifled a yawn. “Come on let’s get you to bed.” Arun took her hand and pulled her off the sofa. She changed into her pajamas and slipped into bed. When he locked up the house and came back she was already asleep. He striped to his boxers and got into bed with her. Pulled her close to him and he feel asleep as well. Only to wake up at 5 am when the alarm rang.

  Thankfully they had packed their suitcases earlier and were ready to leave when Vishal came to pick them up half an hour later. They were at the airport by six and checked in for a flight to Delhi.

  “We’re going to Delhi?” Shweta asked Arun.

  “We’re transiting through Delhi.”
Arun answered. Refusing to say any more about their final destination.

  “You could tell me now, you know.” Shweta teased him.

  “I could, but I won’t.” He put his arm around her shoulders as they sat in the security lounge.

  “If you share your surprise with me, I’ll share something special with you.” She tempted him.

  “What?” He looked mildly curious.

  “I made another decision.” Shweta turned towards him.

  “About us?” Arun wasn’t sure where she was headed.

  “Sort of. It will definitely affect both of us.” Shweta said mysteriously nodding her head.

  “And...” Arun prompted her.

  “I’ll tell you when you tell me where we are going.” She smiled and dipped her head.

  “Okay. We’re going to Sikkim. We fly out to Delhi and then take a connecting flight to Bagdogra. Then drive up to Gangtok.”

  “You’re taking me back to Sikkim?” Shweta smiled broadly. “It’s the perfect weather for visiting. Thank you so much.” She gave him a hug resting her forehead on his chest.

  “Glad you approve of our destination. Now it’s your turn.” He reminded her, loving the feel of her arms tight around him.

  “You remember what I said about children?” She spoke a bit hesitantly.

  “I’m not going to pressurize you into having children just because we got married, my love.” Arun misunderstood her hesitation. “I know your career is important to you. I’m just happy that you are with me.”

  “The thing is, I sort of changed my mind.” She pushed herself away from his chest to look him in the eye. “I want to have a baby. With you. I want it all.”

  Arun’s breath caught in his throat. “Are you sure?”

  “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.” Shweta’s eye shone with all her love and Arun swooped down to claim her lips in a tender kiss. It was a promise to be worthy of her trust. A pledge that he would be there for her, always. A beginning of a new life. One where they would be together, always.

  o0o

  A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

  Thank you for reading Her Warrior Poet. I hope you enjoyed the book, and if you did would you consider leaving a review?

  In this day of online booksellers, readers like to know what other readers think. It doesn’t have to be much, just a line or two telling other readers what you thought. If you enjoyed this book and feel that your friends would too, please take the time to write me a review on Amazon or GoodReads. I will really appreciate it.

  Thank you for taking the time to read this book.

  If you would like to read more of my short stories please feel free to take a look at other books on my Amazon Page https://www.amazon.com/Candy-Laine/e/B00F15E4DI

  Or on Amazon India http://www.amazon.in/Candy-Laine/e/B00F15E4DI

  My previously published eBooks “A Week is Enough to Change Your Life” (a short sweet novella) and “Glimpses Through the Dream Catcher” (collection of newspaper and magazine articles from over the years) are available for free through the Kindle Unlimited program.

  I have another collection of sweet short stories called “Shades of Love” which is also available in the Amazon Kindle store.

  About the Author

  Candy Laine worked as a Search Engine Optimization content writer and dabbled in Social Media Marketing for nine years before she realized she was starving her creative soul.

  Today she enjoys feeding her soul as she drinks green tea, meditates, burns candles, practices Reiki and occasionally smacks people who annoy her.

  Her husband and son usually keep her busy. In her spare time she manages to escape into her make belief world populated with eccentric characters who just want to be loved.

  Keep in Touch

  You can connect with me on Facebook at – https://web.facebook.com/mailcandylaine/

  Bonus Short Story

  The Christmas Sting

  Standing at the Airlines Counter in Terminal 1D of Indira Gandhi Domestic Airport, Ground Hostess Simran Singh was wishing she could sit down and soak her tired feet in hot water. The airline policy of double booking 10% of the seats on a flight was backfiring badly on 24 December.

  She had spent all morning pacifying irate passengers with confirmed tickets who suddenly found themselves bumped off. She had calmed them down and found them seats on flights of other airlines and now her own nerves were shot. She would be glad when this shift was over. Christmas Eve or not there was nothing festive about today. There was just one last flight to Goa to deal with and then she was out of here.

  Karan Sethi had a spring in his step that even his loaded backpack could not erase. His parents had finally relented and given him permission to have a holiday with his friends in Goa. His first holiday without adult supervision! He couldn’t wait to catch up with his friends in Panjim. If only his parents had agreed to let him go earlier he could have flown out with his friends yesterday. Well, it didn’t matter much now. He would be with them tonight. He pumped his fist as he spotted the Airline Counter.

  Francis D’Souza unbuttoned the top shirt button as he pulled off his tie. He was looking at this watch as the taxi came to a halt outside Departure Terminal 1D. He paid of the radio cab fare with his company funded credit card and collected the bill. Then he picked up his laptop bag and small overnighter. He shut the door of the taxi and began walking towards the Airline Counter looking every inch the consummate businessman in his double breasted suit.

  Anthony Lobo smiled indulgently at his wife of 50 years as she spoke with excitement about meeting their grandchildren in Goa. Lisa Lobo may have a short crop of grey hair, but her enthusiasm was endless. They were on the shuttle from the International Arrivals terminal to Domestic Departures at 1D. He was tired after the long flight, but the happiness on the love of his life’s face more than made up for it. The porter stopped the shuttle and began to load their four suitcases filled with gifts for Christmas on to a trolley and began rolling it towards the Airline Counter.

  Simran looked at the four people at the counter and back at her computer screen which showed two seats remaining on the only flight to Goa later in the day. She sighed mentally knowing just what to expect when they would be told that despite confirmed tickets they had been bumped off the flight.

  “Excuse me,” she said to get their attention, “Are all of you passengers for the Goa flight?”

  There was a general nodding of heads all round before she dropped her bombshell, “I’m afraid that there has been a double booking due to computer error for this flight.”

  “What does that mean,” asked a confused Karan.

  “Unfortunately all four of you have confirmed tickets on a flight which is already running to capacity,” answered Simran.

  “So you will shift us to another flight?” asked Francis.

  “Yes, the airline will take full responsibility to shift all passengers on to the next available flight” answered Simran.

  “When is the next available flight, my dear?” asked Mrs. Lobo.

  “There is one of another airline leaving within an hour” replied Simran.

  “So you can get us on that one, can’t you?” asked Mrs. Lobo sensing her discomfort.

  “Unfortunately there are only two seats left on that flight and there are four of you. This means that two of you will be able to fly out today, while two of you will have to wait to fly out tomorrow morning on the first flight available,” said Simran.

  “So who gets to go today?” asked Mrs. Lobo.

  “Well I was hoping that you would decide amongst yourselves who needed to be there most urgently and let me know,” faltered Simran. “The two who decide to stay back will be given overnight accommodation in a hotel and tickets on the first available flight to Goa tomorrow morning.”

  The four potential passengers looked at each other. Karan was worried, “If I don’t reach by tonight my friends will take off without me. They have plans to go beach hopping and I won’t
know where to catch up with them.”

  “My daughter and her children will be coming to the airport to pick us up. They will be so disappointed if we don’t make it tonight,” said Mrs. Lobo.

  The three of them and Simran all looked at Francis waiting for him to state his case. He took a deep breath and began, “I have been working in Delhi for the last three years. The girl I am in love with is in Goa. She was in school with me, and when we were in college we decided that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.”

  “That’s very nice dear,” said Mrs. Lobo.

  “Unfortunately, at that time I had no prospects and she was getting proposals from the best families in the community. That was when she cried and asked her father to think of our love for each other. Then her father gave me an ultimatum. He gave me 3 years to make something of myself and then return to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage.”

  “That’s what any sensible father would do,” approved Mr. Lobo.

  “This Christmas Eve is my deadline. If I don’t reach her home by this evening, she will have to agree to get married to someone else.”

  “Oh, young love,” said Mrs. Lobo with a hand held to her heart. “Anthony this boy needs to go to his girlfriend.”

  “Yes my darling,” said Mr. Lobo, “I suppose he must”.

  “That will just leave one seat and I don’t want to travel without you, so let the two young men travel today. We can always go tomorrow.” said Mrs. Lobo.

  Simran looked relieved that the matter had been settled quite so fast and so amicably. She quickly printed out tickets for the two travelers and they were on their way. The dash through the boarding gate of the flight kept Karan and Francis busy and then they got seats apart from each other in the flight. So there was no more conversation between them.

  After landing the two of them walked past the luggage belt as they had no check in baggage and walked out of the airport. A young woman with a toddler ran to Francis and hugged him. Karan was taken aback.

  “Who is this?” he asked Francis.