"I have some news for everyone!" my Dad announced as he finished his glass of whiskey and poured himself another. He didn't drink as much earlier, but since Mom passed away six months ago, he has been depressed.
"What is it, Dad?" Kishore asked as he leaned forward, trying to figure out what was happening. Kishore and I were sitting in the living room, and it was late. Dad, Kishore, Tara and I were in the house these days. Kishore was not home much these days, so it was nice to have him here today. Tara was busy with her books in her room. She was in her third year of her MBBS, and keeping herself busy with her books was her way of coping.
"I've decided to get remarried," Dad replied as Kishore and I exchanged glances in surprise. We all knew how much my mom meant to him, and it came as a shock to hear him announce that he was ready to remarry again.
"What! Why?" Kishore asked in surprise.
"I'm lonely, Kishore. I have nothing to do outside of work." He replied as he stared down at his glass. "Ravi keeps telling me that I have to move on." He added as he took a sip of whiskey and leaned back on the sofa.
"What are you talking about?" I asked. "It's just been a few months since Mom passed away. Don't you think you should take some time before considering getting married again?" I asked as I tried to make him understand. I felt bad for my Dad. I wanted to support him but thought he was rushing into things.
"You two don't understand. I didn't think I could feel this way again after your mom. But she makes me feel young again." He replied. "She really cares for me, even though I'm old, and she's been going out of her way to spend time with me and be there for me every day." He added with a sigh.
"I think it's great that you're so happy, Dad. I wish you'd waited for a while before marrying again." Kishore replied. "Why not introduce us to this woman before you rush into anything," he added.
"I know what you are thinking, but she's different," Dad replied as he glanced at me and Kishore.
*Knock Knock*
"That must be her," Dad said as he stood up and moved towards the door. He opened the door, and a busty woman, who we all knew from the office, stepped inside wearing a red sari. Kishore's face went pale as he saw her, too, and he glanced at me nervously.
My father welcomed her into the house and smiled at us. "Meet your new step-mom... Nora"
***
"Nooo...."
I woke up in a sweat and looked around me. I was in my room, safe and sound. It was just a dream! I sighed with relief as I felt the soft touch of a warm body against mine.
Jhanvi was lying on top of me, cuddling with me. Her eyes were closed as she slept peacefully. Both of us were naked, and the only light in the room came from the soft moonlight coming in from the windows. I couldn't believe how sexy and beautiful she looked while sleeping.
I glanced at the clock; it was still 4.45 am. We'd planned to wake up around five so that Jhanvi could sneak back to her room without anyone noticing.
I sat up, reached for a glass of water, and felt Jhanvi stir slightly. She woke up and stared up at me, looking tired and confused. "Is everything ok?" she asked, running her hands along my chest.
"It was just a bad dream... It's nothing." I replied as I kissed her softly on the lips.
She looked at me, her big brown eyes gazing into mine, and I knew she was worried about me. "I was dreaming about the day my life went to hell. After my mom died..." I began and sighed as I ran my fingers through her hair. She moved her body to sit beside me and held my hands in hers, giving me a soft kiss on the cheek. "You want to talk about it?" she asked as she snuggled up against me.
"I don't want to talk about it. Not today, at least. I'm happy today." I replied as I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close.
"Ok then. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." She said with a smile as she kissed my neck softly.
I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as she kissed my neck softly. "Are you trying to distract me?" I asked as I glanced at her with a smile.
"Maybe... is it working?" she asked with a cheeky grin as she gave me a cute smirk and moved her head back to continue kissing my neck.
I kissed her back and pulled her closer to me. We made out for some time before I pulled her away. "If you keep doing this, you won't get back to your room before Kishore wakes up," I said, brushing a strand of her hair from her face.
She sighed and smiled. "He's such a jerk." She said, wrapping her arms around me. "I wish I had married this idiot brother!" she added, smacking my head playfully.
"Oww... what did I do?" I asked, rubbing my head in fake hurt as she burst into laughter and hugged me tightly.
"You have no idea how sad we were when you disappeared to college like that." Jhanvi replied as she looked at me with sad eyes. "I was depressed for weeks, thinking you'd never talk to me again." She said.
"I missed you too. I was also sad when I was away from you, Jhanvi. I wished so many times to call you, but I was just mad at the world." I said as I gently touched her back, caressing her soft skin. "I'm sorry!"
"And I'm sorry for not realizing that I was in love with you sooner!" Jhanvi replied as she kissed my shoulder, "I've never let them force me to marry Kishore!"
My alarm clock began beeping suddenly. It was 5.00 am. We both looked at each other with a sigh and smiled.
"You better get back before everyone wakes up," I said, moving my arms off her shoulders. She stood up and reached for her nightgown, throwing it on quickly.
"Suraj... Will you promise me something?" she asked as she looked at me with hopeful eyes as she paused at my door.
"Anything you want, Bhabhi." I replied as she looked at me with a grin.
"You're going to free me from Kishore, right? Like you promised." She asked as she gazed into my eyes.
"I promise. One way or another, I will make you mine. I love you." I replied as I reached forward, grabbing her and pulling her towards me.
We kissed hungrily for some time before she broke off the kiss and leaned her forehead against mine. "I love you too." She whispered before pressing a soft kiss on my lips and walking out the door.