#bheemmalli

[ronaldofandom]

Children of the forest

A short drabble - Bheem and Malli. No warnings.

Summary: Bheem's little one has grown up too soon and sees what her Anna doesn't share with others. She wants to take care of the protector, while her Anna would give anything to preserve her childhood.

Prompt: Bheem & Malli appreciating nature.

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‘Annnaaaaa, wait for meeee.’

Bheem stopped in his tracks when he heard the familiar voice and turned around to find the child galloping towards him.

The tiny strides weren’t as tiny anymore. Malli shared his knack for adapting to the forest floor and managing her gait accordingly. While the other kids her age had tripped and fallen many times, Malli had never had any issues navigating the surfaces. Bheem saw a little bit of himself in her. The thought both warmed his heart and jolted it at the same time.

She shouldn’t be here. This was outside the boundaries set for the kids to venture alone.

Bheem put his stern face on as she got closer.

But before he could get a word in, Malli raised her hands up in a defensive posture.

‘I know, I know. But look - I didn’t sneak out on my own this time. I promised you that I won’t worry you again, so I am asking nicely. Take me with you, Anna. It’s been so long since I went to the river.’

She pleaded in a sing-song voice, making her big eyes even bigger.

‘How do you know I am going to the river?’

Malli looked at her feet, fidgeting with her fingers. 

‘Anna, I- I know when and why you go to the river. Alone.’

Bheem looked at her quizzically. How could she possibly know this? Only Jenny knew of this. He had confided in her after breaking down one night.

‘What-what are you talking about, Malli?’

Malli closed the distance between them and wrapped her small hands around his right palm, looking up at him.

‘I know about the nightmares, Anna. You have been having them since we escaped. On some nights, I sprinkled cold water on your face and it used to calm you down. I know you still have them, but you don’t tell anyone else, only water helps you then. You have that look on your face today, so I figured you were going to the river.’

Bheem knelt down in front of her, and the girl ran into his arms. Bheem held her gently.

He thought this was his secret. No one else knew, barring Jenny. But this child had grown up too fast under his yes. And had become too wise for her age.

‘Don’t tell anyone about this, ok?’

‘Why? You are allowed to have problems of your own, Anna. You aren’t just meant to solve others’ problems. Why don’t you let us take care of you?’

That’s not who a protector is, Bheem wanted to tell her. But chose not to.

‘I do have people taking care of me. There is Jenny, and now, there is you too, right?’

Her eyes lit up.

‘Yes yes. I will do whatever you say, Anna. Always.’

‘Good girl. Now, let’s go to the river.’

They walked hand in hand, and listening to Malli’s chatter, Bheem momentarily forgot about the nightmare, which had shaken him to the core last night.

Once they reached the river bank, Malli swung her feet into the water and splashed happily.

Bheem stayed still. He wanted to jump in but there was a logistical issue.

‘Anna - I know about the scars too. It’s fine. Jenny Akka told me they are better now, I keep asking her now and then. You can take off your kurta. I promise I won’t flinch.’

Bheem just stared at her this time, with his mouth hung open. What all had she picked up on? In the age where she was supposed to not have a care in the world, the child had the sense to not ask him about his wounds, knowing it would perturb him. Reluctantly, Bheem took off his kurta. True to her words, Malli did not flinch.

He jumped in, and the cold water immediately did wonders to his rapidly fluctuating emotions. He swam underneath for minutes, only coming to the surface for air and for checking on Malli, who was busy making a house from the riverside sand.

Bheem dove in again, going deeper this time and following a swarm of fishes. He loved chasing fishes since he was a child. Other kids couldn’t swim that deep but for Bheem this was second nature. A water baby, since the day he was born. 

The pure water soothed his weary, tattered skin, along with his bruised heart. This should suffice for a few days, till another crude nightmare makes him question his very existence.

Reluctantly, he waddled out of the water and started drying himself with his kurta. He should take Malli back soon.

‘Anna - can I ask you something?’

Bheem turned to find Malli looking at him, almost tentatively. Bracing himself for another deep question, Bheem nodded his head.

‘How did you bring all those animals to the party that day?’

Here we go again, thought Bheem.

‘I- I caught them from the forest. And kept them in a shed close by.’

‘You caught the tigers and leopards too?’

Bheem just nodded silently.

He could tell the impact of his words had resonated with her. She was silently processing the amount of risk he had taken, and the number of times he had put his life on the line, to save her.

When she didn’t say anything for two minutes, Bheem sat down next to her and pulled her into his lap. The child snuggled into his chest and buried her face there, determined to not let him see her tears. Bheem didn’t insist, respecting her wishes.

He rocked her back and forth, and stroked her head slowly.

‘You could have died.’

‘But I didn’t.’

‘How is it logical? Risking your life to save mine?’

‘Because I am the protector, little one. It is my job to keep you all out of harms way.’

She crawled further into his chest, as if trying to believe he was still with her, despite everything he had risked to get to her.

‘Anna - why don’t they just leave us alone? We are not asking to be a part of their cities. They don’t want to be a part of this world. So why don’t they just let us be? Why do they hunt us mercilessly, when all we want is to be far far away from them?’

Bheem didn’t have an answer for her. He had wondered this many times himself. He could tell her that the world was cruel, unfair. That others thought of them as lesser humans, if that at all. That they were fighting for their right to survive, with basic human decency.

But he wanted to preserve whatever little innocence was left in her.

‘Maybe, one day, they will realise that. And leave us be. That day will come, Malli. If not in my lifetime, then hopefully in yours.’

The child didn’t seem to buy it, but she didn’t resist the comfort that his words were offering either.

‘Ok tell me - what are some things we should learn from the nature around us?’

Malli looked up curiously from his chest. He could see her brain working furiously to come up with a smart response.

‘Hmm. That we are all too inconsequential in front of nature. There are many elements in the world that mankind doesn’t understand, but nature just takes care of it for them. Like the water we drink and the air we breathe. Or the light from the sun and serenity from the moon. Is that it?’

‘That’s a great start. And you are right. We are nothing in front of the might and fury of nature. So we should do our best to respect it, preserve it and co-exist. What else?’

The girl scratched her head, then looked around herself to find more clues. When she came up with nothing, she looked dejected.

‘It’s fine. You did well. But to me, the most important thing is the intelligence and humanity of these non-human creatures. Look at these animals - they don’t hunt for fun. They don’t hunt because they want to torment other beings. They only hunt when they are hungry, only to survive. At other times, they co-exist. Humans can learn so much from them. To live and let live.’

Malli nodded appreciatively.

‘Look at these trees. They give us shade, food, wood. They hold the soil together so there are no landslides. And their leaves and seed give birth to new trees. Nature is like a mother. She just gives and gives endlessly, while we don’t understand the value of it or respect it enough. It give us birth, nourishes us, provides for us, and we don’t even take a moment to appreciate it. Remember this Malli, always be grateful for this amazing place we call home. This is the most breathtaking creation of god, we are nothing in front of it. We are fighting for our right to live freely in our home, our forest, to die peacefully here, and be one with nature once we are gone.’

Malli listened with rapt attention, amazed at the wisdom of her Anna. In that moment, she closed her eyes and prayed to Mother Nature . For the tribe. But particularly for her Anna. For him to have a life outside of just being a protector. For him to have some semblance of peace and joy and happiness for himself, not just for the others. 

He was the best man, the best person she knew. To her, and to the rest of the tribe, he was a superhero. But the superhero also had his weaknesses, his troubles, his fears. He was no god. She wished the tribe stop treating him as one. So her Anna could live a little. 

One day, when she grows up, she will do what she promised today. Take care of him.

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More people should take care of Bheem, shouldn't they?

Hope you liked it. As always, would love to hear your thoughts :)

@irisesforyoureyes @rambheem-is-real @thewinchestergirl1208 @eremin0109 @eenadu-varthalu @rorapostsbl @yehsahihai @budugu @maraudersbitchesassemble @justmeand-myinsight @rambheemisgoated @rosayounan @jrntrtitties @obsessedtoafault @rambheemlove @jjwolfesworld @alikokinav @iam-siriuslysher-lokid @bromance-minus-the-b @dumdaradumdaradum @lovingperfectionwonderland @annieginny @chaanv @ssabriel @milla984 @kaagazkefool @boochhaan @mesimpleone @filesbeorganized @ladydarkey @teddybat24 @stanleykubricks @burningsheepcrown @veteran-fanperson @ronika-writes-stuff @beingmes-blog @yonderghostshistories @nisreenart @chaidrivenwhore @bheemaxrama @carminavulcana @umbrulla @mizutaama @rosefulmadness @gifseafins @fangirlshrewt97 @astrafangs @sada-siva-sanyaasi @voidsteffy @stars-in-the-distance

[ronaldofandom]

A Love Eternal / Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

Chapter 11 is up, after almost a month!

The last chapter destroyed me, needed time to recover. But here we are - this is the aftermath of the fight. Stuff gets real for them, and they learn to navigate the highs and lows of a relationship. The dynamics are BheemJenny, RamBheem, RamJenny and BheemMalli.

No warnings.

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Chapter 11

(Links to Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5, Ch 6, Ch 7, Ch 8, Ch 9, Ch 10)

Jenny’s initiation - her real initiation into her new life, began from next morning. And the girl put her whole heart into it.

First order of business was her clothes. She wasn’t fully comfortable wearing the attire of the tribal women, not yet at-least. She wanted something that covers her up more. It was decided that her long skirts and tops would suffice for now, with a little adjustment. Sita helped her shorten the length of her long skirts a bit, so the movement is better at uneven surfaces, especially during some hikes. They also shortened the sleeves of her tops, to better suit the weather.

Next up was basic kitchen training. Sita and Loki determined a step-by-step schedule for her. Jenny had never even entered the kitchen in her previous life, so the women decided to take it slow. The first steps were just identification of raw materials/ingredients, how to light a stove, how to handle the hot cooking equipment etc.

The women found Jenny to be an extremely enthusiastic and obedient student. She had borrowed a notebook & pen from Ram and religiously took notes of everything. She didn’t want to put her teachers through the trouble of repeating stuff for her. And she also knew that she won’t be able to retain everything just with memory, especially the names of ingredients. Making thorough notes and revising them a few times during the day seemed the best way for her. Both Loki & Sita found it extremely endearing and took the younger woman under their wing.

Bheem hovered around them the first day. And hissed from behind every time Jenny was close to the fire. Making her nervous; the pot nearly dropped from her hands. Loki took the executive decision of shooing Bheem out then. Sita agreed wholeheartedly. Bheem was forbidden from being anywhere around them while Jenny was being taught. He protested, but the women paid no heed. Before leaving the hut, he took one last look at Jenny, who was quietly watching the scene unfold from the side. She mouthed ‘sorry’ at him apologetically, and that was the last he saw of her till evening.

One could call it a blessing it disguise. Their emotions were still very raw from the fight. The weight of certain words spoken in anger & frustration still hung heavy between them. Being alone with each other became slightly daunting, at least the first few days. The silence from the unsaid words turned increasingly deafening. Both looked at each other longingly when they thought the other was not noticing, but were unable to hold each other’s gaze for more than a few seconds. 

The first night, Jenny had asked him nervously if it was ok for her to still apply the ointment on his scars. Or if he wanted to do it himself. Those were the only options since the others were still not privy to the extent of his injuries. Her tentativeness and small voice had tugged at his heart. She was seeking permission for something they had just taken as a given. Bheem removed his kurta and stood in front of her wordlessly. And she went back to the earlier days, of applying the potion mechanically and distantly, willing her heart to not feel anything from their proximity. 

It was the first time they slept on their sides but facing away from each other. Pretended to sleep rather. Because sleep didn’t come easily for either. 

After a week of such nights, Jenny couldn’t take it anymore. It wasn’t healthy; they had to talk sometime. And not this superficial talk they had been doing but the real core stuff causing this chasm between them. She turned around with determination.

‘Bheem?’ 

She touched his shoulder lightly. He turned on his side, facing her now.

‘Kya hum….us din ke baare me baat kar sakte hain?’

(Can we….speak about that day?)

She didn’t need to say which day. He understood. And was immediately anxious, looking for ways to escape. He was shocked at both their words that day, at how they had been capable of hurting each other so deeply. No part of him wanted to revisit or relive that.

She saw the reluctance on his face and tried to address that.

‘How will we ever be able to move ahead without talking? We will just be stuck in this limbo and keep getting hurt.’

Bheem huffed in resignation. He was still very uncertain but he knew they couldn’t brush it under the carpet forever. It would destroy them from within. It had already started to. He nodded unwillingly. She decided to take that as a yes.

Jenny didn’t want to beat around the bush. She picked up the second most sensitive topic from that day. Her hand moved to her belly as she held his gaze.

‘Aisa nahi hain ki main ye nahi chahati. I love kids. I always saw myself as a mom one day. But Bheem, mujhe thoda waqt chahiye. Aur koi wajah nahi hain jo tum soch rahe ho.’

(It’s not that I don’t want this. I love kids. I always saw myself as a mom one day. But Bheem, I just need some time. There is no other reason, nothing like what you are imagining.)

He heard her out attentively. Then moved his hand over hers on her belly, and stroked it affectionately.

‘Par kyu, Jenny? Agar hum ek doosre se pyaar karte hain, ek doosre ke saath rehna chahte hain, toh fir ye hichkichahat kyu? Kudrat se ye khilvaad kyu?’

(But why, Jenny? If we love each other, if we want to be with each other, then why this hesitation? Why not let nature take its course?)

She noticed how he prefixed ‘if’ with ‘loving each other’. Almost as if two people could only truly love each other if they wanted a child together immediately. As if that was a pre-condition of being in love.

She tried to remain calm, and gave it another shot patiently.

‘Pehle apna khayal rakhna toh seekh lun Bheem, tabhi toh iska khayal rakh sakoongi na.’

(Let me learn to take care of myself first, Bheem. Only then I will be able to take care of our child, right?)

He scooted close to her and stroked her belly again, giving her a sweet smile. 

‘Jaan, iska khayal rakhne ke liye main hoon na. Yaha ke sab log hain. Sab tumhara aur iska bohot khayal rakhenge.’

(Sweetheart, you have me to take care of our child. And everyone else here. Everyone will look after the two of you so much.)

Jenny knew Bheem wasn’t patronizing, patriarchal or pedantic. But she couldn’t help but feel that sentiment from his words. As if he was telling her to just listen to him coz he knew best. Because he was a man after all, so of course he had all the answers. She wished he would just keep his problem-solving savior self aside and just listen to her fears, and her opinions once.

Bheem saw the irritation and defiance written large on her face. He removed his hand from her belly. His smile withered away too. It’s not like he was always set on having kids. Yes, he had always liked kids, but he never really had the mind space to think that way about his own family. 

Then came Jenny, and his world turned upside down. He had found his home, his love in her. She was the centre of his universe now and he couldn’t imagine not having everything with her. Everything that two people in love have with each other. Plus, he just knew in his heart that she would be a fantastic mother, with her empathy, love, wisdom and care. And he would spoil the kid rotten, like he did for the other kids here. They could really have it all. God had blessed them with such love.

Therefore, it flummoxed him no end why she was hesitating so much. If she looked around her, both here and in her previous world, many women her age had become mothers. He knew that. Age could not be an issue then. And her best friend here, Sita, would have loved to be a mother like yesterday. He knew that too. So the only explanation in his mind continued to be that she didn’t want anything permanent to tie her down to this place. And….to him. Which broke his heart a million times.

Her heart was breaking too by looking at him. She wondered if she was depriving him of his destiny. He was born to be a caregiver. She knew he would be an amazingly loving dad. If he loved her so much, he would love his child to the moon and back. But he was stuck here with her - paranoid about her safety all the time. And she couldn’t even give him what any other girl here would have given him happily & readily. Was she being fair to him? Maybe not. But if she gives in, she won’t be fair to herself. 

Jenny was stuck between a rock and a hard place. She knew how paranoid he would get if she does get pregnant. He would probably not even let her out of bed or out of their hut. She couldn’t have that, not now. Not when she was just starting to find her feet.

Yes, she should have discussed this with him earlier and he should have a say in the matter. But shouldn’t it be her call finally? It was her body after all that would nurture the baby for months before and even after. She needed to know she was ready for the role. And right now, she wasn’t. That was the simple truth. And she wished he could see it from her lens.

Neither knew what else to say. So silence took over again. And sleep took over after some time. Restless sleep, given their restless hearts.

The next morning was supposed to be the start of her field training, starting with the knife that Bheem had carved for her.

But Bheem fussed over her endlessly and screamed far louder than her when she accidentally dropped the knife which nearly hit her toe. His antics were making her fidgety. All heads turned towards them and Jenny wanted to die with embarrassment. Ram was observing the drama from a distance; he had an inkling this is exactly what would transpire. He got the others to get back to work and walked over to the two lovers.

‘Bheem - I think I should be the one to teach Jenny. Not you.’

Bheem turned and gave him an ultra irritated look. Before he burst into his rant, Ram interrupted him.

‘Um, Jenny, I think Sita is looking for you. She wanted to show you something from her experience of learning to handle the knife.’

Everyone saw it for the charade that it was but Jenny was grateful nonetheless. She knew Bheem’s next step would have been to turn around and ask her who she wanted to train with. And she couldn’t not say his name, it would hurt him too much. So she nodded briefly at Ram and walked away, leaving Bheem staring after her retreating form. He didn’t stop her either, because he didn’t want her to see him scream at Ram.

The moment she was some distance away, he squared up to his Anna.

‘What the hell was that?’

Bheem’s tone was laced with pent up annoyance, which Ram sensed.

‘Bheem. Before you go all berserk, pls just hear me out. It’s better if I train her because you are too involved. You are not being able to look at her dispassionately, like any other student. It would be better if you leave this to someone else. And if not you, the next best person here would be me.’

Bheem just stared him down throughout, only registering half of what Ram said. His conscious mind was able to appreciate the logic in Ram’s words but rationality wasn’t at the forefront right now for Bheem.

‘How could you, any of you, claim to know what’s best for her, more than me? HOW? What the hell is wrong with all of you?’

Ram dragged him to the side and just let him rant. He knew this outburst was long overdue.

‘First Loki. Then Sita. Now you. Why are you all trying to keep me away from her? Is the distance between us not enough already, that you are taking away the avenues where we can still talk like normal people? Where the silence and awkwardness hasn’t taken over? Why are you all set on taking that away from me? WHY?’

Ram heard him out patiently and understood that this ran a lot deeper. He saw the fear, the confusion and the crumbling helplessness in his precious friend’s eyes. And got into a protective elder brother mode. 

‘My sweet brother - no one is trying to keep you two apart. We can all see how much you love each other. And how much you both are hurting right now. Bheem - don’t be me. Don’t let this fester. I have ruined a lot of things by not sharing my feelings with my loved ones but please, don’t make the same mistake. It will destroy all good things you have. I can’t see that happen. Not to you.’

Bheem continued to look broken and directionless. Which made Ram hold his shoulders and jerk him lightly.

‘You have a great thing going on here. The kind of deep, passionate, all-encompassing love that very few in the world ever experience. Fight for it, my friend.’

Bheem looked up at him then.

‘Fight for it? Oh, we are fighting for it everyday. But we never fought WITH EACH OTHER before. Nothing like this. And…..and….I am scared, Anna. I don’t know how to come out of this. How to deal with this. I don’t know what it means for us from hereon. I can see I am hurting her, and it’s killing me. I want to run to her, to hold her in my arms, but a part of me now wonders, what if she doesn’t like it deep down? What if she doesn’t really like being close to me, and she resents our intimacy? And that’s why she said what she said?’

Bheem held his head in his hands in frustration. Ram had realized something of this sort had been said between them. But he hadn’t asked for the details. And Bheem hadn’t shared either. Ram knew that when it came to Jenny, Bheem had certain boundaries. 

Bheem continued his ramble, not realising what he had just said.

‘One day, soon, it will just get too much for her. It won’t be worth it. I won’t be worth it - the stupid idiotic mess that I am. And then….she would just leave…..and take my heart with her.’

Ram hugged his distraught friend who was close to tears and Bheem rested his head on Ram’s shoulder, accepting the comfort readily. They stayed like that for a while, and Ram gently stroked Bheem’s back as Bheem plopped forward on his chest, devoid of his usual spirit.

‘Bheem - look at her. Just turn around and look at her once. Please?’

Bheem obliged. They both looked at Jenny, who was carefully making notes of everything Sita was telling her on the art of camouflaging a knife. 

‘Tell me - does this look like someone who is planning to leave? She fought with you because she wanted to become one of the people here, not the other way round. Is that a sign of someone who is having any second thoughts? All this is in your head - and you will push her away if you don’t let it go.’

Bheem kept looking at her. At the dedication and determination evident on her face. At the half smile she gave Sita every time the older woman tried to cheer her friend up. Ram was right - he needed to talk to Jenny on what was killing him from the inside. He will have to conquer his trepidations of what such a conversation could lead to. He needed to believe in their love to get them past this. And heavens knew that their love was strong enough.

‘So, is it settled then? I will train her and not you?’

Bheem continued looking in her direction while responding back.

‘Yes, it makes sense. But there better not be a single scratch on her, Ram.’

Bheem walked away. It took Ram a good two seconds to process that Bheem had called him by his name. He recovered and called out to Bheem’s retreating form.

‘Oh, there will be a scratch. Scratches, rather. Plural. That’s how people learn. That’s how you and I learnt. It won’t be any different with her. Get used to that, you blithering fool.’

Bheem didn’t turn around to acknowledge that. He just huffed some more but kept walking away.

And Ram walked towards his new pupil. Someone who wasn’t particularly fond of him. This was going to be fun. 

Jenny met him half way and nodded in Bheem’s direction.

‘He is upset, isn’t he?’

Ram nodded at her.

‘Could he at least see the sense of why he shouldn’t be the one training me?’

‘Partially, yes.’

Jenny continued to fidget with her fingers.

‘That’s something, I guess. Thank you for doing this, Ram.’

‘No problem. However, I have been warned to make sure there are so scratches on you from the training. For both our sakes and his too, let’s try to keep that up, yeah?’

That earned him as genuine a smile as possible, given the circumstances.

Her training began, and Ram was increasingly impressed with Jenny with each passing day. He loved her habit of making thorough, detailed notes - exactly like him. He started to admire her sharpness, dedication, and spirit. She was a lot like Sita in that way. Of course, this was all so new and so radically different from anything she had ever seen, so Ram was also fairly patient with her. But she was clear that she didn’t want any special or different treatment, and Ram honored that request.

On one such afternoon, after they were wrapping up, Jenny sought out Ram.

‘Umm….I wanted to get your opinion on something, Ram. May I?’

Ram was curious. What could she want to talk to him about? He nodded nonetheless.

‘I have a lot of estate in my name in England. There is still a huge part which will be transferred to me once I get married, but without that also there is a fair bit. I want to help out here, and that money could be significant in your movement. But…I don’t know how to talk to Bheem about this. I don’t want to offend anyone in any way. I just want to help. Do you think this makes sense?’

Ram pondered over it practically, keeping aside the moral aspect. But he came up empty handed.

‘If you try to sell the estate or route some of the money here, it can be traced back to you. Even if we try multiple intermediaries in the middle. And even if we break the amount into smaller bunches, a figure like that would be noticed. Worst case, you can be charged with treason against the British empire. And at the very least, they will find you and take you away. Bheem will never take that chance.’

Jenny nodded half-heartedly - disappointed that she couldn’t help out even when she had the means. Such was her destiny.

Bheem and Jenny barely saw each other during the day now. From her daily classes with informants and kids to her two trainings to Bheem’s schedule, they were together only during the nights.

They both missed each other, immensely.

On one such night, Bheem had retired to the bed early, extremely exhausted from his day. Jenny was still wrapping up some minor chores. She felt his eyes on her throughout, but she carried on, not making it obvious that she could feel his gaze on her even without looking back.

Bheem couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was beautiful on all days, but she seemed to be glowing tonight. Something about this new routine was working well for her. Maybe it was just contentment.

Bheem had been working up the courage to speak to her, to follow Ram’s advice of not letting this distance become permanent. Tonight seemed a like a good night for it. His heart was yearning to hear her sweet voice.

When she came to bed, he reached out and held her hand, holding it close to his chest. He was rewarded with a brief smile in response.

‘Kuch kehna chahata hoon, us din ke baare me. Keh dun?’

(I wanted to say something to you, about that day. Should I?)

Jenny braced herself and nodded in affirmation. They hadn’t spoken about the most sensitive topic from that fight. She knew it was eating away at him, and was causing this distance between them. She also knew that conversation could go anywhere. So she took a deep breath and waited for his next words.

He couldn’t meet her eyes, and chose to gaze at their entwined hands.

‘Pehle toh, jaise maine tumhara haath pakda, uske liye main bohot sharminda hoon. Mujhe koi haq nahi tha tumse is tarah….tumhe apni palkhon pe bitha ke rakhna chahta tha, aur tumhe khud hi chot pohocha di. Agar ho sake toh mujhe maaf kar dena.’

(First of all, the way I grabbed your wrists that day, I am very sorry about it. I had no right to treat you that way. I wanted to take utmost care of you, and ended up hurting you myself. If possible, please do forgive me.)

Jenny covered their joined hands with her other hand. She was taken aback that day - not just by his near manhandling but also the way he had raised his voice at her. She knew it was most unlike him, and wanted to get to the bottom of what happened.

When he told her about the nightmare earlier that morning, and what he felt when he couldn’t see her anywhere, she connected the dots. His extreme reaction was starting to make sense. And the fact that he was willing to let go of his paranoia about her, despite his deep-rooted fears, she appreciated that even more now. 

But the elephant in the room had still not been addressed. When Bheem looked at her with a pained expression, she knew what was coming next. She squeezed his hand in assurance.

‘Jenny - tumhare paas aana mere liye aasaan nahi tha. Maine bohot socha, khud ko bohot roka. Hamesha yahi laga ki main tumhare layak nahi hoon. Jab humare pyaar pe vishwaas hone laga, tab bhi tumhaare paas aane me ek hichak thi. Ki kahi tumhe chot na pohocha du.’

(Jenny - it wasn’t easy for me to come close to you. I thought about it a lot. Held myself back a lot. It always felt like I would never be good enough for you. Even when I started to believe in our love for each other, I still hesitated to come near you like this. Didn’t want to hurt you in any way, physically or emotionally.)

She saw that he was part shaking while saying all this, and she scooted closer to him to run her hands over his arms and chest. She was going to take that liberty right now. He didn’t resist. 

‘Darr lagta tha - ki tum ye na socho ki main sirf yahi chahata tha. Ki mera pyaar sirf ek bahaana tha, aur aakhir me mujhe yahi chahiye tha. Isliye maine sab se humaare rishtey ke baare me pehle baat bhi kari, jis se main tumhe bata sakoon ki mere liye is rishtey ki kya ehmiyat hain.’

(I was afraid - of you thinking this is all I wanted. That my love was just a ruse, a means to this end. That’s why I spoke to the tribal council first about our relationship, so that I could show you what our relationship means to me.)

His eyes, which had turned moist long ago, couldn’t hold his emotions back anymore. The dam of his tears broke loose, sweeping her with them. She hugged him tighter, and he cried in her arms. 

‘Tumhara is tarah se….faayda uthane ka…main kabhi sapne me bhi nahi soch sakta Jenny. Phir jab tumne woh……woh baat kahi….main toot gaya. Humara rishta itna chota, itna kamzor toh nahi tha na?’

(To take…advantage of you like that…I could never even imagine that in my dreams, Jenny. When you said…that thing…..it broke me. It killed me. It felt like our bond was reduced to something so small, so weak, and so cheap.)

His sobs and hiccups cut through her heart. But she willed herself to not cry. She had to be strong for both of them right now, even though she felt like the most horrible excuse for a human being. To reduce this pure man to such a mess. All because of her words. 

‘Bheem. Bheem - look at me. Stop crying, look at me, sweetheart, please.’

His face was hidden behind his hands. She coaxed his hands away and kept them on her waist. Cupping his cheeks, she looked deep into his tear-stained eyes.

‘I did not for a second imply that you did anything I didn’t want. My love - every moment spent with you has been the best in my life so far. Only thing as good would be a memory we would make together in future, because nothing in my past compares to this feeling. This sense of elation, comfort, safety, warmth, giddiness, LOVE that I feel - it’s all because of you. Every time you touch me, I feel like I am on the top of this world. There is no better feeling, it’s not possible. Being worthy of your love has made my life worth living. Please, please, I beg you, it’s not what you think. I don’t know how to show you this, but this is the only truth.’

The depth of compassion in her voice resonated with him, and he stopped crying.

It struck her then, that she could actually show him what she felt. She reached inside her pillow cover and took out four photos. All of Bheem. These were the only photos she had carried with her when she left the palace.

Bheem was mesmerised by the photos, and forgot his sadness briefly. The only photo he had ever seen of him was in the ‘wanted’ posters that the British had put of him. But this was different. The material felt so sleek, so silky. And it was him - laughing and smiling and dancing in the photos.

The first photo was of him in the bazaar, when Jenny met him for the first time. She had taken it when he wasn’t looking and was busy showing her around. He was Akhtar to her back then. The second photo was of them doing waltz - his arm on her waist. The third was of them dancing like crazy people, along with everyone else. And the last was of Bheem rejoicing when he was the last man standing after the dance-off. He didn’t know Jenny was cheering for him there - but he saw it in the photo, her jumping in the back when he won.

These were the only photos she carried? And kept with herself so safely? All just memories of him? He felt a sudden bout of emotion take over himself.

Jenny was watching his face closely as he processed the meaning of those photos. She wanted to show him that she thought about him as much as he thought about her, if not more. That he was her only precious memory. That she talked to these photos while he was away. And she had started talking to them now again, because even though he was here with her physically, he hadn’t really been with her since the fight.

Bheem was too overcome with love to form any words. So he decided to act instead. His arms tightened around her waist and he crushed her to himself. Jenny wrapped her arms around his neck, soaking in his proximity after what felt like an eternity. He buried his face in her long neck, taking in her sweet scent. But when his lips moved up her jaw, trying to find hers, she covered his mouth with her fingers, just in the nick of time.

Reality hit him then, and he pulled away. They both knew he wasn’t ready, not yet, and would kick himself if anything happened tonight. Bheem sighed loudly and plopped down on his back, covering his face with his arm, recovering from the rush of emotion that had taken over his body. When he calmed down, he told her gently that it would be best if he slept on the floor tonight. She understood, and didn’t protest.

It took every bit of his self restraint to stay away tonight. Knowing that she was so close, that he could kiss her right now if he wanted to. That he could shower himself in her love and comfort, that she would readily open her heart to him. If only he hadn’t turned into a bundle of insecurities.

The next few days were better. They talked to each other, smiled at each other, gazed longingly at each other, held hands. They even hugged one or two times, which felt like a new rush all over again. 

They needed one final push, to finally run into each other’s arms again. And the push came from the most unexpected source.

Malli cornered Bheem one day, after her class with Jenny.

‘Anna - I want to talk to you. Now. Sit here.’

She pointed to a spot. Bheem sat down and Malli settled on his thigh - facing him seriously.

‘What is going on with you?’

Bheem had had a long day and was flummoxed by her question. And her pointed stare. 

‘What are you talking about Malli? What do you want?’

The child’s gaze and intensity did not waver.

‘It’s not about what I want. It’s about what you want. Do you want to be with Jenny akka or not?’

Bheem sighed. She was getting far too observant for her age. 

‘Malli - it’s not that simple. And it’s not something for kids to understand.’

Malli huffed in his lap. Bheem saw how she had learnt that from him. But he didn’t dare to smile at her antics.

‘Not that card again. Sometimes kids can understand more than you think. And I am smarter than the other kids. So, point proved. Now - give me a yes or no answer.’

Bheem started thinking about the question. But there was nothing to think really. There was only one answer to this.

‘Yes. Yes, I want to be with her.’

Malli clapped happily.

‘See, was it so hard? Did it kill you to admit this? Such drama you adults do for simple questions. Now - she wants to be with you too, right?’

Bheem had understood by now that there was no point in arguing with her. Getting straight to the point will wrap up this conversation sooner.

‘Yes - she does.’

‘And you two are all sad and grumpy because you fought right?’

‘Yes.’

‘So, why is it taking you both so long to make up and go back to all smiley and shy again? What are you, kids? Don’t you know how to make up after a fight?’

She smacked him across the face with logic. And Bheem felt more silly than a 9 year old. He could say it was complicated and could shoo her away by playing the adult card, but the kid wasn’t wrong. They had spoken about the most sensitive aspects. They had also progressed materially from the previous status quo, as was evidenced by Jenny’s training. Why couldn’t they sort out this emotional mayhem then? When they both wanted to. When they knew just the thought of not being together would rip their heart to shreds. When they knew that they would fight till the end of the world to be together. That there was only one way forward - to take this in their stride and move on. Fights happen in couples, it was a part of life they had to get used to. It didn’t have to feel so terminal.

Malli saw the thoughts dancing on Bheem’s face and gave herself a silent pat on her back.

‘You can say I am right. You don’t have to be so stingy with praise, like all adults.’

She added teasingly. And Bheem guffawed wholeheartedly.

‘Yes, you are right, you wise one. From now on, I will come to you for all advise.’

‘Great decision.’

‘Now - any suggestions on what I should do to make up?’

‘Tell her you love her. Simple.’

‘Hmm.’

‘You are not convinced, are you?’

‘I mean, I will tell her this. Ofcourse I will. But I want to do more. What should I do?’

‘I don’t know that. You think of something. You are the ADULT after all.’

Malli yelped when Bheem picked her up and threw her in the air.

‘Yes, I will think of something. Thank you, really.’

‘If you want to thank me, then I want to see her smile. And you too. I want to see you both happy again, Anna. I love you so so much.’

‘I promise - she will smile soon. As will I.’

‘Yayyyy.’

‘Now - off you go. I have some thinking to do.’

Bheem patted her head and Malli ran towards her hut, giving Bheem one final smile. And he went for a swim - to clear his head and to think of what he could do next.

When he returned later that evening to their hut, he found Jenny deep in thought. She had laid down a bunch of kitchen ingredients in front of her and was scoring herself on the names she got right, matching it with her notebook. Bheem stood at the door, smiling at her cuteness. Her determination to give her all in order to be a part of his life, it felt like a warm hug. A soothing balm to his erstwhile restless heart.

He kept a box on the windowsill and went to freshen up. They ate dinner together after a long time. Jenny told him about all that she had learned. She has specifically asked to learn how to make kheer, so she told him a surprise is coming soon. And Bheem told her about his day - the good & bad of it. He had started telling her more about the happenings there and his worries. They had both taken baby steps to get to a point where they could tell each other everything, without worrying about the consequences of it. 

When they were both changed for the night, Bheem pointed Jenny towards the box on the windowsill. She looked at it quizzically, trying to decipher the ingredients inside.

When she recognised it, her heart skipped a beat. And her body started to shake. Was she dreaming? Could it really be happening? Was she hallucinating or was it really a mixture of the same herbs she took from Sita after their intimacy? Why was he giving her this? Did he mean what she thought he meant?

Bheem saw the whole scene play out in slow motion, while standing a few steps away. 

‘Tumne sahi samjha - ye wohi hain. Ab tumhe baar baar Sita ke paas nahi jana padega.’

(Yes, this is what you think it is. Now you won’t have to go to Sita every-time.)

Jenny couldn’t look up from the box. Her mind and heart were both in disbelief.

‘Maine isme neem bhi daal diya hain. Us se sar dard nahi hoga, jo tumhe pehle hua tha ye lene par.’

(I have also put neem into it. That way, you won’t get the headache that you got earlier by having this.)

Jenny didn’t even bother to ask how he knew she got the headache. She had never told him about the herbs or that she had felt unwell after taking them. This man was just so observant and caring when it came to her, so of course, he had noticed it. She was still unable to form any words, or to look at him, still trying to grasp the deeper meaning of it all. Trying her best to not fill her heart with hope, till he says the words.

When Bheem realized her internal struggles, he walked closer to her and held her upper arms, making her look into his eyes.

‘Meri jaan - shayad main tumhari wajah, tumhari hichak na samajh sakoon, par mere liye itna kaafi hain ki tumhari yahi marzi hain. Mujhe sirf tumhara saath aur pyaar chahiye, baki sab toh hum baad me bhi soch sakte hain na.’

(My love - maybe I am unable to understand your reasons, your hesitation. But the fact that this is your choice, your wish, that’s enough for me. I respect that. All I want is your love. To be with you. Rest of it we can always figure out later.)

He had said it. Finally. She could see he meant business. For the first time since the fight, Jenny let herself go and bawled her eyes out. He gathered her in his arms and let her cry into his neck, as he stroked her back.

Jenny had refused to break down all this while. Not even in front of Sita, who had tried talking to her multiple times. She knew she won’t be able to handle herself if she goes into a meltdown. She knew it could be an existential thing for them. And she didn’t know for sure whether they would be able to come out of it. If she started crying over the realisation that her dream was over for good, that this world had not included her as it’s own, she wouldn’t know how to stop. So she had willed herself to not cry.

Until now. Her hands fisted in his kurta as he kissed the top of her head, rocking her back and forth. This was the first time Bheem truly realized how hard it must have been for her. She had left everything behind, for him. She was in a new place, a new world, amongst new people, with no one to anchor her, other than him. She didn’t have any familiar childhood spots to run to for comfort, other than the solace of his arms. And he had deprived her of all that, of himself, of his love. Guilt hit him like a truck for making her suffer for so long. He really should have resolved it sooner.

Bheem kissed her head, her hands, her face but she couldn’t stop crying. He carried her in his arms, sat on the cot, adjusted her in his lap, and rocked her back and forth. Still nothing. Her hiccups and sobs didn’t stop.

‘Jaan - bas. Please, bas. Aise toh main bhi ro dunga phir.’

(Sweetheart - stop. Please stop. No more. Otherwise I will start crying too.)

That made her look at him, and he started to wipe her face with the back of his arm. She let him fix her face, and she stopped sobbing after a few moments.

‘Tum rote hue bhi Itni sundar kaise lagti ho?’

(How do you look so pretty even while crying?)

She smiled and giggled at his obvious attempt to lighten the mood. He had heard that pearly sound after so long that it tugged at his heart. He kissed her face and arms all over, as he said his next words.

‘In aankhon ki chamak, in gaalon ki laali, in hothon hi hasi, in baahon ka sukoon, tumhare labon pe mera naam - ye sab kahi kho se gaye the. Bohot yaad aayi inki. Aur tumhari.’

(The shine in your eyes, the blush of your cheeks, the smile on your lips, the comfort of your arms, my name on your lips - it was all lost somewhere. I missed them. A lot. I missed you.)

Jenny kissed his forehead in response, and he flipped them on the cot so they were both lying down in each other's arms. Bheem leaned in and kissed her lips deeply, and she kissed him back with all her heart. The air was filled with love and longing of long-lost lovers reuniting.

When Bheem started to get on top of her, she stopped him with a hand on his chest. He wasn’t expecting to be stopped tonight, at all, and looked at her in confusion. She tried to explain to him that it was her time of the month. 

His face fell. Like that of a five-year-old whose puppy had just run away. Like that of a kid who was just told that Santa Claus was not real. Like that kid who had the keys to a candy store but was not allowed to taste anything. 

Jenny almost laughed at his expression, but she held back and tried to console him. He asked how far along she was, and she had to tell him it was just her first day. That he had to wait for at least 4 more days.

Bheem wanted to cry. He was convinced that the universe was conspiring against him. His mouth opened and closed like a fish, amusing Jenny infinitely. Who asked you to impose this celibacy for two weeks, huh? She wanted to tell him this but wisely chose not to.

They talked some more that night, and his mood got better as he heard the sound of her voice, her giggles. As he felt her close to him, tucked into his arms.

Because they were fine, now. They were better than ever before. 

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Phew, this was a ride. Hope you liked it. As always, would love to know your thoughts.

@irisesforyoureyes @rambheem-is-real @thewinchestergirl1208 @eremin0109 @eenadu-varthalu @rorapostsbl @yehsahihai @budugu @maraudersbitchesassemble @justmeand-myinsight @rambheemisgoated @rosayounan @jrntrtitties @obsessedtoafault @rambheemlove @jjwolfesworld @alikokinav @iam-siriuslysher-lokid @bromance-minus-the-b @dumdaradumdaradum @lovingperfectionwonderland @annieginny @chaanv @ssabriel @milla984 @kaagazkefool @boochhaan @mesimpleone @filesbeorganized @ladydarkey @teddybat24 @stanleykubricks @burningsheepcrown @veteran-fanperson @ronika-writes-stuff @beingmes-blog @yonderghostshistories @nisreenart @chaidrivenwhore @bheemaxrama @carminavulcana @umbrulla @mizutaama @rosefulmadness @gifseafins @fangirlshrewt97 @astrafangs @anongrimm @voidsteffy

[ronaldofandom]

This review is…..everything. I have so much to say yet words are hard to find.

My fav part is how you described the intimacy scene. I have thought about this scenario since I fell in love with this movie and this pairing. I wanted it to be realistic, true to their personalities, sensual but not smutty. Which is why it took me 7 chapters in the series to get here 😂. Coz they are not the sort of people who would just jump into bed on day 1. They needed to get there emotionally first and I have enjoyed writing that journey even more than the actual scene.

Then the interpersonal dynamics. There was so much to be explored there. I wish we had seen JennySita on screen or even more RamSita or BheemMalli. There is such depth to all these dynamics and personalities. Of the new pairings I have tried, my personal favs are SitaJenny and MalliJenny. Again, the attempt here has been to keep it realistic :)

Malli’s recovery from her trauma can’t be instant, or even full. But the little steps she is taking is what matters. I loved your interpretation of Bheem loving Jenny more due to her affinity with Malli. I honestly wasn’t even doing that consciously but now that you say so, it does make sense.

Lastly, Jenny in a saree has my heart too. It’s not that Bheem sees her as an outsider when she is wearing say a skirt/top, but he sees her more as a part of his life when she wore a saree. It’s the gesture that touches him. And Ofcourse the fact that she looks drop dead gorgeous in it - that does other things to him 🥰😋

Thank you for the beautiful comment. And sorry for the delayed response. Work has been kicking my ass lately.

A Love Eternal / Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

Chapter 7 is up guys, after a month of hiatus :)

Summary: Finally, the lovemaking sequence is here - this is Bheem in all his glory. Followed by some fluffy/teasing talks between SitaJenny, SitaBheem, and RamBheem.

Warnings: Suggestive language ahead, but not smut.

...........................................................................................

Suggested music - Parineeta (Recommend listening to this before/while reading the chapter - the feels match)

Moodboard - created by the brilliant @meastradeur, who graciously allowed me to use it.

Chapter 7

(Links to Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5, Ch 6)

Bheem loved like he laughed. Like he fought. With all his might. With every fibre of his being. There was no hesitation tonight. No shyness. No second thoughts. He was a man on a mission. And from his actions, Jenny half-believed that the mission was to give her a stroke or set her body on fire.

‘Sari Sita ne pehnaayi?’ (Did Sita help you put on the Sari?)

He whispered into her ear.

She was on her back, and he was on his side, leaning over her. His fingers ran circles around her belly button as he rubbed their cheeks together. 

Words failed her. But she managed to nod a yes. 

‘Hmmm.’ He muttered against her cheek as his index finger finally dipped into her belly button, playing with it. Her hand reflexively clutched his bicep.

Bheem felt weirdly jealous that the first time she had adorned Indian ethnic wear, he hadn’t been the one to dress her up. At least he would get to take it off.

He started with her bangles, sliding them off carefully, kissing her wrists. Next were her jhumkis (earrings) as he nibbled on her earlobes, making her whimper. He slid the accessories well under the cot so she doesn’t step on them in the morning. His fingers unpinned her pallu from her shoulder, and he slowly pulled it down, holding her gaze all the while. Bheem tugged at the pleats of her sari, pulling them out all at once as he peeled the garment off her, throwing it somewhere behind. The shell necklace he let stay on, admiring how it suited her long, slender neck.

The assuredness of his touch was driving Jenny insane. Her heart was pounding in her chest.

Growing up in conservative British high society, Jenny had been told practically nothing of intimacy, which was referred to as ‘marital relations.’ She was supposed to be given the talk once she was betrothed to someone, before her wedding night. Even her married friends spoke very little of intimacy - it was improper to speak that way to maidens. Her mother, aunt, and friends had always spoken of marital duties with their husbands and finding bliss with the children. The concept of physical bliss and pleasure seemed alien to them. Therefore, she was all the more confused about the fuzzy sensations emanating in her body, at strange places, from his touch. She had only read of those in some ‘not so proper’ novels but was living them now. And she knew he was just getting started.

In contrast, Bheem was firmly in control of his actions and emotions. He had thought long & hard about the two of them while he had been away and had taken care of all formalities before wanting her this way. As the protector of the tribe, he was the de-facto leader of the tribal council, yet he had still sought and received the council’s blessings for their relationship. He had made their courtship official, as per the customs of his people. The Gond customs were quite progressive. It was not uncommon for couples to live together before marriage to test their compatibility. It was also not uncommon to have pre-marital relations. Marrying for love was actually the norm. In their simple ways, they were far more evolved than the complex modern societies.

It was also customary to offer gifts to the woman during the courtship period, hence the shell necklace, which she had gladly worn, thereby accepting his affections. Bheem had meant to discuss this with her tonight, but all rational thought went out of the window when he saw her. 

As he enveloped her in his arms and kissed her senseless, Jenny forgot everything else in the world other than his name, which she moaned like a chant. His strong, musky scent - of fresh rains on the forest floor - dominated her senses. As did the feel of his gruff beard and calloused hands on her soft skin.

He insisted on holding her gaze throughout, coaxing her back to him in the moments she couldn’t handle the intensity on his face & looked away. Jenny found this to be more intimate than anything else he was doing with her. The mix of wonder, adoration, and nerves in her eyes spurred him on even more; he couldn’t hold back any longer.

She sensed the shift in his mood and gulped as he swiftly pulled open the thread and hooks of her blouse on her back, bringing it down her shoulders, throwing it behind, along with her petticoat, leaving her just in her underthings.

Bheem was mesmerized by the ravishing sight in front of him. He wanted to drink her in. The faint moonlight bouncing off her spotless skin wasn’t doing enough justice to her beauty. He stood up, reached for the lamp, and placed it right next to the cot. Her cheeks, already crimson, turned cherry red, but she let him have what he wanted.

He straddled her, caging her between his thighs, slowly unbuttoned his kurta, and threw it behind. His eyes held her in place and took in her curves hungrily. Jenny had read that desire fuelled by love was the most burning kind; his desire sure was burning her from the inside. Her breaths became short and shallow as her arms went around his shoulders. Balancing himself on top of her, he kissed her repeatedly - slowly at first, then with more force, coaxing her to part her succulent lips and letting him plunge into her sweet mouth. Her bra was next to go. He cupped her and swallowed her moans. When she gasped for breath, he let her lips go and nibbled at her neck & collarbone, leaving his fair share of marks. 

As his lips started trailing lower, she grabbed his face with both hands. Their eyes met, and she could see the depth of want flashing in his.

‘Bheem…dheere (gently)…please.’

Jenny was extra sensitive there and thought it better to let him know, especially given the nipping mood he was in. Bheem acknowledged that with a slow, sensual kiss on her lips. And then he proceeded to make her eat her words. He went atrociously slow, gently yet thoroughly ravishing every inch of her upper body. 

The soft flesh of her hardened peaks caught his fancy in particular - he tended to them exclusively and relentlessly till she pleaded for respite.

Her nails dug into his shoulders. Her moans became more wanton. Which made his blood rush south - fast and hard.

His hands instantly went down to her inner thighs, caressing her lovingly. She gasped and arched her back when his fingers edged closer to her core, involuntarily trying to cross her legs. He tried one more time, pecking the soft flesh of her inner thighs, and she nearly bounced off the cot at the sensation.

This made him pause. Her eyes were shut tightly, and her hands were fisted in the mattress below. She was still a bundle of nerves, too tense for his liking. He had tried to take it slow, to get her to relax. Ram’s advice was still fresh in his mind - he knew taking her like this could be uncomfortable and even painful for her. That was a no-go, despite his own body screaming otherwise.

When he rolled off her, she looked at him in confusion, worrying if she had done something wrong to put him off. He saw the worry lines on her face and pulled her in for a deep, loving kiss, assuring her with his touch, only letting go when he felt the tension releasing in her posture.

They lay on their sides, facing each other. Bheem caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers.

‘Koi jaldi nahi hain, Jenny. Jab tumhe sahi lage. Agar tumhe sahi lage.’

(There is no rush, Jenny. We can go ahead later, when you want to. If you want to.)

She wanted to cry for a different reason now. God must have taken his sweet time when he was making this man. And he must have broken the mold afterward.

Jenny started to trace his face with her index finger, admiring his beautiful features. Luminated in the golden glow of the lamp, he looked extra divine, extra serene tonight. His eyes, which were swimming with desire till a few moments back, were radiating love and warmth now. She leaned in to kiss the top of his eyes and heard him sigh, making her heart flutter. She traced the outline of his thick beard from his cheek down to his neck. He stayed still, following her moves. When her finger moved to his plump pink lips, he couldn’t resist a quick peck. And was rewarded with his favorite sound in the world - her giggles. She moved her finger to his lips again, and he licked it this time. She played with the ends of his mustache like he himself did many times. He pulled her closer and kissed the tip of her nose, making her giggle harder.

Her hand tentatively moved to his chest. She had touched him there before, multiple times, while tending to his scars. But this was the first intimate touch. She didn’t need to guard her reactions this time. Her hand traced the taut skin of his neck, his toned pecks, the broad expanse of his chest, down to his ripped abs. A shiver ran down her back, and his keen eyes noticed the change in her breathing. The raw, tsunami-like strength of his rugged build had always enticed Jenny, even when she knew him as Akhtar, but especially since she had known him as Bheem. She had witnessed it at that fateful party and multiple times since coming here - in his hand-to-hand combat training, in the way he swung the children around while playing with them, and how he had carried her in his arms like she weighed nothing. She wanted more. She wanted to taste those deliciously hard, erotic muscles.

Bheem had to grip the rough edges of the cot, hard, to restrain himself when her lips touched his skin. His knuckles turned white, but he was determined to let her set the pace. A chaste kiss on his lips was followed by an agonizing exploration of his torso. Her lips followed the same trail of her fingers, but they lingered more. He didn’t dare to move or do anything which could make her stop. She kissed his scars, wishing for them to disappear. The tattoos on his biceps got special attention as she nibbled there. She wanted to give the same treatment to the ones on his thighs, but the thought itself of fondling his thighs made her nearly combust on the spot.

Jenny was shocked at her actions beyond measure. She had never imagined herself to be capable of such forwardness. This was contrary to everything she had been conditioned for since her childhood. They weren’t married, he wasn’t British or of high society, and she was acting as un-ladylike as her imagination could allow. 

This wasn’t a union her people would understand or approve of, but who were they to fathom what she felt for this beautiful man, who had swept her off her feet, literally and figuratively. Theirs was a union of love. A mating of two souls. A bond forged in empathy, kindness, and courage. 

Bheem was safety. Bheem was freedom. Bheem was comfort. Bheem was her whole heart. Bheem was everything pure and worth loving in this world. That was more than enough for her - she didn’t need a societal stamp or nomenclature.

‘Bheem?’ She was gazing into his eyes now. He gazed right back, squeezing her hand.

‘I take you to be my love, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as you shall have me, which I hope is forever.’

Bheem didn’t understand the significance of her words, but he held her close as she shuddered through it. 

Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, trying to pull him on top of her. He broke their kiss and looked into her adoring eyes for confirmation.

‘It’s fine, my love. I am ready now. Please, take me.’

He had been on edge for far too long, almost from the moment he first carried her back to the hut, and he needed no further invitation. Getting back on top, he let her feel some of his weight, and she loved the sensation. They made out passionately while he removed both their underpants and rubbed himself against her thigh, sending her mind reeling.

As he spread her legs and positioned himself between them, he whispered into her ear.

‘Thoda sa dard hoga jaan, par main dhyaan rakhunga.’

(It might hurt a little, sweetheart, but I will take care.)

Jaan. Jenny knew that word; she had heard Sita refer to Ram as that. It was the first time Bheem had used a term of endearment for her. She was so lost in that feeling that she didn’t realize it when he entered her. It did hurt, a fair bit, but he kissed her through the initial discomfort and paused after each thrust to let her get used to the intrusion.

Once buried to the hilt inside her, he started to gain his rhythm, and she lost any remaining semblance of sanity. Their bodies moved in unison, almost of their own accord, as he wrapped her legs around his waist for a deeper angle. Her soft constant moans intertwined with his deep intermittent grunts as he took her closer and closer to her peak. 

Her senses registered the blurry pattern of the ceiling, the near-violent creaking of the cot, and the pitter-patter of feet outside as people started retiring to their huts post the festivities.

Jenny was reduced to a quivering, incoherent mess underneath him - only uttering two words on loop - ‘Bheem’ and ‘please.’ 

She learned and experienced a great many things tonight. About male anatomy - an image that was now imprinted in her mind forever. And about female biology - how women could peak multiple times in a single intercourse. She bit her cheek to keep herself from screaming as she came over and over, shattering around him, driving him near the edge.

Bheem was unrelenting, and he kept his pace. The need to have her was so deep, he could feel it in his bones. She tried to hold on, but when she couldn’t take it anymore, she yelped and pushed against his chest.

‘Shhhhh, bas thoda sa aur, jaan.’

(Shhhh, just a little bit more, sweetheart.)

Aiming to put her out of her misery soon, he pinned her hands down, buried his face in her bosom, and went faster, giving her a taste of his real strength that she was secretly craving. That’s when she realized how much he had held himself back tonight. And she was grateful because this was too overwhelming. His movements turned sloppy, and he peaked soon after, collapsing on top of her, still buried inside her.

They stayed like that for a while, still dazed. Bheem recovered first after a few moments and rolled off her. When he got up to put on his underpants, he was amused at the state of their surroundings. It looked like something had exploded there. He picked up their discarded garments from all over the floor, along with her accessories, and placed them in a neat pile on the side. 

When he tried to help clean her with a wet cloth, she placed a hand on his chest and pushed him away, not allowing him anywhere near her erogenous zones. When he tried to place the cloth in her hand, she refused that also, too exhausted to move a muscle. She was yet to open her eyes and was still lying lifeless on the cot. Bheem smiled and kissed her sweaty brows. He covered her up to her chest with a spare sheet, both for her sake and his. His desire wasn’t sated yet, far from it. He wanted to go on for a few hours, but she had made it amply clear that she was quite done for the night, so he wanted to avoid further temptation.

He pulled her closer, ignoring her little whimpers, and cradled her head on his shoulder. She turned and snuggled into his chest, sighing happily, playing with his chest hair lazily. Bheem’s astute eyes hadn’t missed the visible evidence of their lovemaking on her body - her swollen lips and the marks on her neck, cleavage, inner thighs, hips & wrists. These were just the visible things. 

‘Jenny?’ He kissed the top of her head.

‘Hmm.’ She sighed, already half-asleep.

‘Tum…theek toh ho na? Maine kuch zyada toh..’

(Are you…alright? Did I overdo….)

Jenny cut him off by covering his lips with her palm. She kissed his chest and finally opened her eyes, looking up at him with all the love she could muster.

‘Bheem, I have never been better.’

She smiled, found a comfortable spot on his chest again, and was out like a light in a few minutes. Bheem spent a good part of the next hour reliving the events of the night, chuckling to himself and worshipping this goddess of a woman in his arms. His thoughts went to the same image from earlier tonight, of Jenny cooing to their fussing toddler, and he stroked her belly possessively. When he finally dozed off, it was the most warm, cozy, and blissful sleep he had had in ages. 

Jenny woke up the next morning feeling hot, which was strange given the climate there. Bheem was spooning her from behind, his front plastered to her back. The memories of last night hit her then, as did the ache in her joints and between her legs. Suddenly very aware of their naked state, in broad daylight, she fixed the thin sheet around herself.

It was late morning, way past Bheem’s wake-up time. She turned in his arms, and boy, she would never tire of waking up to that face. 

‘Bheem?’ Jenny tapped on his chest. No response. She tried again, tapping on his cheek. He whined and nuzzled into her neck. She laughed and shook his upper arm lightly. He opened one eye, figured that there was no burning emergency, then closed it again, pulling her closer. She gave up and wrapped her arms around his neck.

‘Aaj walk par nahi gaye?’

(You didn’t go for your morning walk today?)

‘Mann nahi tha.’ 

(Didn’t feel like it.)

‘Hmm��.Aur training? Tum late ho.’

(Hmmm….and training? You are late for that also.)

Bheem knew he was late. He also knew there was some important business to be dealt with today. But he still didn’t have the heart to let her out of his arms. And he wanted to ensure she was doing fine after last night, both physically and emotionally.

He didn’t need to pop the question though; she read the tentativeness in his eyes and cupped his face.

‘I am fine. Really, I am more than fine. Don’t worry, my love. You can go.’

Very reluctantly, he let her go, and she went into the adjoining chamber to dress herself. By the time she was out, he was ready for the day. They both walked toward each other slowly, and Bheem held her hands. He hadn’t missed the tiny change in her gait and couldn’t help feeling guilty. They hugged silently, stroking each other, drawing comfort from each other’s presence. Jenny broke the hug eventually and had to practically walk him out of the hut.

He came back to check on her every half hour in the pretense of having forgotten something or the other. At first, she found it endearing, but then she started to get annoyed and had to practically shoo him out the last time he sneaked in.

When she heard the latest knock on the door, she was ready to throw something at him.

‘Bheem, for the love of god, I am not a child. I said I was fine. You need to get it through your thick head that…’

Her rant was cut off when she actually opened the door and saw a very amused Sita on the other side. 

‘Ummm…what was that about?’ 

They were both inside now, and Sita was looking at Jenny curiously. 

‘Nothing. Just some misunderstanding.’

Jenny tried to look calm, but she knew it was only a matter of time before Sita would see through everything. 

‘Hmm.’

Sita didn’t buy it but put it on the back burner for the time being. She had other things on her mind, and her face lit up as she playfully elbowed her friend.

‘So, did Bheem like the surprise? I am guessing yes - since you two never showed up after he….well, after he swooped you up in his arms and carried you back bridal style.’

Sita giggled loudly, and she had expected Jenny to giggle with her. Jenny didn’t - she looked down, played with her hands, and didn’t utter a word. It was as guilty a look as humanly possible. Sita noticed the blush on her friend’s face and then her attire - Jenny was wearing a full-sleeved top with a scarf around her neck. Which was crazy in this weather. Unless…

The wheels started to churn in Sita’s head. She sat close to her friend and held her hand, making Jenny look up at herself. She tried her best to look patient, but her eyes were wide with curiosity and anticipation, making Jenny smile.

‘Well, he did like the surprise. A little too much, actually.’

Jenny looked down again, and Sita squealed happily, shaking Jenny by her shoulders.

‘TELL ME EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING. DON’T YOU DARE LEAVE ANYTHING OUT.’

It was tough for Jenny to get the words out, but she tried. Every time she stuttered, Sita filled in and kept Jenny talking. Sita gasped, jumped, squealed, blushed, and half-danced through the full details. And then asked a thousand questions just to ensure she didn’t miss anything. 

Jenny was scandalised with some of her questions, gaping at her. Sita dismissed her bewilderment and prudishness, making her lay out everything. And Jenny did - it felt good to talk about this life-changing experience. Sita couldn’t contain her happiness for her friend. She was also a tad bit jealous, which was only human, after all.

‘I knew he would like the Sari. I didn’t know he would love it this much.’

They both giggled loudly.

‘By the way, pls keep that Sari now since he liked it on you. Also, I don’t want it back. Even if I boil it in hot water, I would never be able to touch it.’

‘Umm…we didn’t…I mean, the garments weren’t on me when…stuff happened…it’s not ripped or anything…it’s unscathed that way.’

‘Irrespective. It will constantly remind me of THAT. Pls keep it, I insist. Wear it for him again.’

Jenny blushed widely, and Sita laughed at her friend, finding her so cute at that moment. Jenny also wanted to talk to her about something important, something that had been playing on her mind since morning.

‘There is something I wanted to ask you. It‘s slightly…intimate in nature. May I?’

‘Of course. You can ask me anything.’

Jenny worked up the courage to form her next words.

‘How does one, unmmmm, get with child? From what we….what happened last night, do you think I can, you know, get with child?’

Sita looked at her in wonder. She had understood by now that Jenny’s upbringing had been very sheltered, but she had no idea it was like this. It also hit Sita how young Jenny was - she was many years younger than Bheem, who in turn was younger than Ram & Sita. 

She must have been so confused about some aspects last night. Sita hoped Bheem had talked/helped Jenny through those. From how Jenny had described, it did seem that he had taken good care of her, and Sita was glad.

‘Yes. What happened last night is exactly how a woman can get with a child.’

‘Hmm.’

Jenny played with her hands. She was worried that this was going to be the answer.

‘So, is there a way to…take something afterward…so that it doesn’t happen?’

This was too soon for them to be thinking of a child. They were still just getting to know each other. This was a whole new world for Jenny, and she was still taking baby steps into it.

Sita looked at her with compassion and understanding.

‘Yes, there is. I can give it to you. It needs to be taken within 12 hours, so you should hurry. And for what it’s worth, I think it’s the right decision. But tell me, have you spoken to Bheem about this?’

Jenny shook her head slowly. She didn’t know how to bring this up with him or how he would react. She didn’t want him to misinterpret it as a sign of her hesitation in this new life.

‘My dear, you need to talk to him. About what you feel and what you want to do about this. He should know too. He would understand, don’t worry about that.’

Jenny nodded. She knew Sita was right. She had to figure out the right time and the right way to talk to Bheem.

‘And you may also want to talk to him about ways, about forms of intimacy in which…one doesn’t get with child.’

Jenny looked up at her with such innocence and confusion that it made Sita smile. But she wasn’t going to educate her on this - it was something she needed to explore with Bheem. 

Sita brought the necessary herbs, which Jenny had with hot tea. She left the younger woman with her own thoughts and made her way out.

Bheem was outside, circling near the entrance of the hut. He jumped when he heard the door open and was glad that it was Sita, not Jenny.

Sita smiled when she saw what was in his hands, which he quickly hid behind himself.

‘Bheem - why are you tip-toeing around your own house, like a thief?

Bheem looked at Sita and understood there was no point in lying to her or hiding anything from her. He wasn’t going to breathe a word of last night to anyone else. But Jenny would have either told Sita already, or Sita would have pried it out of Jenny. 

‘Let me guess - you have checked on her too many times already, to the point of annoying her, and now you are scared to go in?’

Bheem nodded like a little child - resignation written deep in his big doe eyes. Something about the sweetness of it tugged at Sita’s heart.

‘Is she…is she doing fine? She won’t tell me if she is not ok, but she would have told you.’ Bheem said in a small voice.

‘Yes, Bheem. She is absolutely fine. There is nothing to worry about.’

Bheem took one hand out from behind himself and opened it to her. Sita knew those herbs served as painkillers.

‘I gave these to her already. She said she doesn’t need it but I have still left them inside.’

Bheem nodded again, relieved by her words.

‘Has she eaten? She didn’t have anything in the morning.’

Sita smiled and clasped his open palm.

‘Yes, we had lunch together, just now.’

He smiled. Finally. And Sita clasped his hand tighter with affection.

‘You know, she is not as fragile as you think. She is quite strong-willed.’

Bheem was taken aback a bit by her statement and implication.

‘Oh - I don’t think she is fragile. She is very brave and spirited and strong-willed. I know that, I admire that. But she is delicate, Sita. She is not used to living like us. All this is very new for her. She hasn’t seen any harsh realities of life. Well, till before she met me, at least.’

His voice fell at the last sentence.

‘If you ask her, she would say her life really began when she met you.’

He was still looking down, not convinced. It happened with him a fair bit. When he was with her, drowning in her affection, the doubts never surfaced. But the moments away from her were like this sometimes.

‘She has left everything behind - her home, her people, her friends, the luxuries of her prior life, her way of life. Anything and everything she was familiar with, she has left it all behind. All for me. Sometimes, that’s a heavy burden to carry. And most times, I don’t feel like I am worth it.’

His voice became small and distant again. Sita clasped his hand tighter and made him look at herself.

‘Bheem - let her be the judge of that, please. When she tells you there is nothing in this world she wants other than you, she means it. Trust her on this. When I can see it written loud and clear in her eyes, so can you. And I know you do so see it, but for some reason, you are not letting yourself accept it.’

Sita could see she was getting through to him, so she continued.

‘I understand why you feel responsible for her. It’s sweet that you are so protective. But you both need to communicate better and listen to each other. Don’t just act based on your own assumptions. And that goes for her also. She is very mature in a few things, wise beyond her years, but is quite naive in some other aspects. Just like you. You both are two silly people - silly in love, made for each other.’

There it was, his pearly laugh, mixed with the twinkle in his eyes. 

‘Thank you. For being there for her. For being her friend. It has meant a lot to her; I can see that. There are things that she may not discuss with me yet, but I am glad she has you for those.’

Sita was overwhelmed by this sudden burst of emotion from him.

‘I am grateful for meeting her, too; I treasure every second of being with her. I can see why you love her so much. And Bheem - thank you for making my friend the happiest girl in the world. That’s what she feels when she is with you.’

In the limited time Bheem and Sita had spent together, they had felt a special bond - of kindness, compassion, and empathy. Sita had been able to say the right thing at the right time in the right way to him, just as he needed to hear it.

‘So, are you planning to give her the flowers or what?’

Bheem took out his other hand from behind himself. He had brought her a collection of roses this time, which took some effort. 

‘I will just leave them at the door, don’t want to disturb her while she is resting.’

‘You liar - you are too scared to knock on that door and risk annoying her.’

Bheem looked sheepish, but he neither confirmed nor denied that.

‘Wait till you see her reproachful face and admonishing eyes. Then we will talk.’

Sita burst out laughing, almost making him conscious. This man - who hadn’t hesitated for a second to storm the British barracks alone - was scared of angering a petite woman. It was as comical as it was endearing. Sita laughed all the way back to her hut. And Bheem somehow made it to the training again.

Ram had noticed that Bheem had arrived late, which had never happened before, but he didn’t say anything. He also didn’t miss how Bheem kept disappearing in the middle. He hadn’t even shown up for their morning walk today, which was a first, too. He kept his thoughts to himself for a bit and focused on the task at hand.

When they were wrapping up late afternoon, and others had left already, Ram made his way to his friend, who had stoically avoided looking at him all day.

‘Where are you lost today?’

‘Lost? Not at all. I am right here. I have been right here.’ Bheem blurted out instantly, making Ram even more suspicious. Something was different about him today.

‘Look at me.’

‘What?’

‘Turn around and look at me.’

Bheem cursed inwardly and slowly turned around, trying to appear calm, but his eyes betrayed him, as always.

As Ram started to put two and two together, Bheem could see a devilish grin building on his face. But before he could get a word out, they heard Malli coming towards the clearing.

‘Annna - where are you?’

‘We are here.’ Bheem waved to her, and the child came running towards him.

‘Anna - is Jenny akka still hurt from last night?’

Bheem felt like someone had just sucker-punched him. His face was a mixture of confusion and horror. And utter disbelief at what he had just heard. Had they been that loud? Did Malli hear something? Ram, who was standing behind Malli, was equally stunned.

‘WHA….what do you mean?’ He choked out somehow.

‘She hurt her foot last night; that’s why you carried her back, right? Is she still hurt?’

The color that had drained from Bheem’s face had returned somewhat. Ram also let out an audible sigh.

‘Yes, she did hurt her ankle, but she is fine now.’

‘Then why did she not come for our class today?’

Ram picked that moment to compound Bheem’s misery. 

‘Is that so? She didn’t take the class today? I wonder why - care to enlighten us, Bheem?’ 

Ram was standing behind Malli, the devilish grin back on his face. Bheem tried his best to not look at him.

‘She is……a little tired after the….festivities last night, nothing else. The class will be back on from tomorrow; you can see her then.’

Malli whined loudly, making her best pouting face. Ram felt she had learned that from Bheem.

‘Tomorrow? You mean she won’t play with us this evening also?’

‘No. Not today.’

‘But you just said she is fine. Why can’t I go to her right now? Why can’t I play with her?’

‘Because your Anna has played with her enough last night.’ 

Ram muttered from behind, low enough so Malli couldn’t hear, but Bheem caught it instantly and gave him a death glare. Ram was legit taken aback and shut up after that. While Malli just looked at the two men in confusion.

‘Malli - I just told you, not today. Don’t ask so many questions. And what are you doing here anyway? I have told you a zillion times to stay close to the village.’

Bheem responded curtly, annoyance seeping into his voice, which was mostly from Ram’s antics. Malli used the full power of her whining and stomped her feet.

‘It’s not fair, Anna. Back in the haveli, Jenny akka used to spend so much time with me. Even after coming here initially, she played with me all the time. But in the last week, I have barely seen her. She is always away, always with YOU. Why? She was my friend first.’

Ram looked ready to burst into a laugh, barely managing to contain himself. But he didn’t make a sound, not wanting to invite Bheem’s wrath again. 

Bheem was befuddled. It was true that he had claimed most of Jenny’s time lately, especially since they had both confessed their feelings to each other. But he had never considered that Malli would feel this way. While Bheem was thinking of a response, Malli doubled down.

‘Amma doesn’t even allow me to go to your hut, at any time of the day. When I ask her why, she just says that children shouldn’t ask so many questions. What kind of an answer is that? How is any of this fair?’

Bheem bent to his knees in front of her, bringing his hands to her shoulders.

‘Malli, I am sorry. I didn’t realise you felt this way. Your Jenny akka is your friend first - it is true and I will tell her how you feel. I promise she will spend more time with you from now on.’

Malli smiled widely and jumped into his arms. Bheem picked her up and started walking back to the village, leaving Ram to bring back all the training equipment; that should serve him well.

‘Anna - can I come to your hut from now on? Jenny akka tells the most amazing bedtime stories - of faraway lands and princesses. She used to tell them to me in the haveli, to get me to sleep. I miss those stories.’

Bheem had no intention of compromising their privacy during the nights, so he thought of a round about way.

‘How about she comes to your hut on some nights and tells you a couple of stories? And comes back afterwards?’

‘That should be alright.’

Bheem was glad at having pacified her. But she wasn’t done, not yet. Malli raised her head from where it was resting on his shoulder and looked at Bheem intently.

‘Anna - you like her, don’t you?’

Bheem didn’t want to lie to her. Not on this.

‘Yes, I do.’

‘And she likes you too, right?’

‘Yes, she does.’

‘Is that why you both spend so much time together? Because you like each other?’

‘Yes. But who told you about this?’

‘No one told me. No one tells me anything. But I figured it out myself. Both of you have been happier since last week. You smile more. And you both keep looking at each other all the time; it’s so funny.’

Malli kissed his cheek, and he kissed the top of her head.

‘So, you are okay with that then? With sharing your Jenny akka’s time with me?

‘I am okay. I love you both, and I am happy that you are happy. But remember - I said sharing, not taking up all her time.’

Bheem burst into a big laugh.

‘Yes, I heard you on that. Loud and clear.’

They chatted about many other things, mostly random, on their way back. Bheem was glad to hear her laughter, something she had only started doing recently. She had started drawing again too. Listening to her excited gibberish, Bheem was hopeful that someday, she would be able to get past the trauma of her capture and be their little nightingale again.

..................................................

A/N: Massive thanks to @carminavulcana for sharing the Gond customs. A loose interpretation of that has been used in this chapter.

As always, would love to hear your thoughts on the chapter :)

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