FF: Dooriyan aur Nazdeekiyan part 31 pg 116 - Page 57

Originally posted by: Nour21

Absolutely, absolutely loved it! ❤️❤️❤️ Plzzz update soooon pleaseeeeeee pleaseeeeeee pleaseeeeeee! 🙏🙏🙏

Hey Radha! Thank you so much dear!🤗 So glad you liked it! ❤️The story will be updated tonight.

Amazing part dear Noorie!

Loved the college flashbacks! Especially the college Adda! The shayari and gift was very thoughtful.

Waiting for the next update and the sangeet one shot.

Originally posted by: Mita25mita

Amazing part dear Noorie!

Loved the college flashbacks! Especially the college Adda! The shayari and gift was very thoughtful.

Waiting for the next update and the sangeet one shot.

Thank you so much dear! 🤗So glad you liked it!❤️ I'm not sure about the sangeet one shot as of now. Not watching the serial. But if I do write will definitely tag you. 😊

Originally posted by: Koms9

Noorie, u should write a novel. I was lost in this story. I felt like i was with them every moment. So many details and such beautiful moments u could think of. OMG Komal! That's a huge compliment dear! Made my day! Thank you so much! I'm humbled.❤️❤️❤️

Loved how Anuj sushed Anu to not talk about all other ladies but just herself, phew saved us from bhaashan. Haha! Much needed wasn't it!?😳

Also special T class by Mr. Professor, nice! Sorry couldn't write much Seeta Geeta content as I was mighty pissed off after watching the college special episode. More on that in forthcoming parts. 👍🏼

Also, good point about both addressing each other as "tum". Ikr. High time it was addressed.

I love this bold and romantic duo in your last couple of stories. Thwy are growing closer. Yesss now they'll grow closer with every update! ❤️

My reply in bold. Thank you so much Komal! Your comments are always cherished. ❤️

Originally posted by: ...Tiana...

Wow wowSuch a lovely long update... This college date is amazing wish we had seen some of this flashbacks in the show... would have been awesome... Thank you so much dear tia! Means a lot!❤️ I wish they would've dedicated a mahaepisode to it but the didnt even have a proper episode for it. 🤬

Noorie 🤗u rock with such long updates... I sincerely admire the fact that you write such long updates yet manage to keep our interest till the end..Not one bit is boring or out of place... Take a bow...That is very reassuring for a writer. Thanks a lot for saying that! I often wonder if readers run out of patience while going through the update.

You rock🤗 You rock too hun! 🤗

My replies in bold

Originally posted by: Iruuu

Hey noorie what's up?☺️ Hey Nida! 🤗All good dear. How was your Eid?

Didn't able to comment earilar as I were busy due to eid🙊 No worries dear. I understand.

Love how anuj decorated the stage by mentioning miss best dancer 🥺🥺🥺...

& What will I say after those beautiful moments 🤧🤧🤧

You know I'm just overwhelmed by the way you have written MaAn college Date 👏👏❤️... Aww! Lemme give you a big 🤗

Just above all my expectations regarding this sequence like them cherishing Anu's dance performance, anu being topper , how he wants to propose her in Valaintines day 🙈😭... EVERYTHING IS JUST SO PERFECT 🥺❤️...

Thanks a lot! I always look forward to your detailed feedback!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THESE CHAPTERS 😘 😘 Pleasure is all mine🤗😘... UPDATE SOON ☺️The next part will be updated tonight

My replies in bold

I loveeeee devika

She is the friend everyone needs

Originally posted by: tanu90

My replies in bold

Noorie.. 🤗 navo update kyare madiye? Aje toh budhwaar chhe ne? So asking .. looking forward ❤❤❤

No pressure though. Whenever possible for you

Part 24

The route from the college to Anuj's apartment skirted round the Vastrapur lake, one of the most popular areas of Ahmedabad.

The city seemed to have come alive at night, thanks to the beautifully lit lakeside and the bustling crowd at the nearby shopping mall.

MaAn were thoroughly enjoying the cool breeze and the rewarding journey until they were forced to wait near the mall.

"Aage bhayankar traffic jam laga hai! Kahin aur se nikalna padega.." Anuj remarked as he scoured through the navigation app.

Anupama, who had hitherto wrapped her arms around his waist, placed them on his shoulders.

Meanwhile a couple of girls wearing miniskirts halted their scooty near their bike.

While they ogled at and spoke excitedly about the "handsome hunk" riding the bike, they ridiculed the "auntyji" sitting behind him.

There were other passers by around them who not only age shamed but also judged Anupama by her clothes.

They openly judged his choice of a partner,

wondering why the modern, well dressed, hot guy would choose to be seen in public with an uncool ‘behenji’.

One of the onlookers even went on to pass a distasteful devar bhabhi comment.

While Anuj remained unperturbed, Anupamaa, who usually embraced herself without caring about the fashion conscious society's notions, dropped her hands to her sides.

She wanted to avoid further embarrassment for Anuj.

Vanraj's nasty words rung in the crisp night air.

"Sara din TV ke saamne baithi rehti ho! Gym jao, apni sehat ka dhyan rakho. 42 ki umar me 50 ki lagti ho!"

She caught Anuj's reflection in the rear view mirror.

"Anuj toh waise bhi apni umar se chhote lagte hain. Meri wajah se.. unko kaise, kaise taane sunne pad rahe hain.." She thought as she closed her shame filled eyes.

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

Anuj could make out that she was shaken when the usually fiery Anupama succumbed to the age shaming and judgemental remarks.

He coolly took her hands and firmly placed them on his shoulders while humming away

"Meri jaan, meri jaan, kehna mano!

Dushman yeh jahaan, rut pehchaano!"

This evoked a fair amount of ridicule from the passers by, but he continued without bothering about their reaction.

"Kategi na yeh dagar

Bina koi humsafar,

Phir kyun na bande ko

Apna hi jano!?"

He calmly manoeuvred the bike towards a quaint bylane and coolly rode off, leaving the wagging tongues far behind.

However, Anupama's inhibitions accompanied them.

"Annu.. Ab toh kamar pe haath rakh do."

"Nahi. Aise hi theek hai."

"Agar yeh real life nahi film hoti na toh main zor se break marta aur tum mere aur nazdeek aa jati! Ya kisi sunsan, andheri sadak se full speed me bike daudata! Phir ghabrahat me tum mujhe kaskar tham leti! Par main zor zabardasti karne me yaqeen nahi rakta hoon. Agar tum humari khushi se zyada importance anjaan logon ko dena chahti ho toh.. up to you!" He shrugged nonchalantly.

"Mujhe anjaan logon ki nahi.. aapki ijjat ki phikar hai! Meri wajah se aapko.."

"Tumhari wajah se kuch nahi hoga na hua! Unki ochchi soch aisi hai jo kapdon aur umar k hisab se logon ke character ko judge karte hain! Tum jaisi ho mujhe waisi hi pasand ho!"

To boost her confidence further, he recited the "tu jaisi hai waisa hone me husn hai" shayari for her (from engagement episode).

His words proved to be the balm that old and new wounds alike benefitted from.

"Thenk you! Aap.. tum kaise kar lete ho yeh? Har bar jab main toot jati hoon, tum meri himmat ban jate ho!"

"Talent hai talent, mohotarma! Special talent!" he smiled while lifting the collar of his turtleneck in a mock show off.

........

More than her emotions, a visceral need to kiss him threatened to overwhelm her.

Looping her arms around his waist, she placed her head on his shoulder after kissing it.

Anuj basked in the warmth of her soothing presence and wamr embrace.

"Aise time pe mujhe aur zyada lagta hai ki kaash! Kaash yeh 2021 nahi 1995 hota! Kaash hum college me mile hote!"

"Aise time pe matlab bike chalate waqt?"

"Ha! Agar yeh 1995 hota toh yeh hi kiss mujhe gaal pe mil jati na! Na helmet pehena hota na roads pe CCTV cameras hote toh.. kafi kuch ho sakta tha!"

"Tab aap.. tum helmet nahi pehente the?"

"I'm not proud of it par Bunty ki scooter pe jate waqt hum helmet sirf tab hi pehente the jab thand bohot zyada badh jati thi!"

She laughed as she pecked his other shoulder as well.

Anuj slowed down as they turned towards a secluded, dimly lit short cut lined by Ceasalpinia trees.

The blooming orange blossoms cast dark shadows on the road.

"Waise mere shoulders kafi broad hain. Toh agar thode aur kiss karna chaho toh kar sakti ho. Just saying!"

"Aapse baaton me koi nahi jeet sakta!"

"Toh haar jao na..! Haar jao!"

Snuggling closer, she placed several soft kisses on the expanse of his upper back.

Anuj swiftly lifted the vizar of his helmet.

Guiding her hands to his mouth, he planted several kisses on both till they were back to the main road that led to his house.

"Ab toh maine decide kar liya hai ki main ek bada ghar aur chhoti gadi, matlab bike khareed lunga! Jo maza bike ride me hai woh car drive me kahan!"

"Main soch rahi hoon ki Nandini ki tarah cycle khareed loon! Phir main tumko usme lipht de paungi ne!"

"Not a bad idea, Annu! Cycle pe toh maza hi aa jayega!"

"Tumhe kisme maja nahi aayega, batao jara!?"

"Phir kabhi, fursat se bataunga!"

...........

MaAn were greeted by unwelcome news as soon as they reached.

Samar told them of Ba's visit to the dance academy that evening.

"Ba bohot jiddi hain! Main unse milne us ghar nahi gayi toh woh academy tak aa gayi?"

"Ise ziddi nahi dheet hona kehte hain, Anu." an irked Anuj corrected her as Samar continued.

"Jab maine kaha ki aap meeting me hai toh.. unhone mujhse aapko free hote hi us ghar le jane ke liye kaha."

"Kyun!?" MaAn turned to each other when they spoke together.

"Bhabs aur bhai ki anniversary party ki taiyari karne ke liye.. Mujhe bhi bheja tha Jamalpur market, phoolon ka order dene ke liye. Mr Shah ne customised cake order kar diya hai."

Anuj was amazed at the manner in which the Shah family jumped from dhoom tanana to celebrations like nothing ever happened.

His heart sank at the thought of Anupama leaving their plans aside for the Shahs.

Yet he prepared himself for the same, knowing how much her children meant to her.

"Beta, tumlog khana khakar chale jana.."

"Nahi GK! Anu jitni der karegi us ghar me utna zyada tamasha hoga aur usko utni baatein sunni padengi."

Anupama, meanwhile, was reminded of the events from that afternoon.

...........

Once Bunty and his parents reached the AK ventures office, the former asked Anupama to accompany him to the market.

"Main soch raha tha apni beti k liye chaniya choli khareed loon. Kya tum mere saath chalogi, Anu?"

"Ha, jarur! Law garden market najeek me hi hai. Chaliye.."

When they were alone in the car, he broached the subject of her marriage.

"Sorry Anu! Mujhe jab Devika se tumhari shadi tay hone ki khabar mili tab bhi maine yeh baat Anuj ya uske parents ko nahi batayi. Tab toh woh behosh tha aur wohlog bohot tensed the." (Part 16)

"Main janti hoon. Aapne un logo ka bhala sochkar jo kiya sahi kiya! Agar aap bata dete aur wohlog rista bhejte tab bhi ma saadi nahi rukvati!"

"Jis din Anuj ko hosh aaya usne sabse pehle mujhse tumhare bare me poochha! Annu college aa gayi kya?"

Anupama was moved by the extent of his love for her.

"Phir usne mujhse ghar jakar uske bag se magnet nikalkar lane ko kaha!"

"Megnet.. aspatal me?"

"Ha. Kaka se daant pad gayi use ki glucose drip utri nahi hai abhi aur magnet se khelna hai! Kaki a kidhu naanakdi vastu atla ma khovayi jase/Kaki ne kaha ki chhoti si cheez kahin kho jayegi. Par Anuj apni baat pe adaa raha! Jab maine magnet lakar diya toh uske chehre pe chamak aa gayi!"

A sad smile appeared on Anupama's face.

"Jaise woh kahani thi na, jisme Raja ki jaan tote me hoti hai? Waise hi, uski jaan basti hai us magnet me, actually tum me!"

He told her how Anuj always treated the magnet as though it was Anupamaa personified.

"Somethings are very difficult to watch from the sidelines. Tumhari shaadi ke salon bad main jab Dubai me us se mila woh magnet uske saath hi tha. Is baat ko lekar humari behes bhi hui. Woh tumse itna pyaar karta hai na ki.. apna dard neglect kar ke, apni khushi ki parvah na karke bhi woh.. pyaar karta raha! Main kal se dekh raha hoon ki ab bhi khud se pehle tumhara khayaal aata hai use!"

"Aapki baat samajhti hoon main. Maine apni aankhon se megnet.. k liye aur.. apne liye unka prem dekha hai!"

"Anu, main uski tarah poetic baatein nahi kar sakta. I'm sorry! Hoon chokhi vaat kahis/main seedhi baat karunga."

"Ha, bolo ne.."

"I want to see you both get everything out of life that you guys deserve! Duniya jise mahanta kehti hai meri nazar me woh moorakhta hai! Kabhi woh koi.. aisi moorakhta kare aur.. khud ko tumse door karne ki baat kahe na toh usko.. door mat jane dena! Jo prem, jo saath Kanhaji ke ashirwad se mila hai.. kisike liye bhi uska tyaag karne me koi mahanta nahi hai! Balki Kanhaji ke ashirwad ka tiraskaar hai!"

"Aap jara bhi chinta mat kariye! Main kabhi unko aisa kuch bhi nahi karne dungi!"

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

"Main kahin nahi ja rahi hoon!" she exclaimed to everyone's surprise.

"Par Anu.."

"Itni raat ko kaunsi taiyari kar paungi main? Aur pilaning toh phone pe bhi ho jayegi. Unki saalgirah kal nahi, parso hai! Taiyari kal ho hi jayegi."

"Bilkul mummy!" Samar was ecstatic with her decision, as was Anuj.

Anuj and GK exchanged cheerful smiles as she spoke to Kinjal and ba on the phone.

When ba's repeated insistence and patronizing words did not work out in her favour, Vanraj tried to intervene.

Exercising his "rights" as the father of his kids, he commanded her to join them in the preparations, enlisting the various duties of a mother, which he would not allow her to neglect for anyone or anything.

Completely ignoring his condescending behaviour, she in turn, enlisted ways in which she could fulfill all her "motherly duties" without visiting Shah house.

While he resented her suggestion, she knew very well that focusing all of her energies on that infuriating man was going to be counterproductive.

She ended the call with a befitting retort.

Anuj offered her a glass of water and

she gulped it down at one go.

"Aaram se.. Careful!"

"Evu kare chhe jaane hoon atyaare nahi jais toh nabh, nark nu samaaves thai jase/Baat toh aise kar rahe the jaise main abhi ke abhi nahi jaungi toh aakash, paataal ek ho jayenge!"

"Calm down.."

"Mr Shah ki purani aadat gayi nahi hai!"

"I know. He expects you to be there at his beck and call! I'm so glad ki tumne mana kar diya!"

She smiled as she returned the glass to him.

"Aap.. Tumko nahi laga tha ne ki main mana karungi, hai ne?"

"Ha, laga toh nahi tha!" he admitted with an impish smile. "But I'm happy!"

GK kaka joined them.

"We're equally happy! Beta, tumlog fresh ho jao. Hum khana paroste hain."

Anupama immediately rose from the couch.

"Kaka, aapne khana bana diya utna bohot hai! Main paros dungi."

"Bilkul nahi! Yeh Kapadia- Karodia ka mahal hai aur yahan Maharani Anupama ko koi kaam karne ki ijazat nahi hai! Woh sirf aaraam karengi! Kaam hum aur Senapati Samar karenge!"

"Bilkul mummy! I mean maharani mummy!"

"Tum aaram se aao aur hum sab ke saath baithkar garam, garam khana khao!"

Anupama gleefully folded her hands.

"Jo aagya sehjaade kaka!"

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

Walking behind her, Anuj gently closed the door of the guest bedroom after him.

Anupama chided him. "Anuj, yeh aap.. tum kya kar rahe hain? Kaka kya sochenge."

"Kisine nahi dekha! Wohlog kitchen me busy hain!"

She stood in front of him with her back towards the vanity table, niether making a move nor saying a word.

He closed the distance between them.

Lifting her hands he placed them behind his neck, bringing her forward, closer to him.

Her lips parted and the words that came out surprised him.

"Yeh aapka nahi, na-ummeedi ka qasoor hai,

Jo aap haqeeqat se koson door hain!"

Looking deep into his wonder filled, beautious eyes, she continued.

"Meri chinta me apne dukh, dard bhulakar

Jo khud se jyada meri parvaah karte hain!

Meri chhoti se chhoti, har baat dohrakar

Jo tanhaa raaton me chupchap jagaa karte hain,

Unse kiya wada main kaise na nibhaun?

Unhe dukhi chhodkar main kaise chali jaun?"

A lone tear trickled down his cheek but she kissed it away.

He was blown away, not just by her shayari, or her spirit which refused to cave in to the demands, but mainly by her love for him.

As their lips united in a kiss, both felt the happiness, satisfaction and peace that had eluded them since a long time.

They were finally home!

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

"Tumhe nahi lagta ki tum aaj kal kuch zyada hi shayari karne lagi ho!?"

He gave her a dazzling smile when they parted.

"Hmm." she nodded thoughtfully. "Shayar ke saath rehna hai, unko apne man ki baat kehni hai toh shayari karne me bhalaai hai!"

"Maza aa raha hai?"

"Has toh! Hamesa seedhe raste pe chalne wali Anupama ko aaj ulte raste pe chalne me.. Jo kabhi karne ka socha bhi nahi woh karne me bohot, bohot, bohot maja aa raha hai!"

Placing her head on his heart, she continued.

"Maje ki baat nahi hai, Anuj. Janti thi ki aaj aa.. tumhara man bhari hoga! Yeh Rajkot nahi hai jahan main kisike ghar ruki thi isiliye.. tumko chhodkar jana pada tha!" (Part 8B)

He loved it when she switched from aap to tum.

"Aaj premika nahi jana chahti thi aur ma ne saath diya! Kal jab ma ko jana hoga toh premika saath degi. Kal nasta karne ke bad aur opphice jane se pehle kaam kar ke jaungi."

"Kal sham ko movie dekhne?.."

"Jayenge! Bunty ne itne pyaar se ticket book karvai hai toh jayenge jarur! Main kar lungi."

"Koi bhi help chahiye toh batana. Main kar dunga."

"Chaukkas/Pakka!"

"Suno.."

"hmm?"

"Dr ne GK ko Dawai khakar jaldi sone k liye kaha hai. Jab woh so jayenge tab.. tum mere bedroom me aana. Mujhe zuroori baatein karni hain."

"Samar ke so jane ke bad aa jaungi. Ab tum jaiye matlab.. aap jao. Oppho! Yeh aap, tum ki khichdi ho rahi hai!"

Anuj grinned as he lovingly kissed her mouth.

"You're so adorable, baby!"

"Shame to you!" she replied, pinching his chin.

"I love all your efforts! Mere liye tum jo bhi karti ho mujhe bohot achcha lagta hai! I know tumhe tum par switch karne me time lagega. I completely understand. Don't be too hard on yourself, hmm?"

"Hmm." she nodded.

"Chalo, tum jaldi se fresh ho jao. Phir dinner karte hain."

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

Everyone was waiting at the dining table.

Not for hot food, which she would relentlessly cook and serve.

But for her to join them.

The three men came to their feet.

While Samar walked her to the table, Anuj pulled the chair for her and GK placed a paper crown around her head.

Anupama felt cherished and honored.

"Humari mallika ki taajposhi toh ho gayi, shehzade GK. Yeh bataiye, shahi pakwaan kya banaye hain aapne inke liye?!" Anuj asked as he took a seat beside her.

"Zaykedaar, mazedaar, masaledaar butter pav bhaji!" announced GK, as though it was a royal delicacy.

While Anupama was delighted, Anuj was far from impressed.

"Huh? Pav bhaji!? Bol toh aise rahe the jaise na jane kya banaya ho aur nikli pav bhaji!"

"Yeh humara nahi, Senapati Samar ka farman tha ki Maharani Anupama ke liye uski pasandeeda teekhi, masaledaar pav bhaji hi banayi jaye!"

"Woh kya hai Anuj ki humare ghar me mummy 3 tarah ki bhajiyan banaya karti thi. Bachchon ke liye kam teekhi, cheese butter bhaji, Mr Shah aur bhai ke liye no butter, extra teekhi bhaji aur senior citizens ke liye bina butter ya tikhas wali saadi bhaji! Pav hamesha tave se utare garma-garm hua karte the!"

His eyes welled up as he recalled his mother's sacrifice.

"Lekin jab mummy last me khane baithti toh pav kadak aur sabzi thandi ho jati. Jiski jitni sabzi bachti mummy woh hi bacha kucha dinner aur nashte me kha leti, taki anna barbaad na ho!"

Both pairs of mother and son became emotional.

"Isiliye aaj hum mummy ko apne haath se khilayenge, garm bhaji aur tawe se utre narm pav!"

Anupama felt immensely blessed when her father, son and life partner took turns to feed her.

She caught Anuj stealing glances even when she was being fed by Samar.

"Bas, bas. Ab main kha lungi baka. Aaplog bhi khaiye ne, varna thandi sabji me swaad nahi aayega. Kaka, aapko teekhi sabji se taqleeph nahi hogi?"

"Beta, maine apne liye masale dalne se pehle hi alag kar li thi."

"Toh theek. Samar tere liye cheej lekar aaun, bakuda?"

Samar uncovered a bowl of grated cheese.

"Sab taiyar hai mummy. No tension!"

"Anuj aap mat khaiye. Rukiye.. Aapko teekhi lagegi!"

"Main kha lunga Annu, relax!"

"Kya relex? Kal sev usal khate waqt aankh me se fauvvara beh raha tha ne waise hi aaj bhi behne lagega! Najuk Kapadiaji!"

"Kya tum bhi Anu.." he pouted like a baby.

"Rukiye.."

She squirted ample amounts of lime juice in the bhaji, added a generous dollop of butter and stirred it all.

"Samar, phridge se chocolate lakar rakh de ne . Jarurat padegi.." she instructed while dipping a piece of pav in the bhaji.

GK teased Anuj when Anupama blew air on the bhaji and fed it to him.

As their eyes met, both were reminded of professor Kapadia's class.

She coloured considerably when Anuj closed his mouth over her fingertips.

She withdrew her hand as Samar joined them.

"Theek hai ne?"

"Never tasted better!" he replied with a saucy smile as he fed her some.

"Aise hi ek doosre ko khilaao, beta. Maine buzurgon se suna hai is se pyaar badhta hai!"

As she prepared another morsel, Anuj looked up and thanked the heavens for fulfilling his wishes.

He realized the changes her reciprocal of love had brought about in their lives.

Now he could freely express his thoughts and she could openly react without hesitation.

MaAn fed each other while enjoying each others pleasurable company.

GK and Samar warded off the evil eye as they prayed for their happiness.

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

Samar was beyond excited to hear about the college visit from his mother.

Prior to that the only time she spoke of her student life was when Devika masi visited them.

He loved the twinkle in her eye as she recalled who she had once been when life had been benevolent and there were no responsibilities.

When she told him about the wish list, he also encouraged her to pursue her studies and complete her kathak degree.

"Par bakuda tu aur Nandu akele sab kaise manage karoge?"

"Sab ho jayega mummy! Aap bilkul tension mat lo. Hum dono bohot mehnat karenge! Aapka visharad pura ho jayega toh aapko students zyada milenge. Aur professional dance competitions aur events me participate karne ke chances bhi milenge. Academy ka fayda hi hoga!"

He kissed her clasped hands.

"Jab meri life me identity crisis chal rahi thi tab aapne mujhe support kiya tha. Ab main aapko support karunga, Har cheez me! Aap zara bhi hesitate nahi karengi mummy. Reclaim your identity! Apni pehchan wapis paiye!"

Anupama felt proud and grateful to have a son like him.

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

Anupama tiptoed out of the guest room once Samar fell asleep.

The door to Anuj's bedroom was ajar and the night lamp was on.

She gently opened it and closed it even more slowly so as to make minimal noise.

She found Anuj perched on the bed with a book in his lap.

He placed it on the bedside table as she approached him.

The first thing he noticed were her bare wrists.

"Anu.. Ma ke kangan kyun utar diye?"

"Woh bigad na jaye isiliye. Bohot mehenge hain! Tumne jis potli me kangan rakhe the woh mujhe de dena. Main usme hi rakh dungi."

"Ab unhe pehenkar rakho na. Kal se jab bhi hum milenge at least tab unhe pehen lena."

"Par.. roj pehenne se kharab ho jayenge ne. Ghar ke kam karte waqt mujhe dhyan nahi raha aur kundan ke patthar nikal gaye toh?"

"Toh main mandvaa dunga!" he assured her, thereby unknowingly healing another wound.

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

"Ma jo/dekh ne.." 20 year old Anupama whined with outstretched wrists.

"Tosu k pehle janamdin par ba ne inse kehkar apne liye bhari bangdi banvayi. Aur.. mere liye yeh halki Bagasara kadli."

Cradling a sleepy Toshu with one arm, her mother examined the bangles that sat on her wrists with the other hand.

"Achchi toh hai, Annu! Kaam/Design bahu fine chhe!"

"Main dejign ki baat nahi kar rahi hoon. Maine socha tha ba mujhe jo dengi woh main.. Tosu ki saadi pe uski vahu ko dungi!"

She sniffed as tears dropped down her eyes.

"Usko yeh.. peetal pe sone ka pani chadhaye hui kadli kaise dungi, bata?"

"Uske liye teri saadi ke daagine/jewellery hai ne, beta. Chinta mat kar! Uski saadi tak Vanraj Kumar tere liye bohot kuch banva denge!"

"Mujhe bura laga jab ba ne kaha.. sone ki bangdi pehenkar tujhe kahan jana hai?! Tosu toh kitna tophaani/naughty hai! Uske peechhe bhagte huye kahin sone ki bangdi tedhi ho gayi toh mere bete ka paisa barbaad hoga!"

Her mother tried to placate her.

"Unki baat ko dilse mat laga. Meri beti toh itni sundar hai ki usko daagine pehenne ki jarurat hi nahi hai!"

She wiped her tears and placed a dot of kohl behind her daughter's ear.

"Saadgi se badhkar shrungar nahi hota aur vinamrata se badhkar vyavahar nahi hota! Teri sasu aur var jo bhi de use unka prem samajh aur khusi, khusi sweekar kar le!"

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

"Kya hua Anu? Tumhari aankhon me aansu kyun?"

The concern in his eyes as he gazed into hers was soothing.

"Bataao na.." he urged, cupping her face in his hands.

Anupama shook her head as Anuj kissed her tear glazed eyes.

"Kuch nahi.. Bas.. peetal aur sone ka pharak samajh me aa gaya!"

"Kya matlab?"

She could see him stiffen up when she related the incident.

"Kya tumne Toshu ki shaadi pe Kinjal ko apni.. matlab peehar/maayike wali jewellery di, ya unlogon ne bhi contribute kiya tha?"

He was appalled when she revealed how she sold off every piece of her jewellery to buy Kinjal's diamond ring. And the ruckus that followed after that.

"I can't believe this! Ba, Vanraj aur Mrs Dave se toh mujhe koi ummeed nahi thi! Par Toshu aur Kinjal? Kinjal ne bhi kuch nahi kaha? Tumne ring di aur usne rakh li?! Did she offer to.."

"Kaisi baat kar rahe hain? Sagun me di hui angoothi ke paise kaise le sakti hoon main?"

He sighed dejectedly.

"That's not done, Anu! Tumne yeh kyun nahi socha ki un zevaron pe Pakhi aur Samar ka bhi haq hai? You know how Vanraj is. Mind games khelne se kabhi baaz nahi aata hai! Kal ko ba aur usne is baat ko lekar Pakhi ko tumhare against instigate kar diya toh tum kya karogi?"

She stared at him with a blank expression.

"Aur jis bete ki khushi ke liye tumne itna kuch kiya usme itni bhi courtesy nahi hai ki loan bharne me tumhari help kare!? On top of that, Diwali pe uska.. disgusting behaviour.. as though he owns you!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks as the harsh memories resurfaced.

Although Anuj gently wiped them, he spoke in a steel firm voice.

"Tumhare saath koi badsalooqi/ misbehave kare woh baat na maine college me bardaash ki na main ab karunga! Ab agar loan bharne ki baat ko ya kisi bhi aur baat ko lekar Toshu ya.. uske baap ne koi badtameezi ki, toh woh mere haathon pit jayenge!"

"Aap saant ho jaiye, Anuj. Pleej.." She slowly rubbed his back.

"Pehle ki baat aur thi, Annu. Pehle tum pe mera koi haq nahi tha, dost k family matters me interfere karna jaayaz nahi tha isiliye maine khamoshi se bohot kuch bardaash kiya, par ab nahi karunga!"

She placed her arms around him.

Aapke gusse se mujhe dar lag raha hai!"

He released a shaky breath to control his rage.

"I'm sorry! Tum theek toh ho na?" he asked rhetorically.

"Ha aur tum?"

"Main kaise theek ho sakta hoon? Tumne akele kitna saha hai, Anu. I'm just..."

"Ssshhhh.. Tame tada pado/cool down"

"Anu, promise me.. Aayinda aise koi bhi faisla tum bina soche samjhe, bina kisiko consult kiye, emotional hokar nahi logi. Hmm?"

She promised with utmost sincerity.

"Ab aap bataiye ne kya baat karni thi aapko?"

"Mujhe sorry kehna tha. Aaj se pehle maine kabhi meri aur Bunty ki puri baat nahi batayi tumhe. Bits and pieces me bataya. Darta tha.."

"Main samajhti hoon. Aapko jab theek lagega aap bata denge. Main janti thi.."

"Aaj main tumhe sab kuch bata dena chahta hoon."

...........

Anupama was moved by the depth of Anuj's endless and timeless love and terrified by the extent of his pain and loneliness.

Enfolding him in a tearful embrace, she cried for him and with him alike.

Anuj felt his pain and fear dissolving in the confines of her arms.

She already knew he had chosen to remain single as he could not love anyone else but her.

But she never realized how much he had lost and how far he had gone to hurt himself in the process.

The brother like friend who he could always rely on, whom he doted on was also lost. As was the chance to marry someone who knew him well and could perhaps love and understand him much more than she did? This thought hurt her the most.

"Aap meri kasam khakar kahiye ki.. agar Kanhaji ne mujhe.. aapse pehle bula liya.."

He placed a hand on her mouth to stop her.

"Kehva do ne mane!.. Aisa hua toh.. itne saalon tak jaise aap magnet ko dekh dekhkar.. apneaap ko.. tadpa rahe the, waise meri kisi cheej ko.. saath rakhkar khud ko nahi tadpayenge! Aur chot pahuchane ka toh sochenge bhi nahi!"

He shook his head and promised to never let her go instead.

"Ashu pleej.. Pinky promise kariye ne.. Mera kya bharosa? Phir se kuch cancer ya.."

"Shut up!"

She moved the finger he had placed to stop her and placed a finger on his lips.

"Aap sut up! Chupchap meri baat suno.."

Instead of glorifying his sacrifice, she asked him to act logically.

"Mere pehle wale riste me main nahi thi. Main nahi chahti hoon ke is riste me aap nahi ho. Aap ladiye, jhadgadiye, mat bhed ho humare beechh woh chalega.. lekin aapka tyaag nahi chalega! Kabhi bhi nahi! Aaj aapne Bunty ke naste ko lekar chhota sa jhoot kaha par phir bhi mujhe bohot bura laga! Abse mujhse kuch bhi chhupana mat, theek chhe?"

"Theek chhe!" he repeated with a nod.

She was determined to make him promise that he would not hold on to her memoirs once she was gone.

"Mujhe pichhli bar toh kuch pata hi nahi tha par is bar toh sab pata hai! Main upar se aapko aise tadapna hua dekhungi toh.. mujhe bohot jyada taqleeph hogi! Pleej.. Promise kariye ne.."

"Paagal chhokri! Main tumhe promise toh kar doon lekin jo yaadein, baatein hain, jo mere dil me.. tumhara pyaar hai uska kya karunga? Main ek pal ko saans lena bhool sakta hoon lekin tumse pyaar karna nahi bhulunga! Main aaj se tumse kuch nahi chhupaunga! Main khud ko ya tumhe chot nahi pahuchaunga! I will never love someone else and I will never give up on you! Pinky promise!"

His little finger clung to hers as he promised.

"Annuuuujjj.. Aap kyun jidd kar rahe hain?"

This time he silenced her with a kiss.

The kiss quickly turned from tender to passionate as eager tongues engaged with each other.

She kissed him fervently, silently promising to make up for all the time that they had lost.

He kissed her ardently as a promise to hold on to her through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, in life and in the everafter.

For the fourth time that day MaAn experienced the suspension of time and space.

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

"Ab aap mujhe bataiye ki yeh counselling ke liye kabse jana hai aapko?"

"Mujhe nahi hum dono ko. Tumhe bhi therapy ki zuroorat hai, mujhse bhi zyada!"

"Main kahan kahan jaun?! Opphice bhi jaun, padhai bhi karoon, kathak bhi aur counselling bhi?"

Anuj understood that she was feeling overwhelmed.

"Sab kuch ho jayega. Dont you worry sweetheart! Par sabse pehle yeh. Hmm?"

"Hmm" she sighed deeply.

"Mere new year resolutions me se ek hai therapy lena. Is bar na main apni mental health ko neglect karunga na tumhe karne dunga!"

She ignored the sliver of fear that gripped her heart as he dropped feather light kisses on her face.

"I'm so proud of what you did today! Us ghar se un toxic logon se jitna door rahogi tum, tumhari mental health ke liye utna hi achcha hoga! Bachchein tumhare ghar aa jaya karenge tumse milne aur tumhare saath rehne ke liye."

"Bapuji bhi toh hain.. Woh bhi aa jayenge waise hi!"

Her promise showed it's effect as he said what he wanted to, without thinking twice.

"I'm sorry to hurt you, Anu par.. Toxic logon me woh bhi shaamil hain!"

...........

Kindly ignore typos and mistakes.

P. S. Shayari by yours truly

Cheers,

Noorie

Part 25 on pg 95

Love. Iove.....love ......

Loved it yaara