Originally posted by: BloomingAway
Thank you everyone for the love and support. Sorry I couldn’t update by Thursday. The U.K. weather as usual took its toll on me. I’m going to be honest, I’m not a big fan of this chapter. I keep feeling as though something is missing. The writers block is starting to kick now, so I thought it would be best to just give the update rather than leave you all hanging. Happy reading! 💜
Chapter 3
Everything felt new. Everything had changed between them since last night. Gungun raised her eyes to glance at herself in the mirror. She didn’t look like herself today. Today she wanted to dress up for him, his family, the people she was going to call her own. She didn’t like wearing anarkalis, she found them to be quite irritating to wear, but for the love and respect they had cherished her with, she decided on wearing one.
Whilst placing her hands down from adorning herself with her jewellery, she couldn’t help, but wish that today, he would say a few words to her. She had indirectly been asking for one all this while, but today, as she was getting ready for him, she especially wanted to receive that warmth. Her relationship with her so-called boyfriend was over. And now removing their previous encounters, she wanted to keep a few expectations from him. She wanted this relationship to grow. That is what they had decided on last night, so now she hoped, he would start to like her for the way she is.
“Gungun! Tayyar hogaye ho?” Garima’s voice broke Gungun’s trance of thought. She had to get back to reality now. She didn’t know if the moment between them last night meant anything to him, but for her she’d be forever grateful that he had come to check up on her and stayed till she was over her agony. So, as a gift she wanted to plan something special for him. She knew he wasn’t used to these crazy, extravagant, useless parties which he would describe them as, so she didn’t know what to do for him. She knew he worked hard on becoming the person that he is and was proud of it. Back then, when he had received his award, she wasn’t interested in him and was annoyed at his very sight. But now, as she’d tried to work on herself for their relationship, she wanted to celebrate it for him. The award was what had brought him happiness, a reward for his own hard work.
“Gungun! Kab se main tujhe awaz de rahe hoon!” Tyaar hogaye?” Garima called out to her again as she entered Gungun’s room.
“Han. Main tyaar hogaye. Dekhlo take aap aur Papa ko koi kami na dekhaye de.” Gungun teased her. She knew they were expecting her to be in a short dress, such as the time when they attended Khushi’s wedding.
“Arre mere bacchi dekho kitne pyaari lag rahe hai. Nazar na lage mere gudiya ko.” Garima’s happiness glowed on her face. Maybe her Gungun was finally coming to an understanding of how she was meant to be at certain events. “Bhaiyya dekhenge toh itna khush hoge. Anubhav jaisa kehta hai na, Papa Ki Pari, aaj tum lag bhi Pari jaise ho.”
Gungun smiled at the slight mention of Anubhav’s name. It had brought her back to her wish, her wish for him to compliment her. But first, she wanted to do something for him, but didn’t know what, so trusting her Bua, she asked for some advice.
“Bua. Mujhe kuch kehna hai. Well kehna nai advice chahiye.” Gungun didn’t know how to bring this up. No one knew of their new found understanding and she didn’t think he’d appreciate her telecasting it to everyone.
“Han mere bache, Kya huwa?”
“Main Anubhav keliye kuch karna chathe hoon.” Confusion was clear on Garima’s face. She didn’t know how to react to the very words that had come out of her niece’s mouth.
“Gungun! Abhi bhi tujhe mazaq soj raha hai. Tumhare sagai hai thodi der mein aur tum bechare ko prank kar ke usse tang karna chathe ho.”
“Nai Bua. Woh, main, erm…”
“Kya woh, main laga rakha hai. Kabhi toh samajdhare se kam karliye kar.”
“Bua. Main kuch kehne jaa rahe ho. Mujhe pata hai aapko shock lage ga, but please aap kisi ko kehna mat. Warna woh naraz hojayega.”
“Kon naraz hoga? Kya huwa hai?”
“Bua mere baat deyhan se suna. Maine aur Anubhav ne decide karliya hai ke hum ek dusre ko ek mauka denge ek dusre ko jaane keliye. Kal aapko pata hai mera kya haal hogaye tha aur woh aya mere liye isiliye main uske liye kuch karna chathe hoon. But please, mujhe pata hai ke aap curious ho ke humne yeh kaise decide karliya par agar aapko main bata doon toh Anubhav mujhse naraz hojayenge. Usko apne baaton sab ko kehne ke adat nai hai na isiliye. Maine aapko itna bata diya woh bhi bohat hai. Ab aap mere help kariye.” Gungun didn’t even think if she made any sense, but babbled away as much as she could.
Garima was astonished. She didn’t know how to comprehend all the information Gungun had just given, considering the pair had been at loggerheads just a day before. “Yeh chamatkar kaise hogaya?!”
“Bua, mujhe pata tha aap sawal bohat karenge. Seedha seedha mere help karo na.” Gungun whined.
“Teek hai. Main nai poochte, but I’m proud of you. Acha batao kya help chahiye?”
“Woh aapko pata hai na ke jab Anubhav ko award mila tha tab mujhe koi parwa nai the. Par Anubhav, usko apne life ka sabse bade achievement samajte haina isiliye kal mujhse milne keliye, mera saath dene keliye, main usse thank you bolna chathe hoon. But main sirf bolna nai balki kuch karna bhi chathe hoon. Mujhe pata hai woh apne ko lekar kitna proud hai toh usse celebrate karna chathe hoon par kaise mujhe nai pata.”
Garima couldn’t believe here ears. Her niece was changing and for the better. She knew she had always cared for others, but didn’t have a habit of showing it for others. She knew this change would ultimately lead to the betterment of their relationship, but they were new in trying to make this work. For their relationship to work they had to communicate more often, Gungun’s idea wasn’t bad, but needed the push to take it to the next step. “Mere paas ek idea hai. Par ek problem hai.”
“Kya idea hai? Aur Kya plan hai? Mujhe bhi kuch batao.”
“Toh teek hai mere baat gor se sun na. Tum Anubhav ke achievement celebrate karna chathe ho yeh ache baat hai par usse shor pasand nai hai toh tum duno date par chal jao. Iss bahane tum ek dusre se baat kar sakte ho, apne understanding develop kar sakte ho, ek dusre ke pasand na pasand ko jaan sakte ho. Problem yeh hai ke tum usse date par bulaongi kaise?”
“Date?!” What Garima had said made sense, they needed to communicate better, but the wedding was around the corner, how was she meant to find some time to spend with him? More importantly, how was she to convince him to come? “Bua. Mere paas ek idea hai par kya aap mere help karenge?”
“Iska matlab tum date pad jaane keliye tyaar ho?” Garima couldn’t hide her squeal. It was as if her favourite ship from was sailing.
“Han Bua par aapko pata haina ke Anubhav ko bulana mushkil hoga. Aur bahar date par woh uncomfortable hoga. Isiliye main chathe hoon ke aap chat par kuch intezam karle aur woh bhi aaj hi!”
“Aaj! Kya Gungun, tujhse sabr nai hota? Aaj sagai hai agar tumhe yaad na ho!”
“Mujhe yaad hai isiliye keh rahe hoon! Anubhav humare ghar araha hai aur sabke nazar hum pad hoge toh hum khaana bhi nai kha payenge. Toh hum baad mein humare date upar kar lenge iss bahane se.”
“Wah Gungun, kya idea socha hai. Tab Anubhav mana bhi nai kar sakta hai. Teek hai tum fikar mat karo main sab kuch dekhlongi tum abhi apne engagement ke tyaari karo.”
“Bua, main kuch order karongi woh bhi rakh lena aur khaana uske pasand ka banana.”
“Aur madam ko kya order karna hai?”
“Woh cake.” Gungun was starting to feel a bit shy now. Before, when she used to discuss her boyfriends in front of her Bua, she knew it meant nothing, so she could blabber anything, but now, it was clear she was putting effort into something that was no longer a fashion piece or a social statement for her. This held a meaning for herself.
Garima could only flash a smile. This new change in her niece was soo adorable and she couldn’t wait for their story to unfold. This was what they had wanted for her to give Anubhav a chance and then she’d realise how her father made the right decision for her.
Outside Bhatnagar’s House
Anubhav sat in the car as he looked down at his hand. It was empty right now, but in a few moments it would be engraved with his engagement ring. He was promising to be bound to a woman who he admittedly had a crush on, a woman he was going to give a chance to, a woman who he knew he had to learn more about. But that was what arranged marriage was. He was always familiar with the concept. Admittedly, he didn’t want it to be with her, but now he’ll try. He’ll try to keep an open mind to her, he’ll try understanding her a bit, he’ll try to give her the happiness which his family could give her. He’ll try his best to become the best partner for her.
As he made his way to the mansion in front of him, he couldn’t help, but feel extra small today. He had said to his family that a house was big where they had family not money, but now, as he was forming a relationship with one, he couldn’t help it, but not feel like himself. This was out of his comfort zone. He was used to not having the limelight. Only when he sung did he manage to stand out, but even then it was usually for others. He didn’t have it in him to sing with his own instinct. It usually required someone’s request. He said he would try for her, but this was something too outside his comfort zone. Big noisy parties were not for him, but for her he’d try to live it out.
As he stepped in front of her entrance his eyes were fixated on the woman that was soon to become his. She ascended down the stairs in her sky blue anarkali and he couldn’t help but follow her exact movement. Her hair flowed down her back in waves, her lips painted red, her doe eyes smeared with kajal. The moment had reminded him of her birthday party. He hadn’t taken an interest in her then, but now he couldn’t wait till she would spot him. Earlier on, he said he wasn’t affected by her ignoring him, but now, as they were soon going to be promised to each other, he wanted her acknowledgment.
As Gungun took her final step she had finally looked up as her gaze locked with Anubhav’s right away. She couldn’t help, but give him a small smile. Today, again, he was there for her, but with a different intention. Slowly, slowly, she was finding happiness in discovering this man. Today, she knew he’d be betrothed to her and she would with him and after last night, she didn’t mind it one bit. He looked good, he always looked good, but today in his cream and gold embroidered kurta he looked extra special. He was dressed up for her just as she was for him. She hoped he would click on that all this was for him.
“Anubhav, tum agaye?” Dr. Riddhesh’s voice has brought the duo back to reality. The trance they were settled in had ended as their eyes wandered about in hope both would forget about this little eye lock of theirs.
“Namaste.” Anubhav greeted him as he bent down to take blessings from Dr. Riddhesh.
“Arre iske zaroorat nai hai. Ao gale milo. Ab tum mere bete jaise banjao ge.” Dr. Riddhesh greeted Anubhav with a hug. For him, he couldn’t have asked for a better son-in-law.
“Arre isko chod ye! Mere pyaari bahu kahan hai?!” Sunanda asked as she stepped in front of Anubhav. “Arre tum yahan ho. Hayye main mar jawan kitni sundar lag rahe ho. Mere pyaari gudiya.” As Sunanda went to hug Gungun, Gungun couldn’t help it, but thought her mission was successful. She made the impression she wanted on his family, but her eyes had followed back to Anubhav in hope he felt the same way too, but she failed to read his mind.
“Hum stage par chalte hai. Pehle pictures click kar le aur phir sagai ke rasam shuru karte hai.” It wasn’t that Garima was in a rush, but she didn’t want Gungun’s plan to flop and for Anubhav to use the excuse that it was too late after what Gungun had planned, she wanted it to follow through.
Gungun and Anubhav had reached the stage. Their family members had followed suit. Each took turns with them, even taking group pictures before Anubhav and Gungun sat down. Seeing the two beside each other had made Neeti decide it had been awhile since their daily teasing session, so she placed herself right beside Gungun. “Waise Gungun, Bade Maa bilkul teek keh rahe hai tum toh aaj khatilana lag rahe ho! Kis ko maarne ka irada hai?” Neeti flashed a smile, but not before sending a wink to Anubhav. However, Anubhav was too outside his comfort zone to realise what she was hinting. Sitting there on stage next to Gungun, for this long, with everyone’s gaze, cameras and phones on them was proving to be difficult for him. He wasn’t sure where to look, where to place his hands, he didn’t want to be awkward. And for the very first time he wanted some loud chatter. He needed the distraction.
“Arre nai aise koi baat nai. Aapne hi toh kaha tha ke mujhe Shaadi mein saree pehne padege toh maine socha mujhe pehle iske aadat dalne chahiye.” This took Anubhav by surprise. He didn’t want her to step outside her comfort zone for them. The irony as he sat there in discomfort. He wasn’t aware that Gungun had taken notice of this, he thought he was doing a good job at hiding it.
Gungun had seen how uncomfortable Anubhav was, but she was distracted by her thoughts now to do anything. As the time clicked by she hoped their date night would go to plan, but with the way he was behaving, he didn’t seem like he’d survive there till the night. To make things worse for herself, she had started having doubts about the whole surprise now. What if he doesn’t like it? What if he thinks she’s being too forward? What if he doesn’t want to spend anymore unnecessary time with her?
“Neeti!” Yug had called out to his wife. As she left the duo to attend to her husband, Gungun turned to face her future husband, noticing he was starting to take deep breaths.
“Tum teek toh ho?” Gungun asked in worry.
With the sound of her words, Anubhav knew he had found his distraction, his Gungun. “Han main teek hoon. Mujhe kya hona hai.” He didn’t want to admit his discomfort, but he knew he could avoid this situation through his teasing. “Tum sunao? Tumhe kuch hogaya hai lagta.”
“Mujhe? Mujhe kya hona hai? Saans toh tum apne bhar bhar ke le rahe the.”
Anubhav closed his eyes, he knew he had been caught, but he couldn’t let her confirm her doubt. Before, he knew he had let out the words he’d come to regret. “Mana ke tum aaj alag lag rahe ho iska yeh matlab nai hai ke tum apne jasoos outfit mein detective banne lag jao.” He doesn’t know why, but he always manages to cross the line with her. He could’ve easily given her a compliment, but instead he gave her a backhanded one to avoid mentioning out in the open how he was feeling. He realises it’s wrong of him especially after last night, but with this he realises he has to work on his ego, which is stopping him from admitting he liked her. Even now he thought she looked beautiful, he was happy to see her all dressed up for him, but to compliment her after the start they had was proving to be difficult for him.
Gungun was hurt. She had gone out of her way for him and he was still treating her like she was a little child. Whatever happened last night, it looked like it meant nothing to him. She felt so stupid. Why did she bother withsetting up what she had planned for him? Why had she allowed herself to open up to him? Why had she set expectations? Why, why, why? As she thought to herself, she turned back to face the crowd. She could’ve easily given Anubhav a reply, but he didn’t deserve one she felt, especially after last night.
Anubhav knew he had messed up again. This was the second time now that due to him she had tears in her eyes. The time before when she had turned up to his institute, it didn’t bother him at all. In fact, it felt good to have someone come to see him, but he was too confused about his feelings to understand it at that time and now that he had realised it, he had made the same mistake again. “I’m sorry…”
“Rehne do. Tum yehi karte ho. Pehle koi stupid se galti karte ho aur phir ajate ho sorry kehne jaise ke sorry keh kar sab teek hojayega. Phir kehte ho ke tum mature ho. Aise hoti hai maturity? Main sai kehte the tum idiot ho.” Gungun couldn’t even face Anubhav anymore. If she were to, then she knew her tears would be uncontrollable. He was the one who brought up the conversation about giving each other a chance. Then why did he feel the need to say something so stupid? Earlier on, she could understand he felt he was forced into this marriage, so he didn’t hesitate to tell her off when she attended his institute, but now, now there was no need. All she wanted to do was ask how he was.
“Gungun, I’m sorry…” Anubhav started to speak, but it looked like Gungun had enough of his antics already.
“Phir se sorry! Maine kaha na rehne do. Ab chup chap yahan behte raho aur mujhe tang mat karna. Sagai ki rasam kar ke chale jana.” Anubhav knew he had messed up. He wasn’t familiar with coming to terms with his feelings. Now, after the initiative he took, they had taken two steps back, all because of his stupidity.
“Chalo Sagai ki rasam shuru karte hai!” Garima beamed as she announced the engagement, for only she knew what change had come about between the couple, but she wasn’t informed on the mess that had just been created.
Gungun was at her limit by now, she just wanted to go upstairs and sit by the set-up that was meant for him. She didn’t think he deserved the surprise anymore. On one hand, it saved her from her nerves, but on the other, she wanted to cry at the missed opportunity. Maybe she was right in her thinking, maybe they still needed to give each other up before it would lead to anywhere, but what was she to do with the engagement commencing right now? All she could do was follow through with it. As he let out his hand for her to place, she was reminded again of last night’s events. Everything had changed between them already, so why had he gone ahead and ruined everything? Why does he berate her for every small thing? But as she placed her hand into his, she had forgotten everything again. The feelings she had felt had come back again. She was going crazy, she thought. How does he manage to have an affect on her without even trying?
Anubhav wanted to free her from her misunderstanding. If only she could tell how crazy he was about her. He was the one last night who said they needed to work on their communication skills, but it was him who had the most difficulty opening up. And now, as he stared at the beautiful woman he was entrusted with, he could not help himself but feel annoyed at himself. This moment was meant to be special for them. He had decided this before he attended. It was to convey his feelings after the fresh start they had, but now the woman he wanted to try working on himself for was not even acknowledging his side. He didn’t want to let go of her hand, but she couldn’t wait to run away from him, so he had let go.
Gungun knew she couldn’t look at him. She would lose all composure if she did, so she tried her best to remain civil whilst placing his ring on his finger. A moment that was to be cherished by then had gone into ruins. Life was weird for her, she just couldn’t wait to get away from this drama and comfort herself using the cake she had gotten for him. She couldn’t resist no more, she took a glance at his face. No more was there the annoyance from earlier, he was content, he had warmth on face, so why did he get all worked up before? She had to glance away before the tears were to drip as the hall echoed through the claps she let go of his hand, clutching onto the sofa, worried she’d run away from here if she didn’t.
“Mubarak ho! Mubarak ho!” Rang round the hall. The two families were particularly excited about the official union between the two.
“Kyun mere devrani! Mubarak ho!” Neeti chimed as she leaned down to hug her sister-in-law.
“Arre hato! Dost yeh mere pehle the phir aap sab ki kuch lagte hai.” Chavi joined in on the fun. She, too, was protective of her relationship with Gungun, just like the rest of her family members.
“Woh sab toh teek hai par beti toh mere pehle hai na.” Even Dr Riddhesh couldn’t help it. This is what he meant, when he thought they had become family in such a short amount of time. As he took a step forward to his daughter, Gungun could not help it with her emotions running high. She had hugged Dr. Riddhesh as she broke into a sob. “Arre bas, bas. Kyun ro rahe ho? Main abhi toh tumhare saath hoon aur hamesha rahonga.” Dr. Riddhesh leaned down to wipe his daughter’s tears and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Ab nai kahongi mera makeup kharab hogaya?” Dr. Riddhesh could not help himself as he joked about his daughter’s makeup obsession.
“Papa!!!” Gungun whined in return, at his attempt to joke.
“Kya papa? Mujhe chodo. Anubhav, ab yeh tumhare zimmedari hai.” Dr. Riddhesh laughed and the rest laughed at his statement, but as Gungun turned her face to him, she couldn’t imagine trusting him with her makeup, let alone her life.
“Chalo bohat hogaya hasi, mazaq. Ab mehmaano ko khilana hai k nai. Aur sab se zyada hume pata hai ke humare Golu Bhaiyya ko bhook lage hai.” Garima did want the function to run smoothly, but she needed mission date night to run even smoother.
“Han! Yeh aap ne sai baat ke hai. Chalo khaana kha lete hai.” Golu rushed to the food counter. As everyone followed suit, Garima stayed behind to talk to Gungun.
“Gungun, ab tera mauka hai jaa kar Anubhav ko bol de ke tumhare saath upar chat par chale.” Garima was very excited about her niece’s first date, but what she wasn’t expecting was the answer to follow.
“Maine pooch liya hai aur usne mana kardiya hai. Ab main thodi der keliye upar jaa rahe hoon. Aap koi bahana kar de kuch der keliye. Mujhe akele rehna hai. Waise bhi inn kapro ne tang kar ke rakh diya hai isse behtar tha ke main pehnti nai.” Gungun’s pain knew no boundaries today. She had started falling for him, started caring about what he had thought, the slight bit of inconvenience would always hurt her.
As Gungun walked off, Garima was left surprised. What had occurred in those few hours which had left her in this way. She saw how elevated she was when she had first gotten ready today. She wanted to show herself as part of Anubhav’s family, so what happened? And why did Anubhav refuse? Gungun was so excited to do something for him from her heart, then why? Only Anubhav could provide these answers, but he was busy meeting his friends, so she did not understand as to how she was to get her answers.
Anubhav looked around the hall. His eyes scanned for the one person who could light this hall up. There were many faces, but none of them were hers. He had become used to seeing her every day. That now, a moment without her presence, felt empty. He had not wished to hurt her, he needed to clarify that, but how? How was he meant to find some private time for her in this gathering? He did not like this at all. He was a man of few words. Yet, here, he was trying to converse with many people who he couldn’t connect with. His thoughts were disturbed by Garima calling out to him.
“Anubhav. Mujhe tumse kuch baat karne hai aoge mere saath?” Garima had to get answers. She needed to bring them closer. Why did it seem like they were drifting away each time?
“G Bua ji. Main araha hoon.” Anubhav had followed Garima. He didn’t know what to expect, maybe like Dr. Riddhesh, she too wanted to speak to him regarding Gungun.
“Dekho naraz mat hona par tum aise Gungun ko mixed signals kyun de rahe ho?” What Garima had said to Anubhav had took him by surprise. He hadn’t expected her to be this forward with him.
“Main kuch samjha nai.”
“Samjha nai ya samjhna chathe nai ho? Gungun keh rahe the ke kal tum dono ne yeh decide kiya tha ke tum ek dusre ko ek mauka doge, ek chance doge ek dusre ko jaane keliye. Toh agar usne tumhare liye kuch plan kiya tha toh tumhe jaana chahiye na?”
This had shocked Anubhav, what had she meant by planning something for him? “Ek minute. Mere liye kuch plan kiya iska kya matlab hai?”
“Tumhe kuch nai pata?” A confused Garima asked.
“Nai. Isiliye toh aapse pooch raha hoon. Han humne decide kiya tha ke hum ek dusre ko mauka denge par yeh plan ki kya baat huwi?”
“Kal joh huwa Gungun ne mujhe sab kuch nai bataya par woh yeh keh rahe the ke tumhe thanks kehne keliye woh kuch karna chathe the. Tum dono ko mauka nai milega iss bheer mein toh usne upar chath par tum dono keliye khaane ka intazam kiya tha aur woh bhi tumhara favourite. Ek minute, Gungun keh rahe the usne tumse poocha aur tumne mana kardiya hai. Mujhe laga iss waja se woh gusse mein chale gaye the par agar tumne mana nai kiya toh phir woh chale kyun gaye the?”
Anubhav did not know how to react. He already had felt guilty for hurting her, but now when he had learnt she wanted to plan something special for him, he could not handle it. How stupid had he been? All he was required to do was be honest with his feelings, he said he hated lying, so why was he lying to her, to everyone? “Woh Aunty, main sab kuch baad mein batadonga par ab aap mere help kar sakte hai? Galti mere hai aur waqt kam hai. Sab log jaa rahe hai aur hum bhi thodi der mein chale jayenge toh aap koi bahana mere ghar walon se banado take main yahan kuch der aur reh sakta hoon. Main dusre side ko Chachu ko bhi bol deta hoon. Aap dono aapas mein kuch decide karlo.”
“Teek hai Anubhav. Tum kehte ho isiliye, par please, Gungun ko pyaar aur arahm se sambhalo usse seedhe baat ke sewa kuch samjh nai ate.”
“Aap sai keh rahe ho. Sorry Aunty.”
“Sorry mujhe nai usse bolna. Main Gungun ko le ate hoon. Sab log waise bhi jaa rahe hai toh usse bol dongi ke mil le sab se aur phir chal jaye. Mujhe uska pata hai woh upar hi jayege uske baad main tumhe rokh longi aur tum uske peecha chale jana. Tum jao apne Chachu ko bata do main Gungun ko le kar ate hoon.”
“Thanks Aunty!” Anubhav had decided even if it meant a month-long teasing session from his Golu Chachu and Gang, he would go through this pain for her. She went out her way for him and he? He only gave her pain the very next day when he knew she was already disturbed by her mother. So he went on his way to find his Chachu. “Golu Chachu!!! Mere pyaare, ek lote Chachu!”
Anubhav had stopped Golu Chachu in his tracks. He was never this loving. “Aaj sooraj kahan se nikal aya? Kya baat hai bhatije? Itna pyaar aur woh bhi mere liye?”
“Kyun? Apne Chachu ko pyaar se bola nai sakta?“
“Bola sakte ho. Zaroor bola sakte ho. Agar tumhe iss baat ke aadat hote. Waise toh har baar mujhse bhag jaate ho, aaj kya baat hai?”
“Ok fine. Koi baat hai. Par aap promise ki jiye ke aap abhi koi sawal nai karenge. Ghar jaa kar aap ke joh bhi sawal hai main un sab ke jawab de donga bas abhi filhall keliye mera ek kam kardonge?”
Every question he was prepared to answer. This wasn’t something he would usually do, so Golu gave in. Ultimately, it could provide him with extra information to tease him with later on. “Teek hai. Kya kam karna hai?”
Anubhav was relieved hearing these very words, he knew as soon as his Chachu was to agree, he would never back away from what he was about to ask. Yes, he’d be crazily curious, but would ultimately help him. “Gungun mujhse naraz hai. Han mere galti hai isse pehle aap koi sawal karo main jawab dedita hoon. Maine Garima Bua ko bataya hai woh kuch bahana kar ke mujhe yahan thodi der aur rok lenge bas aap bhi mere help kardo thodi der aur rukne mein. Ghar jaa kar main aap ke sab sawalon ka jawab dedonga bas abhi keliye yeh kar di jiye.” Anubhav pleaded to his Chachu. He knew he had to salvage this matter tonight, if he had delayed it any longer, they would never move on from here.
Yes Golu was surprised by his nephew’s demand, but for once he could see the genuine concern radiating off his face, he didn’t try to hide it from him today, so he agreed in helping him. “Teek hai, Bhatije saab! Agar tumhara ek lota Chachu nai kam ayega toh kon ayega.”
“Chachu!!! You’re the best!!” Anubhav decided he would be more open, but Gungun was changing him for the better. He was going to be open to his family too.
Gungun sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She had never felt this low about herself. Did she really look that bad to him? Why did everyone see her for something special, but he did not? Why couldn’t he for once compliment her? He didn’t say she was mature because he did not agree to it. Does this mean he doesn’t agree to her looking beautiful today?
“Gungun!! Main jante hoon tum akele rehna chathe hoon, par pehle sab ko see off kar do phir upar chat par chal jana. Tumne kuch nai khaya toh khaana kha lena.” Garima reached Gungun’s room to call her.
“Kyun? Jis ke saath mera rishta joda hai usse toh koi parwa nai toh main kyun jaon?”
“Gungun! Kyun aise behki behki baatein kar rahe ho? Tum jante ho ke uske ghar wale tumhare kitni izaat karte hai toh uss nate hi chal jao.”
Garima’s words struck gold. Gungun didn’t have a reply to that. She knew Anubhav’s family were her weak point, so with that Gungun pulled herself together for the moments required as she made her way back down to the guests.
“Aap jaa rahe? Kuch der aur tehr jaate. Kitna maza araha tha. Hum sab saath mein jab hote hai kitna fun hota hai haina?” Gungun could feel Anubhav’s gaze piercing through her, but she couldn’t handle him tonight, so avoided any interaction with him.
“Arre Gungun! Tum tension kyun lete ho? Ab kuchi der hai phir tum humare ghar ke permanent member ban jaoge. Phir hum khoob masti karenge.” Neeti couldn’t wait to have Gungun by her side. Even she wanted to have a sister-in-law to bond with. Being the two youngest daughter-in-law of the house would be so cool to her especially with such a free spirited person like Gungun.
“Han. Aap teek keh rahe ho. Chalo aap jaye kaafi der hogaye hai aap keliye aur waise bhi hosakta hai main kal phir aap ke ghar ajoon.” Gungun wore her best mask yet again. No one apart from Anubhav knew how much she wanted to run away from there and curl up into a ball. It was what made him furious at himself.
“Gungun, tumre ankhien kyun laal hai?” Sunanda was good at studying her little one’s face, but wasn’t perfect in recognising her feelings.
“Woh main thak gaye hoon na isiliye. Aap jab chal jayenge toh main ek bubble bath longi, arahm karongi aur bilkul teek hojaongi.”
“Arre humra jaane ka kahe intezaar kar rahe ho? Tum abhi jao aur arahm karo. Tumhare saas ka order hai! Yahan Garima aur Dr. Sahib hai na. Tum jao.”
“How sweet!! Kal milte hai phir. Aap sab khayal se jana.”
As Gungun made her way upstairs, Anubhav’s eyes followed her the whole time. He had enough, he needed to be by her now. So grabbed onto his Chachu’s back and started pleading to him in a whisper. “Chachu!! Kuch karo naa! Hum jaa rahe hai. Kuch bhi hojaye main yahan se nai jaa raha hoon.”
“Arre mere bache, pehle jab kehta tha tab toh yahan ana nai chathe the aur ab dekho kaise hath jod raha hai yahan rukne keliye.”
“Chachu! Yeh mazaq ka waqt nahi hai!”
“Sun ye. Agar aap bura na manye toh kya Anubhav thodi aur der ruk sakta hai? Mujhe usse kuch baat karne hai.” Garima’s voice piped in as she requested his elders.
No doubt the elder members of the Kulshreshth family were confused, but as like before they assumed it had been the same way Dr. Riddhesh had wanted to discuss something personal with Anubhav. “Woh sab teek hai par kaafi der hogaye hai Anu ghar kaise ayega?” Charudutt raised his concerns.
“Uske tension mat lo. Humara driver hai, woh chor dega Anubhav ko.” Garima informed them. Meanwhile, Dr. Riddhesh was in pure confusion. Why did Garima want to stop Anubhav?
“Teek hai. Anubhav tum yehi ruko. Jab farak hoge toh ajana driver ke saath.” Charudutt ordered Anubhav.
“G Bade Papa.” Anubhav replied calmly whereas inside couldn’t believe his luck. “Aap toh kisi kam ke bhi nai nikle! Sab kuch toh Garima Aunty ne kiya.” Anubhav lectured his Chachu in a whisper, all the love for him had gone.
“Chup kar! Warna ek minute mein tujhe yahan se le jaonga!” Golu would’ve never followed through with it, but could not help with teasing his nephew.
“Arre nai Chachu! Aap toh best ho! Ab aap sab ko le jao main thodi der mein ata hoon.”
“Ab ay na line pe! Teek hai main jata hoon. Aur sun, maafi mang ke ana. Dobara ladai kar ke ay toh ek kya do thappar lagaonga!” Golu warned Anubhav not to repeat his mistake this time.
“Chachu!! Acha teek hai ab jaye. Main sambhal longa.” Anubhav had waited till all his family members had left before making a move. “Thank you Aunty!!” Anubhav said as he zoomed past Dr. Riddhesh and Garima. He had thought to inform Dr. Riddhesh what had happened beforehand, but knew Garima would keep him informed. He did not consider time wasting seeing as how stupid his way of dealing with his crush was going.
“Oh god!! Main kitni stupid the joh main usse Uncle ko date par bulane lage the. Main itni cool aur happening hoon aur woh Purana Lucknow ko akdu aur angry young man ko kuch aur sojta nai hai sewai mere buraye karna. Kis admi se mera rishta jod diya hai!”
Anubhav who had walked in on what Gungun was saying, was upset she was second guessing their relationship. He knew it had been his fault, but he did want their relationship to work. It was the first time he had ever had started liking someone. It had meant a lot to him. His only mistake was that he didn’t know how to deal with these feelings. He was sorted person, everything was preplanned for him yet, here, he didn’t understand how he was meant to move forward with his feelings. “Tum yahan ho?! Tumne toh kahan tha ke tum thak gaye ho aur arahm karna hai. Toh phir?” Anubhav knew the only way to get a reaction out of her was to annoy her more. But did not realise the effort she had put in for him as his eyes did not scan the surroundings.
This had angered Gungun. Instead of taking into consideration the beautiful scenery she had created for him, he was here to annoy her. “Tum!? Tum abhi mujhe suna rahe ho?! Kar kya rahe ho tum yahan? Pehle kam insult ki mere joh dobara yahan agaye ho! Main hi pagal the joh tumhare date plan kiya aur woh bhi yahan kyun ki tumhe bahar shor pasand nai hai. Main hi pagal the jisne yeh socha hum tumhare zindagi ke sab se important event celebrate karenge! Maine cake bhi mang waya tha. Aur tum ek number ke akdu ho jise apne sewa kuch nazar nai ata. Tum yeh bhi nai dekh pai ke main koshish kar rahe ho par tumhe toh abhi bhi fazool mein mere buraye karne hai. Tumhare girlfriend ko bhi bula lete sirf uski kami the, phir tum duno behtkar mere insult karna. Waise bhi aaj zaroorat kya the?! Maine sirf yeh pocha agar tum teek ho ab maine kya kiya hai? Aur alag ka kya matlab hota hai? Tum…”
As Gungun screamed her heart out. It was only then he had taken his surroundings into consideration. The fairy light canopy was what had illuminated her beautiful face even more now. Placed in the centre was the small table dressed in a white satin sheet which held the chocolate cake she was speaking about. She had gone through all this effort in the amidst of their engagement just for him and now because of his behaviour he had undermined her effort. How was she to forgive him? He was falling for her, more and more, but no book could ever help him study his situation.
“It means you look beautiful.” This had stopped Gungun in her tracks. As she brought her eyes back to look at him, she couldn’t understand whether she had heard correctly.
“Kya kaha tumne?” Gungun asked breathlessly.
“It means you look beautiful.” Anubhav repeated himself he had nothing to hide now. It was the truth. “Tum aaj itne khoobsurat lag rahe ho ke mujhe samaj nai araha hai main kahan se shuru karon tumhare tareef karne mein ya tumhe yeh batane keliye ke main tumhe kitna pasand karne laga hoon.” Anubhav knew if he was to have an effect on her, he had to come clean about his feelings. “I like you. Jab se tumhe aaj dekha hai nazar nai hat rahe the. Tumhe dekha toh socha ke kash tum mere liye tyaar huwi ho, ke tum aaj Anubhav ke Gungun ho, ke tum aaj sab ke samne Mrs. Anubhav Kulshreshth banne ay ho. Tum mujhe ache lagne lage ho.”
This was all too good to be true for Gungun. He was confessing to her something she had wanted for a long time now. She wanted to receive a compliment from him just once, but now he was even confessing to her that he liked her, something she felt about him too, but could not place into words before him. Her insecurity was creeping in. How was he confessing this to her now, when earlier he had said something totally different? Why had he scolded her before? “Jhoot. Tum jhoot bol rahe ho. Agar sorry kehne ay ho toh waise keh dena tha. Tum jante bhi ho tum kya keh rahe ho? Agar tum aisa feel karte toh mujhse woh sab nai kehte.”
“Tum jaante ho main jhoot nai bolta.” With this Gungun knew he wasn’t lying. It was the truth he didn’t like to lie. But why would he behave like that she could not understand. “Han main galat tha mujhe seedha tumse baat karlene chahiya tha. You know ke mujhe itne bheed pasand nai hai aur mujhe ek distraction ke zaroorat the. Main chatha tha ke hum hamesha ke jaise fazool mein jagadte rehte ho waise shuru hojaye. Par tumne toh aaj kuch bola bhi nai tha aur jab bola toh itne nice ban rahe the. Main khud ko kaise sambhalon mujhe samaj nai araha tha. Aur waise bhi tumhe seedhe muh tareef karne ke aadat nai hai na toh joh muh mein aya woh bol diya. Mujhe laga main mazaq karonga toh tum mujhse ladon ge aur mera deyhan baki sab ke sewa tum par ajayega par main bhool gaya ke humare bheech sab badal gaya hai. Main tumse seedha help mang sakta tha par jaise tumhe aadat nai hai kisi ke sahara keliye mujhe bhi nai hai. Please mujhe maaf kardo. Please Gungun, tum chahiye joh saza mujhe dena chathe ho tum dena par maaf kar do. I promise main apne aap par koshish karonga tumhare liye behtar hone keliye.“
As Anubhav continued to justify himself, Gungun couldn’t help, but feel sorry for him. She was in the same boat as him, but it looks like he was winning the race between them. He confessed. Something she could not imagine doing, fearing the worst, fearing sooner or later he would leave her. If she does not bring it up, maybe it would be for the best, maybe if that situation ever occurs it would hurt less since she would’ve never confessed. She could pretend it never happened as it was never out in the open, but she could not ignore the butterflies she had from within, so compromising her fear, she would forgive him. “Ek shart par maaf karongi.”
“Joh bhi ho, mujhe manzoor hai. Main tumhara hoon, tumhare liye main kuch bhi kar sakta hoon.”
Gungun wasn’t sure if Anubhav was too caught up at the moment to comprehend what he was saying to her. It was as if he had come out of his shell. He was allowing himself to live the moment, say what he wants, do what he wants, he was in control of his emotions. She wasn’t sure if this was the new Anubhav or whether he was always like this, but one thing sure was that she didn’t mind it. “Mere bachelorette party parso hai aur tumhe mere saath dance karna hoga.”
There was no emotion to Gungun’s words. Anubhav had almost thought he had heard her wrong as confusion struck his face. Gungun couldn’t help, but break into a laugh as she moved forward to hug him. Anubhav was shocked as she brought her arms around him and rested her face against his heart as he had he felt the vibration of her laughter he couldn’t help but hold onto her even tighter. This small moment had bought him more joy than anyone could ever imagine. “Ek minute. Iska matlab tumne mujhe maaf kiya?”
“Han. Par dance lazmi karna warna main phir naraz ho jaongi.” Gungun warned Anubhav.
“Acha teek hai.” Although Anubhav had agreed. He knew this would be another mission for him, but as each day went by he didn’t mind it. This has bought him a challenge, it made a difference in his daily. He lived the same day, every day, going to the institute and returning home, he had nothing more to expect from life, but now he had something more to look forward to.
As he returned to wanting to hold her close again, missing the warmth, he was stopped by Gungun. “Ruko!! Humne khaana nai kaya. Tumhara pata nai par mujhe bohat bhook lag rahe hai. Aur maine itne effort ki hai isse waste nai hone de sakte hai. Chalo.” Gungun spoke as she dragged Anubhav to his surprise.
There goes his mischievous Papa ki Pari. He wasn’t too distracted to even think about food, but now that she had mentioned it, he was getting a bit peckish. When he arrived at the table, he was surprised to see his favourite Veg Pilau. “Tumhe keh se pata ke yeh mera favourite hai?”
“Tum pehle behto toh sai. Dekho kitna cute lag raha hai sab. Yeh cushions kitne soft hai ab ao mere paas behto.” Gungun said as she patted the seat next to her on the floor.
Anubhav joined her in this homely setting, his Papa ki Pari was surprising him every day. He had never thought about the two of them going on a date, it had never crossed his mind, but even now, if he was to think about it, he would’ve thought she would’ve liked to go to a fancy restaurant not the upper portion of her house.“Tumhare mann mein yeh idea kaise aya?”
Gungun broke into a smile as she sat there remembering how she had come up with this plan. “Woh, date ka idea toh Bua ka tha. Tumhare saath date par jaane ka maine kabhi socha kya, mere khayal mein bhi kabhi nai aya. Par kal tumne mere liye bohat kuch kiya. Mujhe pata hai, ab tum Mr. humble ban jaonge aur kahoge ke maine kuch nai kiya. Par agar tum mere jagah hote toh tumhe pata lagta ke mere liye yeh kitne bare baat the. Aur isiliye main tumhe thanks kehna chathe the, par mujhe plain se words mein kehne ke aadat nai hai aur tum mere baaki friends ke tara crazy, happening jagah pasand nai karte toh mere dimag mein sirf yehi aya. Jaise jab tumhare ghar mein sab ghar par hote hai aur tum sab youngster neeche beht te ho toh uss family moment mein tumhe khushi milte hai isiliye mujhe laga shayad tumhe yeh pasand ajaye. Aur rahe baat tumhare favourite khane ke toh main ab tumhare ghar bohat ate hoon toh mujhe tumhara kya, sab ghar walon ke favourite pata hai. Actually, siwaye Round Uncle ke, kyun ke woh toh sab kuch khate hai.”
This had the duo break into laughter. Anubhav had not realised, Gungun used to pay more attention to him and their family than he had thought. The more he got to know her, the more he felt as though his family had made the right decision for him. This was all he had wanted. For someone to be there for him, for his family and that someone he could see in Gungun.
“Tumhara favourite khaana konsa hai?” Just like Gungun had discovered him, he too, wanted to learn more about her.
“Mujhe? Erm, khane ka itna pata nai par mujhe ice cream bohat, bohat, bohat pasand hai.” Exclaimed Gungun.
“Ice cream? Tumhare taste bhi tum jaise hai na. Bilkul bacho ke jaise ho.” If Anubhav hadn’t found Gungun cute already, he wouldn’t have been able to stop his heart from fluttering now.
“Woh actually, jab bachpan mein main sad hote the toh mere paas sirf ice cream ka sahara tha. Toh har baar choori chipe main freezer se nikal lete the aur ab aadat hogaye hai. Tumhe pata hai, kuch bache ay the mere ghar ke bahar aur hum sab ne milkar ice cream khaye, kitna maza aya tha.”
“Obviously, ek bacha jab dusre bacho ke saath hota hai toh khush toh hoga.”
“Chant chashmish!” Gungun exclaimed as she pointed her finger to him.
“Papa ki Pari!” Anubhav sarcastically remarked whilst locking his finger into hers. It didn’t take long for them to fall into laughter. “Acha teek hai. Bohat hogaya mazaq. Khana kha lete hai.”
“Teek hai.” They fell into a comfortable silence as they both helped themselves to the food. As time ticked by they couldn’t help, but think how much this date actually means to them. For Gungun, she had the experience of comparing it to meaningless flings. This held more importance to her than any other date, if she could call it that. This was the first time she wanted to willingly be on a date with someone, the first time she wanted to experience getting to know someone better.
For Anubhav, this was something totally different, he was yet to experience going on a date until today. As the time went on and their conversation went on, he realised this was what his family members had described by going on a date. They collectively watched movies together he had as usual been dragged into it, but now as he was comparing his situation he couldn’t help, but feel happy. He was with the woman he liked on his first date that too, a comforting surprise she had planned, he couldn’t have asked for anything else. As his eyes draw back to Gungun, his admiration for her grew. The woman made him happy without even trying. His eyes caught onto the cake she had got for him. She had mentioned about it earlier, but without the context. “Iss cake par toh congratulations likha hai, woh kyun?” A curious Anubhav asked as placed his plate back onto the table. His Papa ki Pari had a funny way of always surprising him, he wondered what the context behind this was.
Gungun’s face broke into a smile as she placed her plate to the side, she turned to face him. “Woh actually, humne decide kiya tha na ke hum ek dusre ko mauka denge. Toh mujhe phir realise huwa ke tumhare life ka sabse zyada important moment woh tha jis din tumhe award mila tha aur tab, tum jante ho ke hum kaise lada karte te. Tab tumhare award milne se mujhe koi khushi nai huwi the mujhe koi parwa nai the par ab, ab main jaante hoon ke woh moment tumhare liye kitna khaas tha toh apne galti sudarne keliye ab hum saath celebrate karenge toh cake le ay.”
As Gungun excitedly explained the little story behind the cake, Anubhav couldn’t help, but feel as though he was right. His Papa ki Pari did have a funny way of surprising him and with each growing moment he wouldn’t be able to control his feelings. “Gungun, tum jaise kehte ho ke main cool aur happening nai hoon aur ek uncle hoon. Toh mere ek sawal hai ke kya hum date par ay hai?”
“Yeh kaisa sawal hai? Han, obviously hum date par ay hai. Main thodi yeh har aira gehra keliye karongi. Tum important ho isiliye kiya.”
That was enough confirmation for Anubhav. Yes, she had not confessed to him, about liking him, but he knew, he knew he held some importance in her life, so with that he could not resist any more. Leaning down to the side of her face he placed a kiss on her cheek. If he wanted to, he could’ve moved back immediately, but as he bought his face levelled to hers he cupped her face with one hand whilst caressing her with the other. “Thank you.”
Gungun was rooted in her spot. This pleasant surprise had brought her heart racing. Her doe eyes stared right back at him. She couldn’t believe her Mr. Akdu had turned from Old Lucknow to New, but she would not lie, she loved this precious moment.
“Aise kya dekh rahe ho? Tumne hi toh kaha tha ke yeh date tha aur main itna bhi nai bacha hoon jis se yeh pata na ho ke date par kya hota hai.” Anubhav continued to tease Gungun as Gungun started to feel shy and looked away. Anubhav was loving this new-found emotion he had invoked her. He didn’t know his Papa Ki Pari would ever feel shy.
“Chalo cake khate hai.” Gungun spoke in hope of avoiding the topic. Her heart could not take any more surprises. He had complimented her, confessed his feelings to her and now on top of all that kissed her.
“Teek hai.” Anubhav knew he had given her enough shocks to last her lifetime, but what was he to do? Even his feelings had no boundaries right now with this he realised, he didn’t just want to celebrate him. He wanted to celebrate both of them, so as he brought the piece of cake to feed her, he stopped in his tracks leaving a perplexed Gungun. “Yeh cake ab mujhe sirf congrats kehne keliye nai hai. Abhi, abhi humare sagai huwi hai toh congratulations soon to be Mrs. Anubhav Kulshreshth.”
Gungun could only smile at his antics, she knew sooner or later, she would not be able to see anything besides him and to her surprise, she did not mind it. Following Anubhav’s footsteps, she brought the piece of cake to feed him. “Congratulations, soon to be Mr. Riddhima urf Gungun Bhatnagar’s Husband.” Gungun broke into a little giggle right after, she knew she was behaving like a little teenage girl who had a crush, but when her future Mr was being this sweet to her, she couldn’t help, but feel giddy.
Their little moment was disturbed by the ringing of Anubhav’s phone. “Ghar se hai. Mujhe jana hoga. Woh Bua ne bahane se mujhe rok liya yahan ke unko mujhse koi baat karne hai ab itni der hogaye unko lage ga ke koi problem huwi hai. Toh mujhe chalna chahiye.”
“It’s ok. Tum jao. Phir milte hai.”
Gungun smiled bright with her eyes in a cheeky squint, to this Anubhav could not help himself as he stole another kiss. “Bye. Jaldi hi milte hai.” Gungun had thought she was being too forward, but this time Anubhav, had led the way.
Precap: Our Anu agreed to dance, so obviously we need a little intimate moment. 😂
(Maybe it’s even time for their first kiss) 😂