#devang x reader

(Part IV)

This story is set in newly independent India. It started as a one-shot, but I gravely underestimated my interest in Devang's cuteness, and it became a 3-part mini-series, and now it's a 4-part miniseries. So this is the last part.

All the pictures of Udaybir as Devang Chaturvedi are from this post of @cherryyelixir. Other pics from Pinterest.

Constructive criticism appreciated. This is not beta read, so if you guys find some typos/ errors, please feel free to correct me.

Warnings: Slow burn, crush at first sight, mutual pining, fluff, idiots in love, Devang being a literal cutie, flirting, secret romance.

Happy reading....

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(Part I) , (Part II), (Part III)

PART IV

“Kya bol rahi thi? Aj kal main thak jata hu aur dheere-dheere bhag raha hu. Dikhata hu tumhe, ruko.” (What were you saying? Nowadays I am tired and run quite slowly. Let me show you, wait), Devang tackled her, holding her against the banyan tree, tickling her.

“Sorry, sorry. Maaf kardo na. Nahi bolungi, ab nahi bolungi” (Sorry, sorry. Please forgive me. I will not say this now), she said, drawing deep breaths, laughing, her eyes almost tearing due his tickles.

“Bolo, Devang Chaturvedi is the best hockey player.”

“Devang Chaturvedi is the best hockey player”

“Bolo, I love you”

“I, I… love…”, she ran away, finally freeing herself from her grip. “Nahi bolungi” (I will not say), her giggles escaping like the most beautiful music in the world. Devang chased her and caught her too soon. They moved near each other, foreheads touching as they smiled at each other. Their hearts full of love and happiness.

Since they had been in this secret relationship, her teasing towards him had increased, and he liked it. He did take the revenge when they were alone. This place, under the banyan tree, beside the lake, was their safe place. They could be free, with each other, express themselves, and laugh openly. Here, she saw a version of Devang that was beyond what the world saw. He was sweet, loving, teasing, and so clingy. He would never leave her without hugging her, confessing his love again and again, and then asking her to say it. She loved making him suffer a little, but in the end, she always said those words. She loved him with all her heart; she had never been happier, calmer. It is not like she was not loved or cared for. She had a loving family, she had always been happy with her life, occasional issues were there, but being with Devang made her feel lighter, softer. It made her realise that it was exactly this that was missing. It was the love that made you breathe lighter, your heart calmer, and you happier. She had heard how women had to compromise for love, accept things. Devang had made her feel liberated; it was as if she was learning new things about herself. She was growing in love. She was positively glowing, and even Beena didi had noticed the glow. And for Devang, he felt lighter than before. The stress from the game, the useless fights, all went away with the time he spent with her. He believed he was blessed. There was this presence of companionship, trust, and affection.

She wrapped her arms around him and asked, “Tum kab nikal rahe ho?” (When are you leaving?)

“10 dino mein” (in ten days)

“Achaa.” (Okayy)

“Meri yaad ayegi?” (Will you miss me?)

“Nahi bilkul nahi agyegi. Main to idhar akele hi kulfi khaungi, koi mera wala chenega nahi” (Not at all. I will have all my kulfi alone and no one will take my one), yet she held on to him tighter in her arms, placing her face on his chest, which was a clear contrast to what she said.

“Acha, phir thik hain, main bhi England mein settle hojaunga. English lady, kaisi rahengi?” (Okay, fine then. I will also settle in London. How with an English lady?)

“Mujhe baat hi nahi karni aapse” (I will not even talk to you)

“Aree phir se gussa. Tum chidaho to thik, main karu to galat.” (Oh, you are angry again. If you tease me, it's fine; if I do, it's correct.)

“Nahi, ye aap dusri ladki ka baat karege to main chali jaungi abhi” (No, if you talk about other women, I will go away)

“Sorry. Aj ke baad kabhi nahi bolunga. Waise bhi tumse zaada pyaar main kisise kar sakta hu kya?” (Sorry. I promise that I will never say this again. Anyways, will I ever be able to love anyone as much as I love you?)

“Thikhain” (Okay), she smiled as she received a sweet forehead kiss from him.

There was a sound of soft footsteps. Devang looked behind the tree. Oh no, Raghubir was there.

Raghubir had been determined to find out where his friend was vanishing every evening. Thus, as he saw Devang missing, he planned to investigate. He had seen her come this side a few days back, so this was his search location.

“Raghubir…”

“Aap us prince ka naam bhi maat lo. Pata nahi kya samajhta hain khudko” (Do not take the name of that prince. I do not understand what he thinks about himself.)

“Aree Raghubir, peeche” (No, Raghubir, behind you.)

“Kya?” She looked behind the tree,” Ab kya kare?” (What? What do we do now?)

“Pata nahi. Kya karu?” (I don't know. What do I do?)

“Aap baithe raho. Aree, kuch idea do.” (You stay seated. At least think of an idea.)

“Kya idea du? Mujhe kuch samajh nahi araha." (What idea do I give you? I cannot understand what to do.) She suddenly stood up and moved towards the banyan tree. "Aree ye kya kar rahi ho” (Aree, what are you doing?)

“Peer pe chad rahi hu. Dikh nahi raha>” (I am trying to climb the tree. Can't you see?) Devang's heart was beating quicker; she was climbing a banyan tree. What in the world was going on?

“Per peer kyu chad rahi ho? Tumhe peer pe chadna ata hain? Aree dekhke saree samhal ke.” (But why are you climbing the tree? You know how to climb a tree? Be careful you are in a saree)

“Dikh to raha hain apko, ab chup hojaiye” (You can see that, now be quiet)

Raghubir arrived to see Devang a little shaky. He had just witnessed her climb a tree in a saree. He was confused and impressed.

“Yaha par kya kar rahe ho, Devang?” (What are you doing here, Devang?)

“Hain? Main? Woh main hawa khane aya tha.” (Yes? Me? I had just come to have some fresh air)

“Akele? Koi hain tumhare sath?” (Alone? Is someone there with you?) Raghubir looked around. He was convinced there must be a woman, or worse, the sister-in-law of Tapan. She got to his nerves.

“Yaha shanti ke liye ata hu to akele hi hounga na. Tumlogo ko to bas ladhai karna hota hain” (I come here for some peace, so I will obviously be alone. You all just have to fight.)

“Achaa. To chalo wapas chalte hain” (Okay. Come let's go back). Raghubir came up to hold Devang's shoulder and take him along. There was that smell again, soft sandalwood and floral. It was surely a woman's perfume.

"Tum jao main ata hu. Let the sun set" (You go, I will come a little later. Let the sun set)

"Thik hain". Raghubir left, but he was more determined to find the real incident. Devang let out a sigh of relief. While she was having the aerial view of him leaving.

“Neech ajao” (Come down)

“Rukiye. Usse jane dijiye phele” (Wait. Let him go away first)

“Are gir jaogi. Chot lag jayegi” (Aree, you will fall down. You might get hurt)

“Are kuch nahi hoga. Bachpan se chada hain. Maa ki pitai se bachne ke liye ped pe chad jati thi” (Nothing will happen. I have climbed trees since childhood. I save myself from my mother's beating, I would climb up trees)

[This is based on real incidents. My mother would climb trees and walls to save herself from getting beaten up by my grandfather. According to my maternal family, she was the naughtiest child who would continuously climb trees and steal whatever fruit she found. The same goes for my father. Both of them have fallen from multiple trees, though in different geographical locations. Match made in heaven indeed.]

“Dheere. Ye hath pakdo.” (Slowly, here hold my hand) Devang held out his palm. As she set her foot on the ground, he checked her carefully “Chot nahi ai na. Thik ho?” (You have not got hurt, right? You are okay?)

“Bilkul thik hu. Us prince ko na ekdin main pani mein dhakka de dungi” (I am completely fine. One day I will push that prince in water)

“Aree gussa nahi karte na. Idhar ao” (Aww, don't be angry. Come here), he pulled her closer, moved the silky locks of hair from her face and rubbed his knuckles on her soft cheeks.

“Phir bolo London se kya leke aau?” (So, what do I bring from London for you?)

“Bas aap ajana” (Just come back), she hugged him tight.

The day had come, the team was announced, and to her utter happiness, Devang was made the captain. He absolutely deserved it. He was the perfect captain the team could have. They would be leaving the next day. Since last week, they had not been really able to spend time together properly. The days had been too hectic, and he was leaving the next day. She was so happy, yet there was a pain in her chest. The pain of lover’s separation, Viraha.

The party had ended in chaos. She was tired. The worst was that she did not get time to talk to Devang alone, and he would be leaving the next day. It was almost 8 pm when she got the chit. ‘Meet me at our usual spot at 9. -DC’ She wrapped a shawl around her embroidered saree from the party and took a lantern.

She moved as quietly as possible. There was no one to be seen. She was slightly wary of her surroundings. Suddenly, someone held her from behind.

“Ahhhh”

“Daar gai” (Did you get scared), it was Devang's voice.

“Ye ekdam acha nahi kiya apne. Main gir jati to? Aur agar galti main maine apko lantern maar diya hota?” (This is not done. If I had fallen? Or worse, if I had hit you with the lantern?)

“Main tumher girne thori deta? Aur tumhare hath se se maut bhi hassen lageti” (Would I have let you fall? And even death by your hands would have been sweet)

“Ye marne ke baatein kar rahe hain aap. Mujhe isiliye aap bilkul pasand nahi. Ek to itni door ja rahe ho, itne dino ke liye, aur jaane se phele aisi baatein” (You are talking about dying now. This is why I do not like you. You are going away so far, what too for so many days and before you go you are saying this like this), she tried to push Devang away, but his grip was too strong on her.

“Aree idhar ao. I love you na” (Aree, come here. I love you naa), as Devang tried to nuzzle his nose on her soft cheeks as she continued to fidget in his arms, trying to create a distance.

“Jaiye, haiteye. Do not touch me” (Go away, move. Do not touch me). She was not really angry at him; it was just all pretend, but she still kept her face away from him, not wanting him to see her teary eyes.

“Come hear na” (Come here). Devang tried to hold her chin and face her towards him, a tear had left her eyes.

“No, go away”

“Devang, ye kya ho raha hain? Meri saali ke sath ye kya kar raha hai?” (Devang, what is going on? What are you doing with my sister-in-law?) They suddenly went still. It was the voice of Tapan da, but it lacked the usual warmth. It sends chills down the spine of lovers. Before they could comprehend anything, a fist connected against Devang's cheek.

“Teri itni himmat” (How dare you?)

She was scared. She jumped forward to stop Tapan da from doing anything they might regret later. It was all her fault; she could have told them before. She realised Tapan da and Beena didi had seen a part of their lover's quarrel and assumed the worst.

“Jamaibabu chere dau, o kichu kore ni” (Jamai babu, please leave him, he had done nothing), as she protectively stood in front of Devang, who now had a busted lip.

“Tapan charo oke” (Tapan leave him), Beena didi moved forward holding him back.

"Aj to tujhe dekh lunga." (I will see the end of you today)

“Tapan ji, I have done nothing wrong. I love her, I want to marry her.” And there, everyone became still.

“Marry? Aap mujhese shaadi karenge” (Marry? You will marry me?)

“To pyaar kiya hain to shaadi to kaunga na? Tumhe kya laga? Aj wahi bolne ke liye bulaya tha” (So I have loved you, I would obviously marry you. What do you think? This is why I called you here, so say this to you)

“Ye dono ek dusre se pyaar kate hain?” (They both love each other), Tapan asked Beena, confused. "Kya isiliye tum mujhe yaha ane nahi de rahi thi?" (is this why you were not letting me come on this side?)

This was completely new information for her, too. Beena didi knew this. How was this even possible? “Tumi jante didi?” (You knew didi?)

“Meri behen hain who. Chahke bhi woh mujhse chupa nahi pati. Aur Devang acha ladka hain” (She is my sister. Even if she tries, she cannot hide things from me. And Devang is a nice boy).

“Sorry, didi. Mujhe apko bolna chiye tha” (Sorry, didi. I should have told you)

“Humlog apko bolne hi wale the per humne socha Olympics ke baad” (We were going to say, but then we thought we would tell everything after the Olympics.), Devang said in support of her, holding her hand.

“Direct shaadi karke bache ke sath hume bata te. Wahi acha hota” (You should have said us directly after marriage and with your child. That would have been better). Tapan was angry.

The commodtion had brough a few players including Raghubir to come out.

“Mujhe phele hi shak tha. Per is ladkike sath. Sahi hain, tum zaada hi seedhe aur shant ho Devang. Ye samhal legi” (I had doubted this. With this girl, but maybe this is best, Devang is too good and quiet. This one will probably save him)

Seedh? Shant? Oh, she knew how sheeda and shant he was.

The commotion had ended after a proper scolding from Tapan da and Beena didi. Then a whole lot of teasing from the team. During the whole time, Devang had kept holding her hand, reminding her that she was not alone and she would never be alone.

The Olympics had ended. The team had brought in GOLD. The 1st ever Olympic gold for independent India. The captain, Devang Chaturvedi, had also brought another gold, a gold ring for his beloved. 3 months later, under the same banyan tree, which was the witness of their love, they tied the knot and became each other's forever.

---And their beautiful journey continued ...

These are the pictures of Devang after the winning moments from Gold. They deserved to be posted. I cannot believe this was Udaybir's debut. Just look at his eyes.

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Tagging my baddies: @lutt-le-gaya @nevereversaygoodbye @hamzakamehroomkurta @sanamkhanani @mainyahaankyunhoon @precioussophia @aoyamaj3711 @angelicyuna @torumii @sarcastic-ravenpuff @cvclee @miraclejin1204 @diyak11 @sunf1over @hereforfanfictionsfr @tobitoooo @cherryyelixir @saniisinsane @mrgrungusthefrog

I first saw Udaybir as Devang Chaturvedi in Gold when I was in school, and I kid you not, I found him extremely cute. There was this idea in my head for a long time after I went back to watch Gold, after seeing him in Dhurandhar, but I was unsure if anyone wanted to read about this character of his, as he was not quite popular. But seeing this post of @cherryyelixir and some really exciting messages from @saniisinsane, I decided to write this down.

This story is set in newly independent India. It started as a one-shot, but I gravely underestimated my interest in Devang's cuteness and now its a 3-part miniseries (I hope it remains 3-part)

Constructive criticism appreciated. This is not beta read, so if you guys find some typos/ errors, please feel free to correct me.

Warnings: Slow burn, crush at first sight, mutual pining, fluff, idiots in love, Devang being a literal cutie, secret romance.

Happy reading....

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PART I

No one, absolutely no one, questioned when Devang Chaturvedi was made the Captain of the Indian Hockey team for the 1948 Berlin Olympics. Apart from being a great player, he was calm, level-headed, and mature, and knew how to keep the team spirit intact. He knew when to pass the ball, he knew how to control fights, and he knew how to draw boundaries. He was the glue that was binding the team. Yet only she knew what lay behind this calm man. She knew his sarcasm, his dry humour, his anger and also his clingy nature.

It all started 6 months back, when they 1st met.

She was unsure why her Didi and Jamaibabu (brother-in-law) were fighting again. Monobeena, her sweet but fiery Didi, was on her feet as soon as Tapan Das, the manager of the Indian hockey team, her dear jamaibabu, had announced he would be training the new boys for the Indian Hockey team, again. But that was not the reason; what he had suggested was that someone else was to cook, which made Didi fume in anger. Apparently, Mr Patel, who was funding, had a condition that his wife would cook, and she was the best cook. Beena didi could take anything but not the comparison made to her cooking. Thus, it seemed Beena didi would have to fund the food. She had already pledged her jewellery too many times for his hockey, and would now have to do it again.

Their pair amused her greatly; they were adorable and chaotic at the same time. Jamaibabu and Didi were an unlikely couple; he was chaotic and stubborn, and he could do anything for hockey, and Didi, even though she would never accept it, would do anything for Tapan. He had been drunk, reckless, her father had told her to leave him, but she could not because she loved him, and also because he was a good man (if you removed his drinking habit, though). This is what she had concluded after coming to Beena didi’s place after her college exams were over, for a much-needed break from her monotonous life.

Hearing that they would be going to the monastery for training of the National hockey team, she was too excited to be honest. She had already declared that she would also be helping Didi, even though her cooking skills were not as expert as Didi's; she would surely be able to play the assistant to her. Monobeena muttered something like, how she would go crazy with a husband like Tapan and then, to add to the chaos, she had herself brought her sister. She, being the perfect sister to Monobeena, had replied that she was a saint; it was her influence that was making her so stubborn and fiery. As a younger sister surely learned from her elder. Beena Didi left the room muttering, "Ami lai diye mathai tulechi ebar to bhugte hobe" (I myself have spoilt her, now I have to suffer).

She just laughed upon hearing this and started imagining the days in the monastery, watching hockey and interacting with the team. A knock at the door broke her thoughts. She looked around to see that Tapan Da and Didi had started another “heated” conversation. So, she had to move to open the door.

 As she opened the door, she came across the most beautiful pair of brown eyes she had ever seen. It seemed as if it were molten honey, glowing in the rays of the setting sun. The thick lashes curved beautifully, framing those almond eyes. She was almost jealous of them.  He was tall, broad-shouldered, and built like an athlete. His clean-shaven face showed his sharp jawline.

“Ji ye Mr. Tapan Das ka ghar hain?” (Is it Mr. Tapan Das’s place?), the man said with a soft, almost awkward crooked smile. This broke her trance. She was thinking how she must have surely creeped him out. “Ji hain, ek minute” (Yes, just a minute). As if on cue, Tapan Da came. “Aree Devang. Come in, come in. Perfectly on time, I see you have met my dear sister-in-law. And dear, this Devang Chaturvedi, one of the finest players of our team. I tell you, Devang, she was so excited to meet the team.” Devang gave her a nod as the men moved to the sitting room. Her face was red when she said she would help; she had no idea the team had such a handsome player. It would surely be quite a few months.

The next two days passed in a blur. Setting up the place for the players at the monastery was a mammoth task. She was checking the list of things in the kitchen, while Monobina and Tapan had probably gone off to set the beds for the players and check other things. Unknown to her, Devang came behind her.

“Ji thora pani milega” (Could I get some water?)

“Hain, ek minute” (Sure, Just a minute)

“Aap ko hockey pasand hain?” (Do you like hockey?)

“Mujhe zaada pata nahi hain, but I like Tapan da’s enthusiasm. This game is everything for him.” (I don't know much about the game, but I like Tapan da’s enthusiasm. This game is everything for him)

“Aap hindi kafi acha bolti hain.” (You speak Hindi quite well)

“Hain, too many Hindi-speaking friends.” (Yes, too many Hindi-speaking friends)

This was their first proper conversation. They had smiled at each other, soft and sweet. Soon the monastery was filled with the other players, and Devang got busier, but now and then he saw a glimpse of her. Helping in the kitchen, making sure the team was well fed and even sometimes checking their wounds. It would be a lie if he did not look forward to the glimpses.

Devang had found her quite beautiful when he first saw her. She was sweet, cheerful, and used sarcasm often to address the players. She was confident, observant, and upfront with her ideas. Not as sharp-tongued as her elder sister, but she had a similar twang to herself. Her character was quite a balance of sharpness and softness, with which she cared for the team, made it quite difficult for Devang to stay away or to not be attracted to her.

When she saw Devang carry Raghubir's stuff, she had noticed and taken it upon herself to make sure Raghubir had zero help in his personal tasks. She teased Raghubir, always addressing him as Mr Prince; she made sure he picked up his own plate. Thus had deepened Devang's crush on her. Every time their eyes met, she smiled, her eyes shining. They shared small conversations about simple things during the breaks. These conversations always left him wanting for more, but he could never bring himself to start a conversation. He never had an issue talking to people, but she was not just another person; she was the one who had made his heart beat faster. He did not want to make her uncomfortable.

One evening after the practice ended, he went across the monastery for a walk. Raghubir and Himmat had fought again, and he was tired of being the mediator; for once, he needed some time away from these stubborn men. He spotted a huge banyan tree near a big pond. The place seemed serene, quite peaceful to finally breathe away from the chaos of the team. As he went near it to have a seat, he saw her sitting with a yarn, crocheting something. The setting sun made illuminated a orangish golden hue, which made her sand-like complexion glow, her long hair in a loose braid, her soft cotton saree wrapped around her, fluttering softly in the wind, made her look like a nymph.

“Baith sakta hu?” (Can I sit?)

“Ji zaroor baithiye” (Yes, sure have a seat)

“Apko crocheting pasand hain?” (Do you like crocheting?)

“Nahi main to bas time pass kar rahi thi.” (No, I was just passing my time)

Devang was confused. Did he ask her the wrong question? Looking at his confused face, she quickly said, “Aree nahi mujhe pasand hain main bas Mazak kar rahi thi.” (Oh no, I was just joking)

Here was her teasing again. "Aur aap yaha kya kar rahe hain?" (And what are you doing here?)

“Bas thori shanti ki khoj” (Just a search for some peace)

“Are phir se kya kardiya Tapan da ke players ne ki khud shanti dooth ko shanti dhundna par raha hain” (Oh no, what have the players of Tapan Da done again, that the peach maker himself had to come in search of peace)

“Bas ye log bohot ladte hain. So competitive." (Its just that they fight a lot. So competitive)

“Apko ladhai pasand nahi? Ap bhi to player hain, to competitive spirit to aap mein bhi honi chahiye” (Do you not like fighting? You too are a player, so you too should have the competitive spirit)

“Bina baat ke nahi. Aur aap apko bas chidhana pasand hain kya?” (Not without a cause. And do you just like teasing?)

“Nahi, kulfi aur lambi baithein bhi pasand hain. Aur kabhi kabhi, sahi insaan ke sath, lambe walks” (No, I like kulfi, long conversations and sometimes, with the right person, long walks)

“Achaa ” (Okay)

He was happy; he finally had a deeper conversation with her. She liked kulfi; he loved kulfi. She liked long walks too; it was cute, but he had never seen her take very long walks. Maybe because she was busy cooking for so many players. He was going to say something, but suddenly, he heard someone calling his name from afar and stood up.

“Shayad koi bula raha hain, main jata hu.” (I think someone is calling me, I have to go)

She just smiled as he left. He was so cute, it was something adorable in him not being able to understand her hint. She laughed; it would surely be a task making such a mature and calm man understand her implications. But she was up for it.

PART II

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Tagging my baddies: @lutt-le-gaya @nevereversaygoodbye @hamzakamehroomkurta @sanamkhanani @mainyahaankyunhoon @precioussophia @aoyamaj3711 @angelicyuna @torumii @sarcastic-ravenpuff @cvclee @miraclejin1204 @diyak11 @sunf1over @hereforfanfictionsfr @tobitoooo @cherryyelixir @saniisinsane

(Part II)

This story is set in newly independent India. It started as a one-shot, but I gravely underestimated my interest in Devang's cuteness and now it's a 3-part miniseries (I hope it remains 3-part, which I sincerely am doubting after this part)

The pictures of Udaybir as Devang Chaturvedi are from this post of @cherryyelixir

Constructive criticism appreciated. This is not beta read, so if you guys find some typos/ errors, please feel free to correct me.

Warnings: Slow burn, crush at first sight, mutual pining, fluff, idiots in love, Devang being a literal cutie, flirting secret romance.

Happy reading....

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(Previous part)

PART II

Devang did not want to leave her alone; he wanted to keep talking to her, but the voice seemed like it was Raghubir's, and he would definitely come searching for him if he did not go to him. He absolutely did not want that to happen. Well, it was because she and Raghubir were always at crossroads. Yet, Raghubir respected her and her attitude, and it did make Devang a little insecure to be honest. Raghubir was a prince, for god’s sake. Thus, the best was keeping them at a safe distance.

The next day, Devang was practising as he saw her move with a bag that seemed to be full of flour. She looked beautiful even then; she must look so pretty on casual walks. Wait, she had said she liked long walks with the right person, did she mean what he thought she meant? Oh no, he was an idiot, he lacked brains. What was he even thinking? She placed a complete opportunity in his hands, and he left? He should be punished, but he needed to talk to her now.

He left his stick and moved to the kitchen area.

“Kuch chahiye apko Devang ji?” (Do you need something Mr Devang?), she looked at him with her big, beautiful, dark eyes and he was spellbound.

“Aap- matlab, woh ki aap-” (You- I mean, that I, you-), why was he fumbling?

“Ji? Pani chahiye apko? Gala sukh raha hain?” (Yes? Do you want some water? Is your throat dry?), she smirked as she handed him a glass of water; their hands touched, and Devang turned red at that very moment. He took the glass and finished the whole glass of water in one go.

He took a deep breath and started“Ji mujhe ye khehna tha ki--”(I just wanted to say-)

“Bon, shon na maa, ja ektu kauke niye bazar theke ei jinis gulo ene de. Ke jane kothai beriye che tor Jamai babu. Ami ar pari na lok take niye.” (Sister, listen dear, you take someone along and go to the market and bring me a few things. I have no idea where your brother-in-law went. I don't know what to do with this man.)Monobeena had entered, talking in Bengali to her sister with a list in her hand.

“Hain didi, ami ne dichi”, (Okay didi, I will go and bring it) she answered her sister. “Didi, aka to ato jinis atne parbo na, kake niye jai?” (Didi, I will not be able to bring so many things alone. Who do I take?)

Monobeena looked and saw Devang still standing, holding the glass, now empty. Devang was a sweet, innocent boy, decent, too decent. He was no threat, he was responsible too, so she could let her sister go with him. “Devang ji aap thora chale jaiye mere behen ke sath. Waise bhi saman to aalogo ke liye hi hain.” (Mr Devang, go with my sister. Anyways, the things she is bringing are mainly for you all)

He? Would he go to the market with her? What? Yes? He would definitely go. He composed himself and said, “Ji. Zaaroor Bhabhi.” (Yes, sure). Monobeena was content hearing this. She left the kitchen to do some other work.

Devang looked at her; she was smiling at him. Oh, so this was her plan. Oh, how he liked it. She was so sharp. Here, he was fumbling, and she understood even his fumbles. He shyly lowered his eyes as he scratched his neck, “Chale?” (Let's go?)

“Hain, chaliye” (Yes, let's go.)

“Aapke peche” (Behind you)

“Sath chal rahe hain, to sath hi chalete hain?” (We are going together, right, so let's go side by side)

Devang smiled. He liked this about her so much that she was straightforward and confident. While it was becoming increasingly difficult for her not to look at him and squish his cheeks. He was so adorable. Before seeing him, she never knew even a grown man could be so cute.

They move side by side to the market. She selected fresh vegetables with so much accuracy, bargained, and made sure they had the freshest ones while he held on to the bags. This was so utterly domestic, and Devang’s heart fluttered. This was far from what we would call romantic, but there was something so intimate and comfortable about this mundane task that made this experience one of a kind.

After about an hour of grocery shopping, Devang saw a small kulfi stall.

“Ye apke liye.” (This is for you) Devang handed her a kulfi.

“Kulfi? Apko yaad tha? Mujhe laga shayad maine galti se kal apko sari baathein bangla mein bol diya hoga, isiliye aap bina kuch kahe chale gaye.” (Kulfi? You remembered? I thought, I might have spoken to you in Bangla yesterday by mistake. That's why you left with out saying anything)

She was openly teasing him now. His cheeks turned red; he deserved it.  He was an idiot, “Ji yaad tha.” (I remembered)

She laughed, looking at his shyness. God, he was adorable. What would she even do to this man? Well, she could tease him more. His shy, boyish, crooked smile made her day.

As she was plotting to tease him some more, suddenly, it started raining. They had to run under the shade of a closed shop. The market quickly got empty as the people scattered to find shelter. There was a sound of thunder; she shivered a little and moved towards him. Devang moved in front of her, sheltering her from the rain. The drops of water gathered near her cheeks, her hair partially wet, stuck to her forehead. She looked like those paintings he had seen in museums. Devang, too, was partially wet.

The air around them seemed heavy. The proximity made her heart beat faster. She could even smell his cologne; her cheeks were slowly turning red. Oh, so she blushed too, Devang thought.

“Aap kafi gentleman type hain. Nice.” (You are quite the gentleman type. Nice)

“Ji, kosis karta hu.” (Well, I try.)

“Waise acha hain. Gentleman bane rahiye.” (Well, that is nice. Keep being a gentleman then), she muttered. Did she not want him to be gentlemanly? The question promptly came into Devang's mind.

Another thunder struck, and she moved closer to him, scared. He slowly moved his hand to hold hers, “Kuch nahi hoga, main hu na.” (Nothing will happen, I am right here) At this point, he was completely shielding her from the rain. His body was a shield between her and the calamities. The plans of teasing completely vanished from her mind, all melting in the close proximity of the two beating hearts, as she looked up at him with doe eyes, “Aapko daar nahi lagta?” (Do you not feel scared?)

“Lagta hain na. Per toofan se, nahi aapse.” (I do. But not from the storm but from you?)

“Mujhse? Maine kya kiya?”, (From me? What did I do?) her voice was trembling a bit. It was so unlike her.

Devang moved his hand to her soft cheeks, softly moving his knuckles against them. Her confident self slowly turning shy, “Aapki baatein, aapki ye hasi, aur aapki ye aakhein. Daar lagta hain mujhe, kahi pyaar hogaya to?” (The way you speak, the way you smile, your eyes. I am scared, what if I fall in love with you?)

“Kya apko main pasand hu?” (Do you like me?), she asked. She knew the answer, but she wanted to be sure. She wanted no confusion between them.

“Is baat ka jawab to aapko pata hain. Varna mera awaz kisike samne ladkharata thori hain? Woh to mujhe kuch baatein der se samajh aayi. Sab apki tarha samajhdar nahi hote hain na. Per hain ab apke sath waqt guzaruga to samajh jaunga. Samjhayengi na aap mujhe? Pyaar se?” (You know the answer to this. Or else, why would my voice stutter in front of you? I know, I took time to understand a few things. Well, not everyone is as sharp as you are. But now that I will spend more time with you, I will become sharper. You will make me right? With love?). He whispered near her ear, his hand still holding her.

Oh no. He was flirting. She had never considered this possibility. She was confident and happy, teasing him, the fact that Devang would come back with a retort never crossed her mind. She had not even imagined that Devang, the shy, calm man, would be so teasing. He even suggested he liked her. She had nothing to say. All the sarcasm, witty remarks, and teasing had gone down the drain (average woman for her pasandida mard). It was clear that Devang had had his fill of being teased, and now it was her turn, and it seemed he was enjoying it way too much.

The rain stopped, and they stepped out. Walking side by side, with the things in hand.

“Waise kulfi bhi khali, baatein ki Karli, aur long walk woh to chal hi raha hain. Mujhe dhalte suraj ko dekhna pasand hain. Aj shaam talab ke pass wale peir ke neeche baithke shaam hote dekhe?” (Well, we have had kulfi, had long conversations, and the long walk too is going on. I like watching sunsets. So, how about we watch the sun set over the lake, this evening?)

(Part III)

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(Part III)

This story is set in newly independent India. It started as a one-shot, but I gravely underestimated my interest in Devang's cuteness, and it became a 3-part mini-series, and now it's a 4-part miniseries. I just hope it remains 4 part.

The pictures of Udaybir as Devang Chaturvedi are from this post of @cherryyelixir

Constructive criticism appreciated. This is not beta read, so if you guys find some typos/ errors, please feel free to correct me.

Warnings: Slow burn, crush at first sight, mutual pining, fluff, idiots in love, Devang being a literal cutie, flirting, secret romance.

Happy reading....

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(Part I) , (Part II)

PART III

They had reached the monastery half wet, cheeks red. Their hearts were beating with the possibility of new love, feelings that were wrapping them like creepers on a tree. Walking side by side felt like a task as their bodies seemed to move closer with each step. It was fortunate that his hands were full of groceries, or else there would be no stopping him from holding her hand.

Monobeena saw them and ran to her, her caring nature coming out, seeing her sister wet. She rushed to wipe her long hair as Devang kept the things. Beena even told Devang to get changed and dry himself. He moved away, but his eyes never left hers. His brown eyes oozed out unspoken words of love. She wanted to do nothing but run into his arms. The way he had shielded her from the rain, held her when she felt scared, she felt safe around him. But she was also scared for his life. Monobeena didi would surely bonk his head and might also break a limb if she got to know anything about this. Tapan da would probably do the same. They were extremely protective of her, and she did not want him to be injured before the Olympics.

Devang was waiting by the lake since 4.30. It had been almost an hour, the sun was setting slowly, the sky turning into shades of orange. She had not come yet. He was nervous. Did he scare her, or make her uncomfortable? He might have moved a little too fast. He felt a faint ache in his heart at the thought of her not coming. It was a few minutes past 5.30. He almost lost hope when he heard swift footsteps. He turned to see her there.

She was taking deep breaths; it was clear she had run there. “Der to nahi ho gai na? Didi ke kaam de diya tha, isiliye…” (I am not late, right? Didi gave me some work, so...)

Her face was flushed; the strain of the run and the rising emotions were the reason. Devang felt so relieved. He held his hand out for her,

“Koi baat nahi. Baitho mere sath. Thak gai hogi.” ( No problem. Sit down, you must be tired.) The sudden transition from 'aap' to 'tum' made her a little nervous. Her heart was beating faster.

“Ji. Aap bohot der se intezaar kar rahe hain?” (Were you waiting here from a long time)

“Tumhare liye to sari Zindagi intezaar kar sakta hu” (I can wait for you my whole life)

Here it was again. He was teasing again, flirting with her, but as she looked at his eyes, taking his hand, his eyes held nothing but a promising glance. There was no trace of mischief, only an earnest promise. Was he promising her something she had never felt confident thinking about?

She sat beside him, quiet, looking at the horizon. The sun had set, but the sky still clung on to its traces, still orange, with a slight purple beginning to surround it. Devang glanced at her face.

“Aj baitein nahi karni? Kuch puchna nahi hain?” (Don't you want to talk today? Don't you want to ask anything?)

“Aapko kuch khehna hain kya?” (Do you want to ask something?)

“Mujhe laga tumhe kuch puchna hoga? Ya mujhe kuch batana hain.” (I thought you wanted to ask me something? Or did you want me to tell something)

“Dekhiya apko kuch baat nahi karni to main jati hu. Bhaag bhaag ke ao aur inko kuch khehna bhi nahi”, she muttered. (Look, you don;t have anything to talk about I am leaving. I came here running, and he does not have anything to say.)

“Aree tum to gussa hogai” (Oh, you are angry), he held her wrists to keep her seated beside him. “Tumne itna chidhaya. Mera bhi to thora hak banta hain na? Aur dekho tumhare gal kaise laal hoagaye hain” (You teased me so much. Now it is my chance. And see, how red your cheeks have turned), he commented as he placed the other palm on her soft cheeks, pulling it softly.

She was devastated. Why was she not getting a witty reply? Has her brain finally given up? It was all Devang, his stupid smile, his stupid face, his stupid hair and his stupid brown eyes. It had made her stupid. She tried to look at him with angry eyes, but it was useless; she had grown too fond of him. Maybe this is why Didi could never get herself to leave Tapan da. It was annoying how she could just sit there being teased, with no retort in her mind, yet she liked it.

Devang understood the vulnerable look in her eyes. He could not bring himself to torment her further, “Mujhe pasand ho tum. Bohot zaada. Tumhari ye baithei, mujhe chirharna. Aur ye jo pyaari akhein hain, aur ye jo tumhari pyaari ni naak hain,” his hand went to boop her nose,” aur tumhare gal hain”, as he pulled her cheeks, “aur ye jo puri ki puri tum ho”, he went on to hold her in his arms, “mujhe bohot zaada pasand ho. Pyaar hoagay hain mujhe.” (I like you a lot. The way you talk, your teasing, your pretty eyes, your cute little nose, your cheeks and you as a whole. I like you very much. I have fallen in love with you.)

Never in her lifetime had she expected such a confession. It was clear, no hidden hints, just open and clear. She started giggling and moved forward to hug him. With the dawn melting into night, the two individuals had begun a new journey, a journey of love.

This had continued for the next few months. Almost every evening, they had managed to sneak out and meet by the lake. The banyan tree was the witness to their love. She would sit sometimes holding his callused hands, sometimes reading him poems, sometimes crocheting something. Other times, he would rest his head on her lap as she softly ran her fingers through his hair. They were each other’s calm. The hectic days felt so much better with each other. They could talk endlessly about anything and everything.

They were extremely careful about the fact that they wanted to keep this a secret, at least till the Olympics. She had clearly stated the possibility of physical harm from her sister and brother-in-law, and Devang had not really taken it seriously, but he could never deny her, so he had just stayed silent. Every day, she discovered a different side of Devang; behind the sweet, calm, mature man was an equally fun, clingy and loving partner. He could say the most ridiculous things and even tease her in the worst way, but no one would ever believe her if she said that The Devang Chaturvedi had said that. He loved listening to gossip and had comments about everything that happened. She loved discovering this carefree side of him.

Raghubir had found something unusual. Devang was his closest friend in the team. He had always taken pride in many things, his sharp observation skills being one, and in the past few months, Devang had started behaving strangely. He seemed calmer than before, if that was even possible. He got so much less irritated by Himmat and his fights; moreover, almost every evening, he would vanish somewhere and come back with a soft smile on his face. Things got more suspicious when, at dinner, he had smelled a faint lady's perfume on Devang’s shirt when he sat beside him. Even when he was teased even more mercilessly by Tapan da’s sister-in-law, he seemed unbothered and looked at her with a smirk, quite unusual from his usual calm gaze. Something was happening, and Raghubir had to find out.

(Part IV)

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Tagging my baddies: @lutt-le-gaya @nevereversaygoodbye @hamzakamehroomkurta @sanamkhanani @mainyahaankyunhoon @precioussophia @aoyamaj3711 @angelicyuna @torumii @sarcastic-ravenpuff @cvclee @miraclejin1204 @diyak11 @sunf1over @hereforfanfictionsfr @tobitoooo @cherryyelixir @saniisinsane @mrgrungusthefrog

Jaskirat Singh Rangi/ Hamza Ali Mazari 1.Pehla Pyaar 2.Aakhein Uzair Baloch 1. Lover Boy 2. Dilwale Dulhaniya Uthake le ayenge 3. Taskeen 4. Kheer aur Kissi (DDULA)

Devang Chaturvedi (Gold, 2018) 1. Chupke Chupke (complete)-- Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV