Chapter 18: Married To A Princess
Back at Bhalla house, Toshi ji asked Simmi to join Ishita for her shopping trip. It will be difficult for Ishita to handle shopping bags along with Ruhi. She happily agreed. Ishita woke up Ruhi and got her ready. The trio had breakfast together. Around 12.30, Ishita called a cab and all three left for the mall. The three ladies begun their shopping spree. They had a lot of fun for a while specially the little one! Ishita did some shopping for Ruhi and Simmi. She also bought a lot of gifts for her Paatti, Appa, Monica, Mihika, Vandita, Bala and Shravan. Spent almost 2.5 lakhs on their gifts alone.
The very same moment Monica's phone beeped in Iyer Mansion. She got a SMS alert stating Ishita's transaction amount for the day.
A disgusting smile played across her lips. Her eyes were full of hate.
Back in the mall, Simmi got a call from a friend who wanted to meet her immediately.
Simmi- Bhabhi, meri ek friend ko urgently help chahiye, I gotta go. Aap ghar jane se pehle Raman bhai ko bula lena. Aapke Pass bohot sare shopping bags ho gaye hain.
Bhabhi, one of my friend urgently needs my help. I gotta go. You please call Raman bhai before heading home. You surely need help with those many shopping bags.
Ishita- Its ok Simmi. Raman office ke kaam main busy honge. Unhe kya disturb karna. You don't worry about me. Main manage kar loongi.
Raman must be busy in office. I don't want to disturb him. You don't worry . I will manage.
Simmi tried to persuade her but she didn't buzz. So she decided to call Raman herself. She took her leave and left the mall. She called Raman from her cab.
Simmi- Bhai, Ishita Bhabhi aur main Ruhi ke saath shopping ke liye aaye thhe. But mujhe abhi kahin jana padega urgently. Aap aakar Bhabhi ko pick kar lo. Unke paas bohot sare shopping bags hain aur Ruhi bhi. Aur Bhabhi ko mat batana ki aap aa rahe ho warna wo aapko aane nahi dengi. Unhe lagta hai ki aapko bulane se aapka time waste ho jayega. Chalo, abhi main jati hoon. Aap time se aa jana. We were almost done with shopping and next we planned to go to food court. So you will find her there. And remember, she is wearing a Royal blue Saree.
Bhai, I , Ruhi and Ishita Bhabhi came for shopping. Now I need to leave urgently. You please come and pick her up. She got lots of shopping bags. And don't tell her that you are coming. She thinks you will waste your time if you come to pick her up.
Raman assured Simmi that he will arrange to pick them up.
Simmi's words echoed in his mind..."remember, she is wearing a Royal blue Saree."
"I don't think I"ll ever forget that Royal blue Saree . Its now permanently etched in my memory." He told himself quietly and smiled. Ishita's wet hair image from the morning flashed in front of his eyes.
He was intrigued to learn that Ishita didn't want him to come.
"Lagta hai Madrasan pe meri baaton ko asar ho raha hai." He thought.
Looks like Madrasan is taking my words seriously.
He recalled what he told her this morning, "This marriage means nothing to me."
"Now if I go to pick her up, she will think I care about her. And I don't want to give her false hopes! I will not go. I will send Mihir or Romi." He made up his mind.
First he called Mihir. But Mihir was not available. He tried calling him few times but couldn't find him.
He then called Romi. Romi told him that he is at his friend's farm house. And he has been drinking. So it will be few hours before he sober up!
Raman was very irritated to find out about Romi's whereabouts. Romi has been hanging out with some spoilt rich boys and he was worried he might hurt his studies. Romi was otherwise a brilliant student and Raman loved his siblings like his kids. He would do everything in his power to secure their future.
Finally after trying Mihir 5 more times, he gave up and called his assistant. Asked her to cancel all his meetings after 4. He had no choice but to go himself.
He reached the mall around 5 PM. The mall was jam packed with people.
He thought of giving Ruhi a surprise. The food court was on the the third floor. As he reached near the food court, he noticed them sitting on one of the tables in the center of the sitting area.
Raman stood at a distance from them, near one of the pillars in way so that they cannot see him.
Ishita ordered Ruhi's favorite Broccoli cheddar soup. She first sanitized her own hands and then Ru's hands. The soup was steaming hot and Ruhi was getting impatient to eat. Ishita lifted the filled soup-spoon to her mouth and blew on the soup the spoon was carrying. She then carried the spoon to her lips and touched it to make sure it is completely cooled down. After she made sure its ready for Ruhi, she fed her. She was repeating this little ritual of hers every single time she fed Ru. Raman was pleased to see Ishita's love for Ruhi. He couldn't help admiring how carefully she was ensuring that Ru enjoys her meal. He crossed his hands in front of his chest and let out a sigh.
Around that time, a group of people dressed as cartoon characters arrived in the play area which was adjacent to the food court. They were dressed as Mickey, Minnie, Daisy and Goofy. Ruhi was super excited to see them. She held Ishita's hand and pulled her in their direction. Ishita took her hand in hers, picked the shopping bags in the other hand and walked towards the Play area. She kept all the bags in a corner and took Ruhi to meet her favorite cartoon characters.
The characters were dancing, jumping and playing with kids. There were a lot of kids around. So Ishita didn't leave Ru's side even for a second. She also joined her.
Raman who was secretly following the duo watched Ishita and Ruhi jumping and dancing and making funny faces. Ishita was also having a lot of fun playing with Ruhi.
It was difficult to tell who was looking more childish! Ishita or Ruhi! Although both of them looked equally cute together. He quietly clicked a photo of the duo.
Raman blissfully enjoyed watching his little girl having fun. Often he used to glance at Ishita also who was totally engrossed in Ruhi. No one could tell that she was not Ruhi's real mother and that the duo had been living together for just a week. It appeared as if they have know each other forever.
After the fun time with Minnie and Daisy, Ru pointed at the ice cream vendor standing near the play area. Ishita bought one vanilla cone for Ruhi and gave it to her. She took out the tissues and wiped Ru's hands and mouth every time ice cream dripped on her. Ru wanted to share the ice cream with Ishita. She licked it once and then passed it on to Ishita. Ishita happily obliged and licked it with the tip of her tongue and let Ru have it again. After the Ice cream fun was done, Ru wanted to buy Mickey Minnie balloons. Ishita bought 2 big balloons for her. Ru was super happy. She kissed her umpteenth time wherever she could... forehead, cheeks, nose.
Raman was surprised at her level of patience. She was fulfilling all the demands of little Ru to make her happy.
He remembered how Shagun used to get bored of Adi just after spending 5 minutes with him in play area. She used to excuse herself and ask Raman to continue playing with him while she gets busy over phone.
He doesn't even recall one single time when Shagun took Adi to any park or mall all by herself.
Thought of his son moistened his eyes. He didn't even know how he looked like now. He hasn't seen him in 2 years.
He wiped the lone tear that pooled in the corner of his eyes and shifted his focus back to his sweetheart- his daughter.
After this long fun filled day, Ru was now starting to feel tired. Ishita sensed that and pulled her close to her.
Ishita- Ru beta, ab ghar chalen. Aap thak gaye na.
Ru beta, shall we go home now? You look tired.
Ru nodded in yes. She then asked her to pick her up.
Ishita smiled and picked her up. She wrapped her arms around her and interlocked her long lithe fingers. Ru rested her head on her shoulder. She was about to sleep.
Ishita then walked towards the shopping bags and tried to bend her knees in an attempt to pick them up.
It was difficult for her to pick up the bags as she was carrying sleeping Ru and was very careful not to jolt her even a little. Her tote was also slipping off her shoulder. Next she tried to support Ru's weight with one hand and pick the bags with other.
Raman who was watching her from a distance, smiled at her futile efforts and walked towards her. He stood beside her and extended his hand to pick up the bags.
Ishita noticed a hand beside her and glanced sideways. Seeing Raman surprised her a little as she didn't really expect him.
Although she was very happy to see him, remembering his words from this morning, she controlled her lips from curling into a smile. But the unmistakable sparkle in her eyes upon seeing him gave her away. He smiled as he looked into her eyes.
Ishita- Aap? Yahan?
You? Here?
Raman- Nahi. Tum sapna dekh rahi ho!
Nope! You are day-dreaming.
She pouted at his sarcasm.
Ishita- Mera matlab thha, aap kyun aaye? Aap ko Simmi ne bulaya na. Ye ladki bhi na samajhti nahi hai. Aapko yun hi parehsan kiya. Main manage kar leti.
I meant, you didn't have to come. I know Simmi called you. She is silly. Bothered you unnecessarily. I can manage on my own.
Raman- Tum kitna manage kar leti woh toh dikh hi raha hai...Waise main aanewala thha nahi. Mihir ya Romi ko bhejna chahta thha. But dono gayab hain. So I had to come to check on Ruhi.
I can see how well you can manage on your own! By the way, I didn't want to come. Wanted to send Mihir or Romi. But both of them are unavailable. So I had no choice.
Ishita- You don't trust me to take care of her?
Raman- If I didn't, she wouldn't be here with you to begin with. Tumhare paas sach main dimag nahi hai na! Tum doctor kaise ban gayi? Now, if you are done with your stupid questions, can we go home?
A half smile played on her lips as she nodded.
Ishita's internal monologue: I know you didn't have to come but you came anyway. And that makes me happy anyway!
Raman picked up all the shopping in his hand and asked her to give him her hand bag too. She quietly handed over her Prada Bluette Tote to him. He signaled her to walk with him.
Upon reaching the car, he opened the front passenger door and put the bags in the trunk. Ishita eased herself into the car seat along with Ruhi. Raman came back and picked her Saree Pallu and placed it in her lap. He then fastened her seat belt securing her and Ruhi into the seat. Firmly placing her arms around her, Ishita hugged Ru and held her close. She rested her head on the leather headrest.
After getting into the driving seat Raman glanced at her.
Raman- Ab chalen?
Shall we go now?
Ishita just nodded in yes.
When they reached home, Raman opened the door for Ishita and offered to pick Ruhi . There were three flights of stairs to climb. And Ruhi was almost 3. He didn't want Ishita to take the pain of carrying a sleeping toddler all the way to the 3rd floor.
Raman- Ruhi ko mujhe de do. You get the bags from the trunk.
Let me carry Ruhi.
Ishita first hesitated.
Ishita- Utth gayi toh? I think I am comfortable carrying her.
What if she wakes up?
Raman- Janta hoon ki tum Jhansi Ki Rani ho aur sab akele kar sakti ho. But tum akeli nahi ho aur sab kuchh akele karo ye jaroori bhi nahi. Now, may I?
I know you are strong as JKR but you don't have to do it all by yourself. Sometimes you can let go and let others take care of you. You are not alone.
She passed Ruhi to him.
She was not sure whether he said so out of concern for her or it was just a simple gesture of courtesy. Though she liked it anyway.
The moment Raman reached home Ruhi woke up.
Ruhi- Papa...Aap kab aaye?
Papa, you are here?
Raman smiled and kissed her forehead.
Raman- Papa abhi aaye beta. But aap uthh kyun gaye? Aap to so rahe thhe.
Yes beta. Papa is here now. But why did you wake up?
Ruhi- Papa, sona is borringgg. I want to play with my new toys.
Ruhi got busy with Toshi Ji and the new toys.
Raman went to freshen up. Ishita tucked her Saree pallu near her waist, pulled her hair into a messy bun and went to kitchen to prepare for tonight's dinner.
After some time, Raman came to dining area and found Ishita busy cooking.
Raman's internal monologue- Ye ladki thakti nahi kya! Abhi Ruhi ke saath itni bhaag daur karke aayi hai, uske pehle itni saari shopping kari aur ab ghar aate hi kitchen main lag gayi.
Does she ever get tired? She just had a long tiring day spent in shopping and playing with Ruhi and now she is busy cooking.
He recalled how Shagun used to go straight to their bedroom after her shopping trips. She would either get busy over phone telling her mother about what all she bought or sleep in the bed right away without even taking off her sandals. He used to remove her sandals and cover her with duvet.
Ishita caught him staring at her and asked him if he needed anything. He felt awkward and foolish getting caught like this. Nodded his head in no and got busy with reading the economic times. Neelu brought him tea and some snacks.
After some time Ishita asked Ruhi to clean up and put the toys back in place. It was bed time for the little one.
She gave her a bubble bath which lasted for almost 20 mins as Ru enjoyed her bath time. Raman and others could hear Ru's giggling.
After shower and dinner, Ishita got busy reading a book to Ru as she prepared to sleep.
Raman and Toshi ji both were watching Ishita and Ruhi. Raman could see the happiness and satisfaction in his mother's eyes.
Everyone had dinner except Ishita. She wanted to take a shower before eating. Rest of the Bhalla family retired to their respective rooms.
Raman's Bedroom
After a long day, Ishita was feeling overly tired. She'd been on her feet all day and it was almost 10 pm now.
She opened her suitcase to take out her change of clothes. As she tried to stand up, she felt a bit dizzy and lost her balance. Raman saw her falling and jumped out of the bed to catch her. She extended her hand and grabbed his shirt collar for support making him lose his balance as well. He wrapped his arms around her waist as he caught her and instantly realized he was going to land on her. At the last moment, he managed to turn her around. He took the brunt of the fall so that she fell on top of him.
Dazed with her face buried in his chest, she stayed motionless for a moment trying to figure out how she had gotten there.
Raman's warm voice broke her thoughts.
Raman- Ab raat bhar aise hi rehne ka irada hai?
Are you going to stay like this all night?
For Raman, the incredible feeling of her body on top of him already stirred his senses. He tightened his arms around her as his hands ached to reverse their position. He wanted her beneath him. His primal needs surged through him with the pounding of his heart and now all he wanted was to be inside her. His heart was racing faster than his thoughts and he knew he had to do something to alleviate the sexual tension threatening to overpower him.
Raman- Mere upar se hatne ka kya logi? Jao yahan se... jaldi!
What would it take for you to get off me? Go away...quick!
Ishita who was somewhat back to her senses lifted her chin and gave him a strange look.
Ishita- Hatoongi toh tab na jab aap mujhe jane doge! Ek toh itni joron se pakad rakha hai ki hil bhi nahi sakti...aur upar se kehte ho jao yahan se! Aapke hathon aur zuban ke beech koi connection hai bhi ya nahi!
How can I get off you , if you don't let me! You have been holding me so tight that I can barely move. And on top of that, you are asking me to go away.
Is there any coordination between your hands and your mouth?
She made it all sound so innocent that he was speechless. She continued....
Ishita- Aap hamesha yahi karte ho mere saath...ek taraf pakad ke rakhte ho aur doosri taraf dant rahe hote ho ki jaati kyun nahi! Meri toh samajh se bahar hai ki aap chahte kya ho mujhse!
Ab mujhe neend aa rahi hai toh aap hi batao main kya karoon aur kaise?
You always do this to me. At one side you keep holding me and on other side you ask me to leave. I don't know what you want from me?
Now I am feeling very sleepy. So will you please let me know what am I supposed to do and how?
Her sheer cuteness almost stole his heart. He couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction.
He knew she was blabbering without thinking. Keeping hold of her waist, he flipped her underneath him in one quick motion. He smiled looking at her affectionately.
Raman-Tumhe pata bhi nahi ki tum kya bakwaas kar rahi ho! Subah se shayad kuch khaya nahi aur din bhar itna kaam kiya. Ishliye dimag aur pair dono nahi chal rahe. Ab tum kuchh mat karo. Bas yahin ruko. Main abhi aaya. Aur khabardar, sona mat.
You have no idea what you are talking about! I think you are tired and hungry. That's why neither your brain nor your legs are working. Now you don't do anything. Stay put. I will be back in a jiffy. Don't you dare sleep now!
He pulled himself away from her and went to the kitchen. Ishita pulled herself up into a sitting position. She remained seated on the floor trying hard to prevent a fall-asleep crash.
Raman came back with her dinner plate. He too sat beside her on the floor. Gave her the plate and signaled her to eat.
She stared at him in astonishment. She surely looked happy seeing his care and concern.
Raman- Madrasan, jayda khush mat ho! Tumahre liye nahi, apne liye kiya hai. Itni raat ko agar tumhe kuch ho jaye toh neend toh meri hi kharab hogi na, tumhe hospital le jane main.
Madrasan, Don't get any ideas. I didn't do this for you. I did this for myself. If anything happens to you tonight, I will lose my precious sleep as I will have to take you to a hospital.
And before she could utter anything, he quickly got up and crawled into his bed.
She just smiled and didn't say anything. There was something new she learned today. Being snuggled against his chest with his arms around her was her favorite place in the world now.
After finishing her food, she didn't feel like taking shower. She snuggled into the couch ,closed her eyes and fell asleep thinking about him.
Raman glanced at her once to make sure she is asleep before drifting off to sleep.
Next Day Evening
Everyone at Bhalla's house were were getting ready to go to Iyer's place.
Raman came around 5.30 pm and called his mother to bring everyone downstairs so that they can go straight to Iyer's.
When they reached their destination, everyone's eyes in the Bhalla family except Ishita widened with surprise by the impressive grand entrance to the magnificent Iyer Mansion located in one of the most posh area of Delhi.
The mansion was surrounded by gorgeous green lawn which welcomes you when you step in.
There were security men spread everywhere ready to draw weapon at the first sign of trouble.
An impressive fleet of cars were lined up on one side including multiple Porsche's, a Ferrari, 3 Mercedes and 2 Range Rovers.
They were greeted by Mr. Iyer, Paatti and Mihika who were standing at the entrance along with an army of servants. Ishita hugged her Appa, Paatti and her sister. They escorted the Bhalla family inside the Mansion. The view inside was opulent. Bhalla family was amazed to see the grandeur of the Mansion.
The Iyer mansion was initially built in Georgian and Italian style. Magnificent white pillars giving royal vibes. Later it was renovated and remodeled into a Modern era mansion. It was majestic.
It is spread over more than 27,000 square feet. It is so big that at least 200 people can reside inside it at any time.
Its architecture was jaw-dropping. There was a decorative temple at the entrance . There were two giant living rooms which are connected internally with an elevator. The living rooms boasted of magnificent antiques, chandeliers, art work of some of the greatest painters and many rare valuables.
The second wing was magical! This part of the building harbors everything one can imagine. From the private swimming pool, boxing ring, a table tennis table area, spree of offices for office work and meetings, and a kitchen which can make even the best chefs in the world drool.
There were separate rooms which were turned into a kids playroom , a private bar, a library, and an entertainment center. There were several bedrooms on the second floor.
Raman was stunned looking at the magnificent and luxurious Mansion which felt like living like Royalty.
"I am married to a Princess! " He told himself quietly.
Simmi was excited to take a tour of the house and Mihika happily offered her services. After few minutes, Vandita and Bala also arrived with their son Shravan.
Ishita hugged her sisters tightly. Bala greeted everyone and shake hands with Raman.
They all walked into the main hall area.
Viswa was very pleased to see Raman. After formal handshake he took him inside with utmost respect and began talking to him about his work and future plans.
After talking with Raman for few minutes, Viswa now attended Bhalla Ji.
Toshi Ji sat close to Raman and started talking to him in a very low voice.
Toshi ji- Raman, dekha tune. Ek aurat doosri aurat se kitni alag ho sakti hai. Ek wo Shagun thhi jo aise hi kisi aisho-aaram ke liye tujhe chor ke chali gayai. Aur ek yeh Ishita hai jo ye saara aisho-aaram chor ke tere paas tere chote se ghar main rehne ke liye chali aayi. Ushne apni marzi se tujhse shaadi ki! Tere bare main aur hamare ghar ke bare main maine ushe sab sach sach bata diya thha. Par shayad meri bahu ko in baaton se koi farak nai padta.
Raman, did you notice? Not all women are the same. There is that Shagun who left you for luxury. And then there is Ishita who left all the luxuries to be with you. She willingly married you. She was well aware of your past and your status but I guess these things do not matter to her.
Shayad tum dono ki jodi bhagwan ne hi banayi hai. Tumhare naam bhi kitne milte hain.
You two are truly a match made in heaven. Your names are divine too.
Raman aur Ishita jaise Ram aur Sita.
Puttar woh mahlon ki rehne wali hai lekin hamare ghar ke bare main aaj tak kabhi koi shikayat nahi ki! Wo Shagun ke nakhre yaad hain! Shaadi se pehle toh ek 2 bedroom flat main rehti thhi lekin khwab mahlon ke dekhti thhi! Roz ghar main kalesh karti thhi ki ghar main ye nahi hai, wo nahi hai!
This girl has lived all her life in mansions but she never complains about our small house. And that Shagun who came from a small house always used to complain about almost everything.
Aur ek meri Ishita hai jisne shaadi se pehle shayad kabhi koi kaam na kiya ho lekin hamare ghar main khusi khusi sabka khayal rakthi hai . Maine uske chere pe kabhi koi shikan nahi dekhi.
My Ishita never worked in her parents house but in her in-laws house, she looks after the entire household. I never saw her being sad about it.
Woh tera bhi bohot khayal rakhti hai. Tu bhi uska khayal rakha kar. Uspe jayda gussa na kiya kar. Abhi umar hi kya hui hai ushki. Hamari Simmi se bhi 2 mahine choti hi hai. Galti kare toh maaf kar diya kar. Main toh bas Mata-Rani se roz yahi prathna karti hoon ki wo tum dono ki jodi hamesha banaye rakhe!
She takes such good care of you. You also take care of her. Don't get angry with her. She is still very young. She is couple of months younger than Simmi also. If she makes a mistake, just ignore. I always pray that you two remain happy forever.
Raman who was already weighed down by the grand life style of Ishita was feeling more guilty now. He blamed himself for making her live a mediocre life with him. However hard he tried, he couldn't think of any reason why a princess like her will leave behind a lavish life like this and marry a man like him.
Just then Monica arrived in the hall area. She greeted everyone and gave Ishita a stern look.
*************************************************************
P.S.
"I fell in love with you
Because of the million
Tiny things
You never knew
You were doing."
Cricket
Bengali Shows
Hindi TV Shows
Book Talk
1.2k