Silence. Total, complete and utter silence reigns in the hall after Tara's question. Arnav and RK are completely aghast at the little angel's question and they glare at their better halves. Khushi and Madhu are quite red with embarrassment. It never occurred to them that Tara has been picking up on their conversations.
Khushi (clears her throat): Baby where did you hear that?
Tara (hands on hips): I heard you and Mima talk.
Madhu: Tara sweetie...it's...(searching for words) really...mmm...not what you think. Mmm...
Tara turns towards Arnav and RK, hands still on hips and glares at the poor, beyond shocked men.
Tara (angry): So you two hurt my Mama and Mima?
Arnav and RK open their mouths to talk but can't get any words out. How does one respond to such a question? Especially when posed by a child so young. One's own child, in Arnav's case! They close their mouth as they realized that they have nothing to say. What can they say that would make sense to a little girl? They can't even get their wives to understand!
Tara marches up to the family room. She turns back to see if Arnav and RK are following her. Exasperated, she stomps her feet.
Tara: Hello...misters! Follow me!
Khushi and Madhu (together, both horrified): Why?!?
Tara: Cuz I need to talk to them...in private.
Khushi and Madhu: But...
Arnav and RK walk up to the family room door and follow the child inside. Once they are in, Tara closes the door.
Be careful gentlemen! This little imp may be 4, but she's a skilled interrogator!
Tara (to Arnav): So you're my Mama's husband?
Arnav: Your papa too baby...
Tara does not acknowledge that statement. She needs answers!
Tara (to RK): And you're my Mima's husband?
RK (crouches down to be the same eye level as Tara): Yes...kiddo. And I am your uncle and friend too.
Tara (to both): Why did you leave them? (to Arnav, with tears in her eyes) Did you leave Mama because you didn't want me?
It broke Arnav's heart to hear his baby girl ask that question. He crouches down next to RK and cups Tara's face.
Arnav: Baby I didn't know about you till today. But I already love you...I know you're the sweetest, smartest and most beautiful daughter a father can ever ask for.
RK: It's true baby girl. (Sighs) I am heartbroken that I am not your father. But I hope you'll let me be your uncle and friend?
Tara: But you still haven't answered...why did you leave my Mama and Mima? They were so hurt... they don't think I pay attention. But I do...I am a big girl now...I understand things. They still cry...they don't know that I can see or hear them...I don't like it when they cry. Why did you hurt them?
Arnav: Baby...I never wanted to make your Mama cry. I love her and I love you. I...I...broke off with your Mama so I can protect her from harm. You want your Mama safe, don't you? Do you trust your papa?
RK: Sweetie...I too left your Mima to protect her from harm. I love her...I couldn't take the chance. And I love you too...you believe me don't you?
Tara looks deep into their eyes and deliberates for long minutes. It's about her Mama and Mima...she can't make a decision so lightly!
Tara (smiling at them): Yes...I believe you.
Arnav pulls his daughter into a tight hug and kisses the top of her head. His tears barely held back, as he's finally getting to hold his baby girl.
Tara squirms back from the hug. Missy is not done yet!
Tara (hands on hips): Before I help you win my Mama and Mima back you have to make several promises. Ok?
Aranv and RK: Done!
Tara (stomps her feet and pouts): Hello...! You need to listen to me first! Mama and Mima always say an agreement should be in writing. I am a big girl...and smart too...I want it in writing.
Arnav and RK stare back at this spirited little creature in awe. She's definitely a smart little cookie. Written agreement...what other 4 year olds think of that?
She points out where the pen and paper are kept in the room. Once the men get the papers, they wait patiently for the little one to start listing her commandments.
Tara (dictating to both): Number 1. I want promise that you won't ever hurt my Mama and Mima again. Number 2. Promise to give them a pretty wedding. And I get to be the flower girl! Number 3. Get me a puppy. Number 4. Bring me chocolates every day. Number 5. Take me to Disneyland. Number 6. Let Mama and Mima keep their jobs. They are smart girls you know. (Hold her hands wide) I want to just like then when I grow up!
Arnav (laughs): That's an interesting list baby.
Tara: You've got to promise...or...I won't talk to you...or help with Mama. Promise...promise...sign...sign!
RK (signing the piece of paper): Here you go my little darling...I promise to do everything states above. Especially getting you a puppy!
Tara jumps into RK's arms and kisses his cheeks. She giggles when he kisses her back.
Tara: You're the best! I'll help you win my Mima back, ok? I love you... Superstar!
RK: I love you too my little star!
Arnav (pouts): I signed and promised too. Don't I get a hug?
Tara laughs and goes into Arnav's arms. He holds her close to his heart. Arnav has lots of hugs and kisses to make up for these lost years.
Tara (kissing his cheeks): I'll help you too! Love you...daddy!
Arnav smiles through his tears. Daddy. The most beautiful and awaited word out of his angel's mouth. Daddy.
Arnav (kissing her back): I love you too... baby! Now shall we go back out before your Mama and Mima comes running in here?
Tara smiles and holds up her hands to the two men who have now become an important part of her life. She lets them escort her out. But she stops at the door, puts her hands on her hips and faces RK.
Tara: Don't forget our previous contract. You still have to introduce me to my Ranbir Kapoor.
Arnav: Ranbir Kapoor?
Tara: Yes daddy...he's my RK...and I am going to marry him when I grow up!
What the! I just found my baby girl and she's talking about marriage?!? Her marriage?!? My baby and getting married...over my dead body!
Arnav (scowls at RK): Who the hell is this Ranbir Kapoor? And why are you going to introduce MY daughter to him?!?
RK just shrugs his shoulders in response. He knows his little Star will clear things up for her daddy.
Tara (mouth open in shock): DADDY...! You DON'T know Ranbir Kapoor?
Arnav (confused): No baby...should I know him?
Tara stomps her foot and glares at her Arnav. Does her daddy live under a rock?!?
Tara: Ranbir Kapoor...the cutest and best actor...EVER! Daddy...do you live under a rock? (Pouts) How can you not know about him?
RK (sad face): I thought I am the cutest and best actor...EVER.
Tara (with a serious face): Superstar...you're the second best. No one can beat my RK.
Arnav stares unblinkingly at the two. Is he getting it right? This Ranbir Kapoor is an actor? And he's an ADULT? What the...! My FOUR year old baby girl wants to marry an already GROWN MAN? That's it! I need to order a hit on this Ranbir Kapoor. He's done...Poof!
Arnav (sternly to Tara): Missy...you're going to keep at least a 10 feet distance from this Ranbir chap. As for marriage, just forget about it! No boys for you missy... Boys are bad news. They only want ONE thing... NO boy is good enough for you, my princess.
Tara (stomps her feet): Daddy...! That's not fair...you can't keep me away from my RK!
Arnav (growls at RK): And you...why did you tell Tara you'll introduce her to this Ranbir...whatever his last name?
RK (whispers back so Tara won't hear): Dude chill. She'll meet Ranbir while she's with us. After she meets with him, I'll set about ruining his career. That way when baby girl is all grown up she'll forget about him.
Arnav (whispers back): Hmm...Suppose it's a better plan than ordering a hit on him. What about the other boys? She's beautiful. (Scowling) They are going to come after my baby daughter like bees attracted to honey!
RK (still whispering): Aahaan... Well for those boys we'll just have beat them off with sticks, brandish our shot guns and send them packing! (Scowling) They are not getting any funny ideas about our little girl.
Tara taps her foot impatiently as the two men whisper about how to keep her potential suitors away. Getting very annoyed at the secrecy, she puts her hands on the hips and glares at her daddy and Superstar.
Tara: Helllooo...! I am still here you know...! I wanna know the secret. (Puppy dog face) Share with me pretty pretty please! I am a big girl now...I can keep secrets.
Arnav: Mmm...I was just telling your Superstar that you my little princess are very beautiful and smart...
RK: And I was just telling your daddy that if you choose to...you can take the film industry by storm...
Arnav (to RK): I don't think so...she's going to be in business like her daddy.
RK: No way! She wants to be cool like her Superstar and become an actress...right little Star?
Tara (giggles): Na-ah...! I am going to be a lawyer just like my mama and mima. They are smart girls...I want to be just like them!
Arnav and RK smile at their little imp...yes...THEIR...she's a special little girl. Two mommies and daddies.
Arnav: We should go outside...
RK: Aahaan. Our shernis are probably getting ready to storm in here and murder us.
In the Hallway
Khushi and Madhu are going around in circles, quite agitated. Round and round they go in frustration till they can't take it anymore. They stop and look at the door.
Khushi (biting her fingernails): We should go in there...
Madhu: Yes! I agree...who knows what nonsense they are filling in our angel's head!
Khushi: Ok...that's it...let's go in!
They start walking towards the family room when the door swings open. Arnav, RK and Tara step out.
Arnav (to RK): Seems like we came right on the nick of time...
RK (to Arnav): Aahaan...our Shernis were getting ready to launch an attack.
Khushi (extremely offended): Excuse me?!?
Madhu (equally offended): We are NOT YOUR Shernis!
RK (cheerfully): Sure you are...right Arnav?
Arnav (equally cheerful): Yep...OUR Shernis!
Madhu: Uggh...cut the...uggh! (To Tara) Babyta...what did they say to you?
Khushi (to Tara): Yes...baby...tell mama and mima...what did they say? What happened in there? Did they hurt your feelings?
Tara (giggling): Mama...mima...They are not Rakshas and Janwar. My daddy and Superstar are awesome! They ARE sweeettt!
The boys grin as their Shernis look aghast. Sweet? What the...!
Tara: Daddy...pick me up from school tomorrow and then we'll go to the park. Superstar...you have to come to the park too!
Khushi (aghast): What the...!
Madhu: But...but...sweetie Nan Nan picks you up everyday...
Arnav (ignoring the ladies): Of course baby...I will pick you up from school. Mmm...where do you go to school?
Tara (giggling): Silly daddy...give me your phone.
Arnav gives her his iPhone. She quickly types in some information and hands it back to her daddy.
Tara: I put in my school address and my phone number. (Giggling) Now we call and text each other anytime we want.
Khushi: Baby! You're supposed to use your cell phone only for emergency.
Tara: Yes mama. And for family too...since daddy is family...I can call and text him anytime.
Arnav (smiling): That's my girl!
RK (pouts and hands Tara his iPhone): Don't I count as family?
Tara (giggles taking the phone): Of course...Superstar...I love you. You can totally have my number.
She quickly types in her phone number and hands it back to RK.
Madhu: This is madness!
RK (grinning): She's a smart girl...she loves us.
Khushi (makes a face): Ok...off to bed missy. It's way past bedtime.
Tara signals Arnav and RK to lower their head. She sweetly kisses each of their cheeks and they slather her with kisses as she giggles.
Arnav: Good night baby. See you tomorrow.
RK: Sleep tight my little Star.
Tara kisses her mama and mima and she walks upstairs for sweet dreams.
Arnav (to RK): Thanks again for telling me about her.
RK: Anytime dude.
Madhu (sarcastic): Awww...listen to them bond.
Khushi (sarcastic): Let's hope they don't go Brokeback Mountain.
Madhu: Go on drinking boys...and leave us alone.
Khushi: Go celebrate your new BOND...
Arnav (to RK): That's not a bad idea...
RK: Aahaan...let's go to Royalty...excellent scotch.
They keep talking and walk out of the house. Leaving their ladies completely flustered. Did the Rakshas and Janwar just ignore them? What the...! How dare they?!? They barge in, disturb their night and walk out as if everything is right in the world! Sighing, Madhu approaches the front door to close but RK pokes his head in.
RK: Ohh...Biwi...your Lovely Singh twins are back and will follow you like the shadow. Don't even try to trick them this time...or I'll carry you kicking and screaming to where YOU ACTUALLY belong, by my side, in my house. Goodnight sweetheart! Sleep tight...
Madhu slams the door shut in his face.
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Hi all. Hope you enjoyed the update and Tara's wheedling and dealing. 😃 Please hit like and comment. Thank you! 🤗
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