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PART 49:
"Dekho Armaan bhai ka chaand aakhir aa hi gaya!" Aaliyah commented as Riddhima and Armaan both stopped staring at each other and blushed.
"Mom!" Sur ran into Riddhima's arms, "Mom….mom….come with me…..you wanna meet my new friend…Suhaana?" Riddhima obliged and walked off with Sur.
Soon, to Armaan's dismay, Riddhima was surrounded by her relatives from Gujarat, Nishant, Padma, Rahul, and everyone else except him. Armaan sighed and walked away, 'shayad meri kismet mein Riddhima ka saath sirf jail mein hi tha."
HUM UMID KI DUNIYA BASATE RAHE,
VO BHI PAL PAL HUMEIN AAZMATE RAHE,
JAB MOHABBAT MEIN MARNE KA WAQT AYA,
HUM MAR GAYE AUR WO MUSKURATE RAHE... …
(thanks kvn1983)
With a sullen expression, he walked into the kitchen to get a drink. He noticed Alex and Farhan having fun racing their cars on the kitchen floor. It reminded him of his childhood days with Rahul and finally brought a little smile on his face.
As he drank water from a bottle, he heard a familiar voice, "masha'allah!" A startled Armaan gulped down a big sip and put the water bottle away. Riddhima stood at the door with her arms folded with a big smile on her face. She walked towards him and wiped the water from his lips with her dupatta, "I always tell Sur to take small sips…..look at you," she chuckled.
He jerked her hand away, "I can take care of myself," and wiped the remaining drops with his kurta sleeve.
"Baap re! Abhi bhi gussa ho? Dekho chaand nikalne se pehle aa gayi na?" she asked
"Chaand tho pehle hi nikal Chuka tha," he looked away and sulked.
She grabbed the scarf around his neck with her two hands and pulled him closer, "suna nahin Aaliyah kya keh rahi thi? Tumhara chaand tho ab aaya hai," she drawled romantically and looked into his eyes.
"Wo sab andhein hain…..pagal hain jo tumhari tulna us chaand se karte hain," he replied curtly, avoiding her gaze.
"Achha?" she chuckled, "shayad tum theek kehte ho….aakhir us chaand mein tho daag hai na? Aur meri khubsoorati tho bilkul be daag hai," she giggled.
"Bahut naaz hai tumhein apne is roop ka? Kitni ghamandi ho gayi ho," he pulled his scarf away and stepped back.
She grabbed his scarf again, "tumne aadat kharaab kar di hai….kya karoon? Not my fault."
"Of course saari galti meri hi hai….maine hi tumhein sir chadhaa rakha hai….all my fault!" he yanked away again.
"Theek hai tumhein main pasand nahin tho chali jaati hoon," she made a sad face.
"Apni marzi se aayi ho…..tho apni marzi se jaa bhi sakti ho," he folded his arms crossly.
"Do you know a good realtor in Mumbai?" she asked as she left glumly.
"What?" he was surprised and unfolded his arms, "why do you need a realtor in Mumbai?"
"Ab jab Mumbai ko apna ghar banaa liya hai tho sir chupaane ke liye chhat tho chaahiye na?" she crinkled her nose at him.
"Kya matlab?" he grabbed her by her elbow and dragged her into the walk-in pantry of the kitchen. He turned the dim light inside the pantry and shut the door, "zara phir se kehna…..I want to make sure I heard that right."
She folded her arms and heaved a sigh, "why do you care Mr Mallik? Main tumhari lagti hi kaun hoon? Now that we have decided to move to India, Sur aur main Mumbai mein koi ghar dhoondh lenge….mom has a flat in Baroda now, but that would be too small for all of us."
Armaan wrapped his red scarf around her slim waist and pulled her closer, "kya kaha tumney? Phir se kaho please," he bent down a little so his face was inches away from hers.
"Teen din intezaar nahin kar sake mera? After all it takes time to wrap a whole household from a country 1000s of miles away…..if the movers and bank had not given me a hard time, I would have been here……" she could barely complete her sentence as his lips crushed hers in the most possessive and passionate manner. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck as he dropped his scarf around her waist and instead grabbed her with his strong arms. His complains and grumbling melted in an instant as he tasted his love and her sweetness.
After an intense lip lock, they finally pulled away, still gasping and breathing heavily from the passion the kiss had generated. She had a faint smile on her face and looked up at him, "sorry…..ab itna intezaar nahin karwaaoongi."
"Don't be sorry…..I love your surprise…..aaj tumney mujhey sab se badhi khushi di hai Riddhima….I am sorry for whining and nagging you….jo tumney kiya wo sab nahin kar sakte….apna sab kuch chhod kar mere paas chali aayi ho tum," he clasped her hands in his and kissed each finger tenderly.
Bhool Se Agar Koi Bhool Hui,
To Bhool Samajke Use Bhool Jana,
Arey Bhoolna Sirf Bhool Ko,
Bhoolkar Bhi Hume Na Bhool Jana.
(thanks kvn1983)
Riddhima smiled lovingly as he recited the sher softly and caressed her fingers with his hands.
"Jitna chhod kar aayi hoon, us se kahin zyaada paaya hai maine...I have no regrets……I would have followed you anywhere in this universe," she rested her head on his chest and inhaled his warmth.
He stroked her hair and rested his chin on her head, "do you still need a realtor?"
She pushed him back with her hands and hit him playfully, "you can find one for yourself…. I am not leaving this home till the day I die!"
Armaan laughed heartily and bent down to kiss her one more time, "mmm…..aaj pehli baar in honthon se apne desh ka swaad aaya hai…pardes ki milaawat nahin."
Sabne kaha Dosti ek Dard hai,
Humne kaha Dard kabool hai
,Subne kaha is Dard ke saath Jee na Paogay
,Humne kaha teri Dosti ki saath Marna kabool hai.
(thanks kvn 1983)
Meanwhile, Naina and Rahul came to the kitchen looking for Armaan.
"Arre yeh Armaan kahan ghayab ho gaya? Sab uska intezaar kar rahe hain," Naina looked everywhere.
"Ammi…..ab Riddhima aa gayi hai….yeh samajh lee jiye ki jahan Riddhima hogi, wahin hamare bhai jaan honge," Rahul chuckled, "Farhan…..Armaan chachu ko dekha hai?" he asked his son, who was still racing his cars with his new friend on the kitchen floor.
"Haan wo pantry mein hain,' Farhan said absent mindedly.
"Pantry mein?" Naina and Rahul looked at each other.
"Yes…..with Riddhima aunty……vrooom!" Alex raced his car and answered.
Rahul and Naina suppressed their smiles and shook their heads.
"Main Padma behen se baat karti hoon…….mahurat dekhkar in dono ki shaadi bhi abhi karwaa dete hain…..waise bhi inki 2-2 rasmein honi hain….jaa Rahul tu maulwee ji se baat kar…..main pandit ka intezaam karwaa ti hoon," Naina chuckled at her son's impatience, "bilkul apne abbu par gaya hai…..wo bhi bilkul aise hi the jawani mein,' she said softly.
"Accha jee…..tho abbu ki chori pakdi gayi," Rahul overheard his mom mumbling to herself, "pataa chala Armaan jaisa aashiq hamare khaandan mein kaise paida hua."
"Chup kar Rahul," Naina blushed, "kuch tho hamari umar ka lihaaz kar."
"Theek hai ammi….Riddhima ko jaan kar khushi hogi ki aage jaakar wo bhi aapki tarah is umar mein nayi dulhan ki tarah sharmaa sakegi," Rahul hugged his mom as they walked out of the kitchen.
Armaan and Riddhima were still oblivious of the conversations in the kitchen. If they had their way, they could have stayed in the pantry all evening, but they realized that people were probably looking for them at this point.
"Shouldn't we be going out now?" Riddhima fixed her lehnga. Armaan bent down and picked his scarf, "chalo….aap kehti hain tho duniyadaari bhi nibhaa lete hain….warna yeh pantry mein kaafi sukoon mil raha tha." She hit his arm playfully, "yeh Arjun aur Arohi ka khaas din hai…..hamara nahin."
Armaan grabbed her hand and kissed it, "jab tak tum mere saath ho, mere liye sab din khaas hain."
"sach?" she squinted her eyes and grinned playfully as he chased her out of the pantry.
"Tum log?" he was startled to see the two boys with their cars still in the kitchen.
"Dadi dhoondh rahi thi aapko chachu," Farhan grinned as he saw the flour stains on Armaan's scarf and Riddhima's lehnga.
"Kya kaha tuney?" Armaan was mortified.
"Yahi ki aap Riddhima aunty ke saath pantry mein hide n' seek khel rahe ho," Farhan said naughtily.
"Abbe…teri tho!" Armaan tried to grab his nephew but he swiftly slipped away from his hands.
Riddhima chuckled a little and came up to Armaan, "looks like the pantry has already made us famous…..now let's go and face the music Mallik saheb," she wiped his lips with her dupatta once again.
"Yeh baar baar mera mooh kyun ponch thi rehti ho?" he asked irritably.
"Theek hai nahin ponch thi…..I bet people would love your new lip color," she winked at him and walked out of the kitchen. Armaan grinned and wiped his lips with his kurta sleeve before joining everyone in the living room.
"Aaiye…aaiye Armaan miya….lagta hai shaadi se pehle hi aate daal ka bhaav pataa lagaa rahe the aap?" Arjun teased his friend as the pantry romance was no longer a secret limited to Rahul and Naina. Everyone gave Armaan and Riddhima curious looks and commented on the flours stains on their clothes. Riddhima acted a little more nonchalant and mingled with Harshini and her maasi-maasa from Gujarat. To her pleasant surprise, Nishant and Harshini had already become good friends in the few hours they had been together.
Harshin's son had not been too well recently, and a doctor at the party was who she needed for some advice. Before long, Nishant was holding Harshini's 2 year old son and proudly walking around with him in the party.
"Armaan….we want a song…..we want a song!" everyone cheered him as he tried to compose himself after the pantry escapade.
"Ek Punjabi geet ho jaaye Armaan….aakhir hum sab Punjab de munde hain!" Mazhar requested.
Armaan smiled mischievously as he remembered this popular bhangra number:
"Dil le gayi kudi Gujarat di" by Jasbir Jassi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsKqeGgCNTA
Riddhima blushed and laughed merrily as he stressed on the 'kudi Gujarat di…..'
"Lagta hai yahan sirf Gujarat ki kudiyon ka hi bol baala hai," Nishant whispered in Riddhima's ears and gazed at Harshini.
"Nishant…..if you want…..the Gujarat ki kudi you are eyeing, can become your dance partner tonight," Riddhima caught Nishant staring at Harshini.
"Yeah yeah whatever," he turned red and walked away towards the men.
Next, a song was requested for Arjun and Arohi to dance on….
"Salaam-e-ishq"
http://www.raaga.com/channels/hindi/movie/H001105.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaclyFdstlU
ishq hai...
(teri aankhon ke matvaale kaajal ko mera salaam
zulfon ke kale kale baadal ko mera salaam) - 2
ghayal kar de mujhe yaar tere paayal ke jhankar
hey soni sone teri soni har adaa ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq ishq ishq salaam-e-ishq - 2
(ho salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-
salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-) - 2 ishq hai...
Arjun twirled Arohi around and caught her in his arms as they danced. A shy Arohi hid her face in her palms as everyone else joined in during the dance…..
ho teri mastaani anjaani bataon ko mera salaam
rangon mein doobi doobi raaton ko mera slaaam
khwaabon mein kho gayi main deewani ho gayi main
soney soney aisse soney har adaa ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq ishq ishq salaam-e-ishq - 2
(ho salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-
salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-) - 2 ishq hai...
Naina and Padma held Arohi and Riddhima by their hands and gave them their blessings……
ho teri hathhawitch mehandi ka rang khila hain
tujhe sapano da changa mehboob mila hain
meri banno pyaari pyaari sari duniya se nyaari
ise doli mein tu leja doliyaan, doliyaan...
Armaan gazed at Riddhima's lovely face and remembered their first meeting at Hinna's sangeet. He recalled how he had fallen for her at first sight…..
teri meri nazar jo mili pehli baar
ho gaya ho gaya tujhse pyaar
dil hai kya dil hai kya jaan bhi tujhpe nisaar
maine tujhe kiya aitbaar
ho main bhi toh tujhpe mar gayi
deewanapan kya kar gayi
meri har dhakan betaab hai
palkon vich tera khwaab hai
ho jaan se bhi pyaari pyaari jaaniya ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq, (salaam-e-ishq ishq ishq salaam-e-ishq) - 2
(ho salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-
salaam-e-ishq salaam-e) - 2 ishq hai...
Shabbir and Aaliyah were next and danced together to this part. Ranbir pulled Hinna into his arms and danced with her…..
main tere ishq mein do jahan vaar doon
mere vaade pe kar le yakeen
keh rahe hai zameen keh raha aasman
tere jaissa dooja nahin
ho aisse jaadoon na daal ve
naa aaon tere naal ve
jhooti tereefein chodh de
ab dil mere dil se jod de
ho jo abhi hai dil se nikli uss dua ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq ishq ishq salaam-e-ishq - 2
(ho salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-
salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-) - 2 ishq hai...
rab se hai iltija maaf kar de mujhe
main toh teri ibaadat karoon
aye meri soniye na khabar hai tujhe
tujhase kitni mohobbat karoon
tere bin sab kuch benoor hai
meri maang mein tere sindoor hai
sanson mein yehi paigaam hai
mera sab kuch tere naam hai
ho dhadkanon mein rehnewaali soniye ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq
The floor was full as all the couples, old and young, joined in……
teri aankhon ke matvaale kaajal ko mera salaam
zulfon ke kale kale baadal ko mera salaam
khwaabon mein kho gayi main deewani ho gayi main
soney soney teri soney har adaa ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq ishq ishq salaam-e-ishq - 2
(ho salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-
salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-) - 3 ishq hai...
salaam-e-ishq
"Ab ek Gujarati garba bhi ho jaaye….kyun bhai?" Armaan signaled to the orchestra and smiled. He invited Nishant and Harshini to dance with him. A shy Harshini was initially hesitant, but Armaan grabbed her hand and placed it in Nishant's hands.
Riddhima, Padma, Naina maasi and Dilip maasa were thrilled to see Harshini dance so freely with Dr Nishant Mehta. They coordinated their garba steps rhythmically and almost seemed like had been dancing together forever……..
"Dholi taro dhol baaje…." From HDDCS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th_WbVEqsJ4
Next, they played a song for Peter and Lisa to dance on with Riddhima, Arjun, Arohi, Aaliyah, Shabbir, Harshini and Nishant. Armaan joined Riddhima midway between the song as they all danced to this peppy new number….
"Hey chori….zara nachke dikha…" from "cash"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7yL1pw81rI
aye chori zara nach ke dekha, zara thumka laga, zara nach ke dekha - 2
naughty naughty si fiza hai, haule haule se dil mein chali koi hawa hai
sapne sapne yeh dua hai, roko roko yeh mujhko na jane kya hua hai
u n me will we meant to be, main tera tu meri destiny
chhodo na choda na baahein marodo na ho jaaungi mein khafa
sainya sainya sehari lage hai mohe sexy, chain mere dil ka chura gaya
sainya sainya sehari love the way u touch me, ?? dil mein basa gaya
(aye chori ..zara nazar milana
zara nach ke dekha ..zara nazar churana..
zara thumka laga..mere jazbaaton ki
zara nach ke dekha ..zara kadar deeMallika) - 2
chup chup chup kar koi meri sapno mein aaye
chup chup woh rehta hai par raaj chhupa na paaye
aankhein yeh baat bataati hain, aahein sunaati hai dil ki sada
chhodo na choda na baahein marodo na ho jaaungi mein khafa
sainya sainya sehari lage hai mohe sexy, chain mere dil ka chura gaya
sainya sainya sehari love the way u touch me, ?? dil mein basa gaya
aye chori zara nach ke dekha, zara thumka laga, zara nach ke dekha - 3
naughty naughty si fiza hai, haule haule se dil mein chali koi hawa hai
sapne sapne yeh dua hai, roko roko yeh mujhko na jane kya hua hai
u n me will we meant to be, main tera tu meri destiny
chhodo na choda na baahein marodo na ho jaaungi mein khafa
sainya sainya sehari lage hai mohe sexy, chain mere dil ka chura gaya
sainya sainya sehari love the way u touch me, ?? dil mein basa gaya
Finally, all the men joined in and teased the women on this song:
"Soni de nakhre sone lag de…." From "Partner"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtUkNNICbBY
soni de nakhre sone lagade o meinu, soni de nakhre sone lagade - 2
oh keindie pump up the jame oh keinde
oh jannah jannah (4)
soni de nakhre soni lagde meinu…… (4)
oh keinde pump pump pump up (4)
oh jannah jannah
oh keindie pump up the jame oh keinde (4)
oh jannah jannah oh keinde
mainu bhi nakhre sone lagade tere, mainu bhi nakhre sone lagade - 2
(o char din ki jawaani aah aah
o bitein tanaha na raani aah aah) - 2
woh pyaar tera main rakhwaanga aah aah
ho sar aankhon pe deewaani aah aah
soni de nakhre sone lagade o meinu, soni de nakhre sone lagade - 2
(oy kudi naal mere nachle aah aah
ho mainu baahawich kas le aah aah) - 2
Aaaja ishq di kadi wich aah aah
ho thoda jile thoda marle aah aah
soni de nakhre sone lagade o mainu, soni de nakhre sone lagade - 2
soni de nakhire soni lagidae tainu (4)
oh keinde pump pump pump up (4)
oh jannah jannah
oh keindie pump up the jame oh keinde (4)
oh jannah jannah oh keinde
The kids had all joined in too as the men teased all their women about their 'nakhras'
By the end of the evening, everyone had a great time at the sangeet ceremony. Nishant offered to drop Harshini and her parents to the nearby hotel they were staying at.
"Mom….do you think what I think?" Riddhima asked Padma as they watched Nishant leave with Harshini's son in his arms.
"Hmmm….main bhi soch rahi hoon ki dono ki Jodi bahut jamegi," Padma pondered.
"Aap unki Jodi tho baad mein banaaiyega behenji…..pehle hamare ghar ko roshan kar dee jiye," Naina held Padma's hands.
"Jee…aapka ghar?" Padma was perplexed.
"Ab ek beti jaa rahi hai," Naina caressed Arohi's chin, "tho soch rahi hoon…..ek beti ko vida karoon aur doosri ko apne ghar le aaun….kyun na Armaan aur Riddhima ki shaadi bhi usee din kar dein jis din Arjun aur Arohi ki kar rahe hain?" she looked at Armaan with the corner of her eyes. Both Armaan and Riddhima turned red at that comment; they knew that even the elders were aware of their desperate situation. This was not the US, where they could sneak out and be together before their marriage; they had to follow strict rules here at the Mallik residence. An early marriage was the only way they could be together officially.
Padma smiled and squeezed Naina's hands, "aap jaisa chaahe….humein manzoor hai….kyun Riddhima?" she asked. For a change, Riddhima was too shy to respond. She hid her face in her mother's pallu like a little girl.
"Mujhey manzoor hai," for a change Armaan spoke up, grinned wickedly and hugged his mother, "ammi…..aap tayyari kee jiye…..Riddhima bahut utaawali hai tumhari bahu ban ne ko."
Riddhima looked up and glared at him. She could not say anything as everyone around them cheered and clapped for the two lovers.
PART 50: Last part
ONE WEEK LATER:
MUMBAI DOMESTIC AIRPORT:
"Bye mom….bye abbu," Sur kissed her newly wed parents on their cheeks, "make sure you bring a little Taj Mahal for me."
"Yes, of course beta…..next time we will take you to see the Taj itself," Armaan returned her kiss.
"Can I go with you now?" an excited Sur asked.
"Pagal hai!" Farhan pulled Sur back, "honeymoon par bachhe nahin jaate!"
"Kyun nahin jaate?" an innocent Sur asked. Farhan whispered something in Sur's ear; she giggled softly and looked at her parent's aghast expression, "don't worry abbu…..main mazaak kar rahi thi…..Suhaana and I will have lots of sleepovers when you are gone….have a great time," she kissed them again and ran to Suhaana, who was bidding good bye to her parents on their way to Simla for their honeymoon.
"Farhan ke bachhe….kya kaha tha tuney Sur ke kaan mein?" Armaan knelt down and asked his nephew. Armaan was afraid that mischievous Farhan might be teaching his innocent little girl a little too much about the realities of life.
"Kuch nahin chachu….yahi ki honeymoon grownups ka sleepover hota hai….usmein bacche allowed nahin hote!" he smiled sheepishly and ran away to his dada and dadi.
"Aaj kal ke bacche….allah bachaye unse," Armaan stood up and shook his head.
Riddhima, dressed in a beautiful orange and red silk saree, henna all the way up to her elbows, wrists covered with ornate bangles and kadhaas, looked like a perfect bride. The glow on her face reflected her inner happiness as she circled her arm around Armaan and whispered, "Farhan ne kuch galat tho nahin kaha na….he is right."
Armaan glanced down at his gorgeous wife and put his arm around her, "galat kaha…..hamara honeymoon sleepover nahin……wakeover hoga…samjhi?" and squeezed her in his arms, "jab se shaadi huyi hai….idhar udhar bhaagti rehti ho….now you will be in my custody for the next 1 week!"
"One week? That's it?" she teased him and giggled, "I was hoping for lifetime imprisonment Mr Mallik."
"Mrs Mallik…..agar qaidi ki yahi marzi hai….tho uska intezaam bhi ho sakta hai," he gave her an amorous gaze and gently brushed his head against hers.
"*cough*cough* Bhai plane tho udh jaane do…..aap logon ka honeymoon tho yahin shuru ho gaya hai," Rahul cleared his throat and came up to them, "yeh rahe tumhare boarding passes…..aur yeh hotel ki booking…..you guys have the best honeymoon suite at the Amar Vilas…..bahut mushkil se mila hai…..I hope you make best use of it," Rahul winked and handed them the travel folder.
"Aap fikar mat kariye bhai…..hum aapki mehnat barbaad nahin hone denge," Armaan winked back at Riddhima, who turned red from embarrassment. Since the wedding, their roles had reversed with Armaan taking the initiative in being the daring one with the outrageous comments and Riddhima being the shy and docile 'bahu' like a typical Indian woman, especially in front of Armaan's family.
The Hindu and Islam wedding ceremonies, numerous rituals from both sides; multiple visitors and traditions had exhausted both Armaan and Riddhima. Knowing how desperate the two had been before their marriage, it would come as a surprise that the couple had not yet celebrated their suhaag raat yet. Last night, was their only chance to be alone together, but for some unknown reason, Sur had a major meltdown just as Riddhima came back to her room after putting her to bed. The night went by with Armaan trying to pacify Sur with stories and poems as Riddhima fell asleep on the couch in Sur's room. Sur was missing her nani, her own room, her own toys, and most of all her mom. The wedding ceremonies had kept her away from her mom most of the time, and now that Padma and Nishant had departed too, Sur found herself alone all of a sudden. To top it all, Suhaana had moved out of the Mallik residence to her parent's new home too.
It was then decided that both the newly married couples would leave for their respective honeymoons, earlier than scheduled. Sur and Suhaana would now be together at the Mallik's and sleep with their dadi till their parents got back. Both the four year olds loved that decision and 'granted' permission to their parents to leave for their honeymoons.
"Achha Suhaana….jab ammi aur abbu chale jaayenge, tho dadi ka kehna zaroor maan na….theek hai?" Arohi explained, "aur Sur ko bhi tang nahin karna."
"Nahin karegi," Sur put her arm around Suhaana, "Arohi chachi…..aap jao….main aur Suhaana kisi ko tang nahin karenge." The girls giggled and hugged each other joyously.
Billy picked the two four year olds in his arms, "bilkul pareshaan nahin karengi yeh dono…..tum log befikr hokar jao," he smiled at Arjun and Arohi.
A reassured Arohi and Arjun bid goodbye to everyone and boarded their flight to Simla.
ARJUN & AROHI's HONEYMOON:
Arjun had been on cloud 9 since their nikaah. They had a simple wedding ceremony at the Mallik's along with Armaan and Riddhima's wedding. Soon after Arohi's bidaai, they had moved to their own home which Arohi had so beautifully decorated over the past few weeks. Arohi still blushed as she recalled their suhaag raat that night. Thankfully, Suhaana had stayed back with Sur at the Mallik's giving them privacy and time with each other, without any interruptions unlike Armaan and Riddhima.
It was interesting that Arohi, who had always lived in a large joint family, had moved out into a small nest of her own along with her husband and daughter. Riddhima, the one who was used to her independence and raised in a very nuclear family abroad, had ended up in a large joint family in the heart of Mumbai.
Now, dressed in a beautiful silk green salwaar kameez, mehndi on her arms, beautiful jewelry complimenting her elegant looks, Arohi was on her way to Simla, a hill station in Northern India, with her husband, Arjun Shah.
"Arjun….mujhey abhi tak yakeen nahin hota ki hum tum ab saath hain," Arohi rested her head on his chest as they sat on the couch in their beautiful honeymoon suite at the Cecil Oberoi Resort situated amongst the beautiful peaks of the Himalayas.
"Arohi," he held her hand and kissed it tenderly, "main vaada karta hoon ki ab hum dono ko khuda bhi judaa nahin kar paayega……jab pehle nahin kar paaya tho ab qayamat bhi aa jaye, tho hum dono alag nahin honge."
"Ya allah…..aap qayamat ki baat kyun karte hain?……Mujhey aisi baaton se darr lagta hai," she clung to him.
"Bahut darr pok ho tum Arohi," Arjun chuckled a little at his little worry wort.
"Aapko mazaak soojh raha hai?" she got up angrily, "meri yahan jaan nikal jaati hai aisi baatein soch soch kar……main hi jaanti hoon ki kya kya nahin suna tha maine aapke aur mere rishte ke baare mein……wo darr aaj bhi mere dil ko sataata rehta hai."
"Arohi….Arohi," he hugged her and kissed her forehead, "hamara rishta bahut pak hai….usey koi nahin thod sakta jaan……main chaahta hoon ki in lamhon ko apne dil mein hamesha hamesha ke liye qaid kar loon……dekho bahar aasmaan mein wo chaand….noor jaisa lag raha hai…..jab tak uski dua hamare saath hai…..hamara koi kuch nahin bigaad sakta," he kissed her lips gently and carried her to the luxurious king sized bed in the room.
Enjoy this beautifu song from "Jodha Akbar" as Arjun and Arohi celebrate their 'pakiza rishta' once more as husband and wife…..
http://profile.imeem.com/6m6OTzl/music/CqZYDumc/sonu_nigam_m adhushree_in_lamhon_ke_daaman_mein/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3BH6lmZ7-c
In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain
Khamosh si hai zameen hairaan sa falak hai
Ek noor hi noor sa ab aasman talak hai
(Nagmein hi nagmein hai jagti soti fizaon mein
Husn hai sari adaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein ) —2
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tanam tanam tanam tanana dom tom
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tana dom tom tana dom tom tanana dom tom
Dom tom tana nana dom tom tana dom
Dom tom tana nana dom tom tana
ohhoo
Dom dom tom tana nana dom tom tana
Dom tom tana nana dom tom tana nana
Kaise yeh ishq hai
Kaisa yeh khwab hai
Kaise jazbaat ka umda salab hai
(Kaise yeh ishq hai
Kaisa yeh khwab hai
Kaise jazbaat ka umda salab hai
Din badle raatein badli, baathein badli
Jeene ke aandaz hi badlein hai) —- chorus
In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain
Female:
Samay ne yeh kya kiya
Badal di hai kaya
Tumhe mene paa liye
Mujhe tumne paya
Mile dekho aise hai hum
ke do sur ho jaise madham
koi jyada na koi kaam
Kise aag mein
Ke prem aag mein
Jalte dono hi the tan bhi hai maan bhi
Maan bhi hai tan bhi
Tan bhi hai maan bhi
Maan bhi hai tan bhi
Male..
mmmhhmmm
Mere khwaabon ke is gulistaan mein
Tumse hi tum bahar chai hai
Phoolon mein rang mere the lekin
In mein khusboon tumhi se aaye hai
[(Kyon hai yeh arzoo
Kyon hai yeh zustzu
Kyon dil bechain hai
Kyon dil betaab hai ) —-2
Din badle raatein badli baatien badli
Jeene ke andaaz hi badle hain > —chorous
In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain
Khamosh si hai zameen hairaan sa falak hai
Ek noor hi noor sa ab aasman talak hai
(Nagmein hi nagmein hai jagti soti fizaon mein
Husn hai sari adaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein…
ARMAAN & RIDDHIMA's HONEYMOON:
"Riddhima!" Armaan tried to shake a very drowsy Riddhima on the flight en route to Agra. Since they had boarded the flight, she had been fast asleep on his arm. He had tried everything to keep her awake- recited new shers, poems, told her jokes, romantic sweet nothings but her eyelids kept drifting off into a deep slumber.
"Agar sona hi tha tho honeymoon par kyun jaa rahe hain?" he finally gave up and shook her again.
She opened one eye and squinted, "abhi so rahi hoon kyunki wahan jaakar tho wake over karna hai na?"
"So you are awake? Jhoothi kahin ki…drama baaj!" he pulled his arm away and got up from his seat.
"Kahan jaa rahe ho?" she pulled him back by his arm.
"Are you the same woman who seduced me before we got married?" he sat down angrily, "ab kya hua hai tumhein?"
"I like to see you desperate," she was wide awake and put her arm around his shoulder, "mera desi sher….kitna cute lagta hai gusse mein," she pinched his cheek with her fingers.
"Who says I am desperate? I could care less…..as far as I am concerned…this is just another vacation," he sat back and closed his eyes.
She leaned closer, bit his ear lobe and whispered, "I'll make sure this is the vacation of your life Mallik saheb." Armaan opened one eye and gave her a devilish smile, "yes Mrs Mallik…..ghar par tho sabke saamne itni seedhi saadhi desi bahu bani rehti ho….mere haath bhi nahin aati ho….where is my American seductress?"
"Tumhein pataa nahin ab main American nahin…..ek bholi bhali Hindustani ladki hoon," she placed her pallu on her head and bowed shyly in front of him.
"Yeah right!" he took her pallu off and they both broke out into laughter as the pilot announced that they were soon going to land in Agra.
"Armaan…jokes aside," she held his hand and gazed into his eyes, "I know you think I have been ignoring you all these days…..but I know you know me well…..you love me for who I am……but now that I am a part of you and your family, I want to know them well….I want them to know who I am…..not just a spoilt and selfish American immigrant who trapped their son in her love……but a dutiful daughter-in-law also…..someone who cares about her husband's family……iss liye tumse itne din door rahi…..lekin ab nahin reh paaungi," she leaned against his chest and caressed his hand.
"Yeh kaunsi kitaab se yaad kiya hai tumne?" he squeezed her hand and kissed it, "naatak karne mein tum number 1 ho…..bachare Indian judges…..they don't know what kind of woman is going to join their courts soon," and put his arm around her as the plane landed in Agra. She dug her elbow into his side and punched him playfully, "I will make sure you'll pay for this accusation."
"Ok…Ok..baba….tum jeeti…..main haara……chalo we need to sit upright….the plane is landing," Armaan sat up and laughed.
AT THE HOTEL:
Riddhima stood at the window, brushing her hair as she admired the Taj in full view. The evening sun was almost setting, giving the Taj an Orange colored glow in the horizon.
"Kya dekh rahi ho?" a freshly showered Armaan in his bathrobe walked behind her and circled his arms around her waist.
"You were right Armaan…..the Taj seems more beautiful each time one sees it….aaj 5 saal pehle se bhi zyaada khubsoorat lag raha hai," she gasped as his lips brushed against her neck softly.
"Taj ki khubsoorati tho lavzon mein bayan ho sakti hai….lekin meri husn e jaana ki tareef mumkin nahin hai," he drawled seductively and turned her around to face him. His finger traced the lines on her face gently as he recited shers from this famous Nusrat Fateh Ali Mallik ghazal. Riddhima closed her eyes as she sensed his lips approaching hers. After quenching their parched lips, he carried her to the royal bed in the center of the suite. The bed was covered with beautiful rose petals with a white lacy curtain encasing the edges . Armaan removed the pins from her sari and gradually unwrapped his beautiful present……
Husn E Jana Ki Tareef Mumkin Nahin
Aisa Daikha Nahi Khoobsurat Koi
Jism Jaisay ajantaa Ki Moorat Koi
Jism Jaisay Nigaahon Pe Jaado Koi
Jism Naghma Koi, Jism Khushboo Koi
Jism Jaisay Machalti Hoi Raagni
Jism Jaisay Mehekti Hui Chandni
Jism Jaisay Khilta Hua Aik Chaman
Jism Jaisay K Sooraj Ki Pehli Kiran
Jism Tarsha Hua Dilkash O Dilnasheen
Sandali Sandali, Marmari Marmari
He removed his bathrobe and lay next to his wife's radiant body. He picked a rose from a nearby vase and caressed her face gently with the soft petals……
Chehra Ek Phool Ki Tarah Shaadaab Hai
Chehra Uska Hai Ya Koi Mehtaab Hai
Chehra Jaise Ghazal, Chehra Jaan E Ghazal
Chehra Jaise Kali, Chehra Jaise Kanwal
Chehra Jaise Tasawwar Bhi Tasveer Bhi
Chehra Ek Khwaab Bhi, Chehra Taabeer Bhi
Chehra Koi Alif Laila Ki Dastaan
Chehra Ek Pal Yaqeen, Chehra Ek Pal Gumaan
Chehra Jaisa Ki Chehra Kaheen Bhi Naheen
Maahroo Maahroo, Mehjabeen Mehjabeen
Riddhima groaned in pleasure as his magical fingers and words played havoc with her body. He kissed her eyes softly………
Aankhein Daikhe To Mein Daikhta Reh Gaya
Aankhein Ya Makaday Ka Do Baad Hein
Aankhein In Ko Kahoon Ya Kahoon Khuwaab Hein
Aankhein Neechi Huwi To Haya Bun Gayi
Aankhein Unchi Howi To Dua Bun Gayi
Aankhein Uth Ker Jhuki To Ada Bun Gayi
Aankhein Jhuk Ker Uthi To Qaza? Qada Bun Gayi
Aankhein Jin Mein Qaid Aasman O Zameen
Nargisi Nargisi, Surmayi Surmayi
Armaan's fingers stroked her beautiful long hair as he kissed and inhaled their fragrance……
Zulf E Janaan Ki Bhi Lambi Hai Daastan
Zulf Ki Mairay Dil Per Hein Parchiyaan
Zulf Jaisay K Umdi Howi Ho Ghata
Zulf Jaisay K Ho Koi Kaali Bala
Zulf Uljhay To Dunya Pareshaan Ho
Zulf Suljhay To Yeah Deed Aasan Ho
Zulf Bikhray Siyaah Raat Chaanay Lagay
Zulf Lehraye To Raat Janay Lagay
Zulf Zanjeer Hai Phir Bhi Kitni Haseen
Reshmi Reshmi, Amberi, Amberi
His husky drawl had mesmerized her body into a stuporous daze, "Armaan…..please," she touched his lips with her finger and arched her back in pleasure, a sweet throbbing filling her senses with every touch and kiss of his, "tang mat karo Armaan…..I need you…I need you more than ever…." she moaned as they came together, this time as Mr and Mrs Mallik under the soft glowing moonlit sky peeking through the window and filtering through the lacy curtains.
"Armaan…..Armaan," Riddhima shook him as he snored softly after their passionate love making. She removed the pieces of her broken bangles carefully from the bed and his palms and smiled as she recalled his passion just a few minutes ago. Of course, who would believe that he was the same man-he lay listless and spent as if he had just been through an arduous task. Riddhima, on the other hand was wide awake and ready to celebrate.
"Mmm…sone do Riddhima….aaj bahut dino ke baad neend aayi hai," he moaned.
"It's night time…..we have to see the Taj by the moonlight…..tonight is the only night," she ran her finger on his sleepy face.
"Tho dekh tho raha hoon apne Taj ko….wo bhi chaandni raat mein," he opened his eyes slightly and touched her face.
"Very funny! Mujhey bhi tho dekhna hai Taj chandni raat mein," she tried to pull him up.
"Tho bathroom mein sheesha hai na….usmein apne aap ko dekh lo," he rolled over and fell asleep again.
"Shaadi ke ek hafte baad hi itne unromantic ho gaye ho Armaan….aage kya hoga?" she threw her pillow on his face.
"Abhi se maarna shuru kar diya? Aage kya hoga? Itne acche sher tho sunaaye the tumhein…..wasn't that romantic?" he mumbled sleepily.
"Theek hai….tum yahin sote raho….main khud chali jaaoongi….I am sure I can always find a handsome prince somewhere to give me company…..especially when I am dressed as a beautiful Indian Princess….bye sleepyhead," she walked away after wrapping herself with the bed covers.
"Indian princess?" he turned around and asked.
"Hmm…..I got a special outfit tailored just for tonight…..but you can snooze honey…..I am going to get dressed…..the special carriage will pick me up in hour," she bolted for the bathroom with a bag in one hand.
She tip toed out of the bathroom in a beautiful pink sharaara, kurta, dupatta wrapped around her head, beautiful antique jewelry on her wrists, anklets, neck and head. It was as if Mumtaz Mahal herself had come down from the heavens that night. Riddhima noticed that Armaan was still fast asleep, this time covered from head to toe with a blanket. She decided to leave the dark and quiet room without him and wondered if he would follow her.
"Main jaa rahi hoon," she whispered once and when he did not stir, she just stomped out of the room.
To her surprise, there was a carriage waiting at the curb, "it must be for someone else…..I never asked for one…..I was just kidding with Armaan," she decided to wait for a cab instead.
"Ma'am…..the prince in the carriage would like to know if the esteemed lady would care to join him?" the guard outside the hotel asked her.
"Prince?" she was stunned, but then decided to take up the offer when no cab was in sight, "sure …why not? Is he going to the Taj?"
"He will take you wherever you want to go ma'am," the guard smiled.
Riddhima nodded and thanked the guard. She put a foot up on the step and tried to get up with the long sharara dangling below her heels.
A strong, large hand popped out of the door of the carriage. She smiled and placed her hand in his, "thanks."
"Hi….I am Prince Mallik," the deep voice introduced himself as she sat beside him.
"Nice to meet you Prince Mallik…..I am Princess Mallik," she tried to pull her hand away but he clasped it snugly, "ab yeh haath chhod ne ke liye nahin pakda hai princess Mallik……mere haath mein tera haath ho…saari jannatein mere saath ho," he bent down and kissed her hand as the horse driven carriage trotted off towards the Taj.
"Subhan'allah!" he gasped as he glanced at his princess under the passing street lights, "you are lucky, Prince Mallik is a married man…otherwise he would not mind eloping with the beautiful princess," his familiar lips brushed against her ear.
"Don't worry Prince Mallik….this Princess loves to elope with married men…especially if he is a handsome prince like you," she returned his glance in the most alluring manner and admired his Princely attire.
"Bechara aapka pati," he came closer and kissed her ear, "accha hai meri wife bhi yahan nahin hai….warna hum aur aap is aalam ka lutf kaise lete?"
"Drama baaj!" she giggled and punched his chest as he hugged her and held her close to his chest, "thanks for the carriage idea Riddhima….I wonder why it never occurred to me before…..shayad 5 saal pehle hi tumhein bhagaa kar le jaata ismein…..see you are not the only one who can surprise me," he chuckled as their voices faded into the horizon.
They could not stop laughing and chuckling all the way to their destination- the Taj.
As they walked hand in hand, Armaan and Riddhima stood at the entrance and absorbed the warmth of the beautiful monument shimmering in the glowing moonlight.
This time they held onto each other's hands and descended the steps gradually.
Enjoy this song in the background, as the couple walk towards the ancient monument, a symbol of true love, unmatched in its beauty and radiance even 500 years after its construction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBCC-0T_Qz8
mere haath mein tera haath ho saari jannatein mere saath ho - 2
tu jo paas ho phir kya yeh jahaan tere pyar mein ho jaaun fanaa
mere haath mein tera haath ho saari jannatein mere saath ho
tu jo paas ho phir kya yeh jahaan tere pyar mein ho jaaun fanaa
mere haath mein tera haath ho saari jannatein mere saath ho
tere dil mein meri saanson ko panaa mil jaaye
tere ishq mein meri jaan fanaa ho jaaye
jitne paas hain khushbu saans ke
jitne paas hothon ke sargam
jaise saath hain karvat yaad ke
jaise saath baahon ke sangam
jitne paas paas khwaabon ke nazar
utni paas tu rehna hamsafar
tu jo paas ho phir kya yeh jahaan
tere pyar mein ho jaaun fanaa
mere haath mein tera haath ho saari jannatein mere saath ho
rone de aaj hamko do aankhen sujaane de
baahon mein lene de aur khud ko bheeg jaane de
hain jo seene mein qaid dariya woh choot jaayega
hain itna dard ke tera daaman bheeg jaayega
jitne paas paas dhadkan ke hain raaz
jitne paas bundon ke baadal
jaise ?sahaq? sa chanda ke hain raat
jitne paas nainon ke kaajal
jitne paas paas saagar ke lehar
utne paas tu rehna hamsafar
tu jo paas ho phir kya yeh jahaan
tere pyar mein ho jaaun fanaa
mere haath mein tera haath ho saari jannatein mere saath ho
As Armaan and Riddhima reached the end of the canal and looked up at the moon in the sky; they remembered the first kiss they had shared at the same spot. The celestial body had been kind enough to bless them even then, but tonight all the Gods in heaven were omnipresent to celebrate and sanctify the union of the two souls under the shadow of this chaste monument of love……
adhoori saans thi dhadkan adhoori thi adhooren ham
magar ab chaand poora hain falak pe aur ab pooren hain ham
…..The End…..
Next…Epilogue…..
EPILOGUE: sorry became a little long…
FIVE YEARS LATER:
ARJUN & AROHI's HOUSE:
"Aaj aapka bahut badhaa case hai……inshallah sab theek jaayega," Arohi helped Arjun with his tie early one morning.
"Inshallah aur insha-Arohi," Arjun chuckled and kissed her forehead, "tumhare pyaar aur tumhari dua ke bina kuch mumkin nahin hai meri zindagi mein."
"Jaaiye…jaaiye…..taareefon ke pull baandhna tho koi tum se seekhe," Arohi tightened his knot a bit too snugly in exchange for his extra sugary words that morning.
"AHHH! Mujhey maarne ka iraada hai kya jaan?" he pretended to choke.
"Hai allah! Tum theek tho ho Arjun? Sorry….zara zor se tie baandh di," an apologetic Arohi bit her lip, "kuch zyaada ho gayi kya?"
"*Cough* cough* Iski sazaa zaroor milegi tumhein jaan-e-man," Arjun squeaked and coughed as if he was still being smothered by the tie.
"Sazaa?"
"Haan…ek kiss deni padhegi," he said with a smug expression.
"Hai allah…..kaisi baat karte hain? Suhaana aur Rehan kisi bhi waqt uth jaayenge….school ka waqt ho raha hai unka," she looked at the two innocent kids sleeping on their bed.
"Yeh achhi baat hai…..raat ko dono badmaash hamare kamre mein dabe paaon chale aate hain…..tab tum mujhey kiss nahin karne deti …..arre Arjun bacche aa jaayenge…bacche aa jaayenge…..aur ab jab wo aa chuke hain….raat bhar kabaab mein haddi ki tarah sote rahe hain…..aur abhi bhi so rahe hain janaab…..tab tumhein yeh fikar hai ki kahin jaag na jaayein….arre is ghar mein meri bhi kuch chalti hai ya nahin?" Arjun made a whiny face and walked out with his briefcase, "yahan tho sirf biwi aur bachhon ka raaz hai allah miya," he looked up at the ceiling and walked towards the door, "shayad aaj judge hi meri baat maan le….aur tho koi manta nahin hai!"
There was still no sign of Arohi as he turned around in the hope that she would follow him. He sighed and walked out towards his car, "bas kaam…kaam …kaam….yeh nahin ki apni sunder biwi ke saath kuch paal bitaa sakoon…..Suhaana aur Rehan ke saath waqt bitaata hoon tho begum sahiba kehti hain main unhein bigaad raha hoon….chalo Arjun miya…..court hi chalo…shayad wahan koi tumhari sun le," he opened the door to his car and placed his briefcase on the back seat. He heaved a sigh and sat on the driver's seat and was about to turn the ignition on when he saw Arohi on the passenger seat, "TUM?" he startled.
"Kya keh rahe the mere baare mein?" she tried to suppress her smile.
"Kuch nahin begum sahiba….yahi ki mera kitna kehna maanti hai meri biwi," Arjun smiled sheepishly.
"Sach? Kitne achhe shauhar ho jee tum," Arohi leaned towards Arjun and to his pleasant surprise planted a kiss on his lips.
Arjun was in seventh heaven, "mmm…..aaj subah subah mooh mitha karne ke liye shukriya."
"Mooh meetha karne ki ek aur wajah hai," she said shyly.
"Sach?"
"Suhaana aur Rehan ka ek aur saathi aane waala ya waali hai," she blushed and hid her face in his neck.
"Lekin ….lekin yeh kaise hua Arohi?" he pretended to be surprised.
"Kaise matlab?" Arohi was offended and sat up.
"Maine tho kuch nahin kiya jaan e man…..main tho chup chaap raat bhar sota rehta hoon…..wo bhi beech mein 2-2 bacchon ke saath…..yeh sab kab hua?" Arjun acted like he was shocked by the news.
Arohi plodded out of the car and shut the door loudly, "yeh sab doodh waale ka kamaal hai……tumhein kya pataa?" and was about to walk off when Arjun grabbed her by the wrist, "Mubarak ho jaan…..Arjun miya ko apni mardangi par poora fakr aur yakeen bhi hai…..bechare doodh waale ko kyun pareshaan karti ho…..main hoon na?" and kissed her hand softly.
She blushed and hid her face in her dupatta, "chodiye ab…..bachhe uthne hi waale honge."
Arjun rolled his eyes and gave up, "ya allah! Yeh bachhe! Kabhie chain nahin lene dete," and drove off as fast as he could, "ab ek saheb aura a rahe hain…..mujhey hi kamraa badalna hoga!"
"Shukr hai bachhon ka…unki wajah se kuch tho family planning hoti hai hamari…warna Arjun ka kya hai….poori fauj khadi kar dete ab tak," she shook her head and went inside to check on her kids.
"Good morning ammi!" nine year old Suhaana and 4 year old Rehan hugged their mom.
"Good morning beta!" she hugged them back.
"Abbu gaye?" they asked
"Haan beta…aaj ek jaldi case tha unka."
"Ammi….aaj nani ya dadi ke yahan chalenge?" Rehan asked
"Haan school ke baad chalenge," Arohi replied, "kahan chaloge batao?"
"Dadi!" Suhaana exclaimed
"Nani!" Rehan sulked, "hamesha Suhaana ki baat maanti hain aap…aaj meri maanengi!"
"Nahin…..mujhey Sur ke saath khelna hai!" Suhaana whined, "nani ke yahan koi aur bachhe nahin hain."
"Theek hai theek hai…..dono jagah chalenge…..chalo…ab school ke liye tayyar ho jao," Arohi sighed and took them inside to brush their teeth and get ready.
As the kids got ready, Arohi looked around their home. They had come a long way since their marriage 5 years ago. Arjun's law practice with Riddhima had really taken off well over the past 2 years; as a result they had moved to bigger house of their own. They had 2 beautiful healthy kids with one more on the way. Arjun's passion for her was as intense as the first time they had confessed their love for each other.
Her relationship with her parents had improved over the past few years too. While her dad was still in jail, her mother had seriously fallen sick. It was at that time, when she was battling between life and death, that Arohi forgot all her grievances and nursed her mother back to health like a dutiful daughter.
After Adi Hassan's release, her parent's had fallen at Arjun's and Armaan's feet and begged for forgiveness. The two young men were too tender hearted and forgave Adi Hassan for his grave mistakes.
Arjun and Arohi still preferred to have their own home, even though Adi Hassan wanted to gift them with one of his bungalows. Arjun was too proud to accept anything from his father-in-law, especially after what he had tried to do to him. It was enough that they all had a cordial relationship; at least the kids had someone they could call 'nana' and 'nani' and that was enough for both Arjun and Arohi……
ARMAAN & RIDDHIMA
Riddhima, now 32 is a busy lawyer along with Arjun at their firm- MALLIK & SHAH LLC. Armaan has continued to write books, both for kids and adults over the past five years. Of course his favorite pastime is to spend time with his family- Sur, 9, Sara, 3 and Somya, 6 months old keep Mr Mom very very busy!
"Sur…please get ready for school beta!" Riddhima walked out of Sur's room after waking her up early morning.
"Why do I have to go to school when Sara and Somya get to spend the whole day with abbu and everyone else?" Sur whined.
"Beta Farhan bhi tho jaata hai school….chalo school bus aane waali hogi," Riddhima literally dragged Sur to the bathroom to brush her teeth, "beta…..kuch din mein Sara bhi school jaayegi…..abhi wo sirf 3 saal ki hai."
"Mujhey bhi 3 saal ka hona hai," Sur whined.
"Meri beti ko kyun pareshan kar rahi ho subah subah? Main kaafi nahin tha kya?" Armaan walked in to Sur's rescue.
"Maine tumhein kab pareshaan kiya?" Riddhima frowned.
"Raat bhar kaun kar raha tha pareshaan rani sahiba?" Armaan whispered in her ear and winked.
"Badmaash!" she slapped his back, "ulta chor kotwaal ko daante!"
"Wow! Kya baat hai meri pari…..hindi ke muhaavre bhi bolne lagi tum tho!" he chuckled and helped Sur get ready.
"Ok Sur….jao neeche breakfast kar lo," Armaan tied Sur's ponytail and then kissed her cheek, "subah subah mom ki help mat liya karo….you know she gets cranky in the morning sometimes…..main hoon na….I will help you get ready!"
"Why is she cranky in the morning?" Sur asked innocently.
"Well," Armaan raised his eyebrows and saw Farhan approaching them in the hallway.
'Kyunki raat bhar chachu chachi ko sone nahin dete," Farhan grinned and the pulled Sur's ponytail, "let's go…..breakfast is ready….bye chachu…he he," he grinned again and ran before Armaan could grab his smart Alec nephew.
"Is Farhan ke bachhe ka kuch nahin ho sakta….yeh meri betiyon ko ek din bigaad kar hi rahega!" Armaan clenched his teeth and muttered under his breath.
Armaan walked back to their bedroom and found Riddhima nursing their 6 month old son.
"Farhan out witted you again?" Riddhima chuckled as she played with little Somya's toes and fingers. Somya gave her a big smile and grabbed her hair as he nursed, "except it was Somya who kept me up last night….more than you Mallik saheb."
"Sur ko tho bigaad hi chukaa hai….Sara aur Somya ko door rakhna us badmaash se," Armaan stretched on the bed and kissed Somya's little feet.
"Accha hai na….Farhan will make life easier for us….we will not have to teach our kids anything," she smiled back.
"Waise galat kaha tha Farhan ne…..tumhari crankiness ka jawaab tho mere paas hai…. Agar main jagaa kar rakhta raat bhar tho aise cranky nahin hoti tum," Armaan came near her and hugged her waist with his arm.
"Armaan! Mujhey Somya ko feed karne do…please abhi tho pareshaan mat karo! I am just fine…..I feel fine," she whined.
'Sorry rani sahiba…aapke mijaaz bataa rahe hain ki aap fine nahin hain..….aap kuch der mein apne courthouse chali jaayengi…..tab tak tho aapke ghulam ko aapke kadmon mein rehne do….kuch seva karne do aapki," and kissed her waist passionately. Somya looked up and frowned as he saw his mother was distracted. He stopped nursing and let out a loud cry.
"Armaan….you know my hormones can only focus on one man at a time….it's either you or Somya….I can't satisfy both at one time," Riddhima tried to console her little one as Armaan nuzzled against her neck and thick hair.
"Dheere dheere aadat padh jaayegi rani sahiba……Somya ko bhi aur tumhein bhi," he nibbled softly on her neck and ears as she felt blood gushing in her veins, "plllease Armaan…abhi nahin."
"Jaane se pehle tax tho dena padhega….aise kaise jaa sakti ho?" he drawled romantically and engulfed her in his passion.
Somya, in the meantime had lost interest in nursing and sat up; he grabbed a rattle on the bed and babbled away while his parents took care of important business.
A little later, Riddhima was ready in her crisp yellow cotton sari to go to work. She hummed a song and talked to Somya as she got ready. Armaan had obviously fixed her 'crankiness' that morning. Sara had woken up in the meantime and sat on the bed entertaining her little brother, "mom…..Somya ne potty ki hai," she made a disgusting face as she smelt her brother's diaper.
"Jao abbu ko bula lao," Riddhima grinned mischievously, "he is better at that kind of stuff you know."
"Ok mom," Sara ran to Armaan's study to fetch him.
"Yes dear…..bandaa haazir hai….pehle maa ki seva karo…phir bte ki…..Armaan miya….aapki zindagi mein yahi likha hai," Armaan came back with Sara.
"Bye sweetheart!" Riddhima kissed Armaan's cheeks and kissed their two little kids, "see you later."
"Aise nahin…wait …wait…wait," Armaan opened his closet and took a box out, "is sari ke saath…yeh earrings zyaada achhe lagenge."
'Oh Armaan….I am already late….please abhi earrings change nahin kar sakti," she folded her hands.
"Theek hai….hamari kadar kisko? Bas diaper changing machine samajh rakha hai mujhey," he sulked and hung his face.
Riddhima smiled and circled his neck with her arms, 'Ok…badal do…..bahut sunder hain…..tumhari harr choice bahut khubsoorat hoti hai waise," she stuck out her tongue and teased him.
"You are full of yourself…aren't you?" he chuckled and gently changed her earrings just as he had always done in the past and kissed her ears, 'jaldi wapas aana please…."
"Sure," she patted his cheek, "and by the way….Hinna has invited us to D.C this May."
"D.C?" he was surprised as they had not visited the US since their wedding.
"She is having a High school reunion for our batch…..can we go?" she asked
"Do you want to go?" he asked
"I would love to…..but only if you go with me," she replied.
"Ok…then we SHALL ALL GO!" he beamed.
"Sach?" she asked
"Nahin jhooth!" he rolled his eyes and then looked at the two inquisitive faces on the bed, "Chaliye Somya jee…..let's go get a bath….come on Sara….we will sing songs in the bath tub…..let's GO!" Armaan picked them both in his arms and danced all the way to the bathroom.
Riddhima had a quick breakfast downstairs and then went to Naina's room, "Good morning ammi….aapki tabiyat kaisi hai?"
'Aao beti…..office ke liye tayyar ho gayi? Kitni pyaari lag rahi hai yellow mein," her mother in law commented, "breakfast khaa liya?"
"Haan ammi," Riddhima took out Naina's pill box and handed her medicines, 'dekhiye…..aapne dawaa nahin khaayee abhi tak."
"Tere alaawa kisi ko yaad nahin rehta meri dawaa ka," Naina appreciated her daughter in law's thoughtfulness.
"Nahin ammi…is ghar mein sab log apni apni responsibilities nibhaate hain….Muskaan bhabhi ghar ko sambhaal ti hain….Rahul bhai business sambhaalte hain…tho mera kaam sirf aapko sambhaal na hai," she chuckled and handed Naina a cup of water, "I have the easiest job…don't I?"
"That is not an easy task….main bahut ziddi hoon…pata hai," Naina smiled and took her medicines.
"Mujhse zyaada nahin," Riddhima kissed her mother in law's cheeks, "bye ammi….see you in the evening."
After Riddhima left, Shahnawaaz walked in and sat down next to Naina.
"Kitni pyaari bahu mili hai humein," Naina admired her younger daughter in law.
"Riddhima tho tumhari laadli bahu hai bhai…aakhir tumhare ladle ki patni jo hai," Shahnawaaz stroked his wife's knees.
"Mere liye sab ek jaise hain jee…aisi koi baat nahin hai," Naina answered.
"Ammi….aap Riddhima ko zyaada chaahti hain waise," Muskaan walked in with a cup of tea and teased her mother in law, "theek hai bhai…aakhir American bahu hai…..desi bahu se zyaada value hai uski."
"Ab Muskaan….aise mat kaho," Naina felt offended.
"Arre ammi….aapki taang kheench rahi thi main…..Armaan bhai ki taang kheenchte kheenchte bore ho gayi thi na," Muskaan chuckled.
WASHINGTON D.C AT HINNA'S PLACE:
It was like coming home for Riddhima, " I feel like I am at my maayka," she munched on some nachos and sat on the counter in Hinna's huge kitchen in a casual pair of jeans and t-shirt.
"Of course this is your Maayka hun!" Hinna chuckled, "just plan on visiting us maayka waalas more often….not once in 5 years like you did this time."
"Done!" Riddhima got off the counter and welcomed her other friends who had just walked in, "Hey Lisa! Peter! Look at you guys….all married with kids…yeah?"
Lisa was married to a young congressman from Virginia. They had one child who was 2 now, "I just have one….but Ridz….you are a mom of 3 kids? My oh my…how do you manage that? And a full time law career?"
"I have a wife," Riddhima winked and grabbed Armaan by his arm, "here he is."
"Lucky gal!" Lisa punched her husband, "I need a wife too Bill!"
"Well let me see if the next congress session would allow that," Bill said with a straight face as everyone burst out in laughter.
"Hey guys….this is Johnny…my significant other," Peter introduced his partner of many years, "we have decided to adopt a baby together….he is a 4 month old Korean boy."
"Wow! Congratulations! That's great news!" everyone was happy for Peter and Johnny.
'Hey Nishant!" Ranbir greeted their next guest, "kab se intezaar kar rahe the tum logon ka!"
"Nishant!" Riddhima ran to greet her best friend and then saw her shy cousin standing right behind him, "Harshu! How nice to see you both……sorry tumhari shaadi ke time par nahin aa saki…I was pregnant with Sara…and on bed rest."
"Koi baat nahin Riddhima…Armaan jiju tho aaye the na," Harshini hugged her cousin. Alex had grown to be a tall 12 year old boy. Harshini's son from her first marriage, Jignesh was now 7. Alex found Sur as soon as he got in and in no time they were the best of friends just like 5 years ago. Jignesh was already friends with Hinna's kids, Mahek and Sahil. Little Sara felt left out but soon joined Lisa's 2 year old in the playroom.
'Guys…we have good news to share with you all," Nishant raised a toast, "Harshini is pregnant with OUR baby!"
"YAY! WOOHOO!" everyone cheered and congratulated the couple. Riddhima looked at Armaan and exchanged a smile. They both understood what the other person meant- they were both happy for Nishant and Harshini at last. Harshini had gone through a lot of obstacles before her first husband's family allowed her to get married again. Her in laws did not want to relinquish rights over their only grandson to some American Gujarati man. It had taken a lot of convincing on Armaan and Riddhima's part before Harshini and her son were let go off by her husband's family.
"Hi everyone!" Hinna asked for everyone's attention, "I just want to thank all my friends who have gathered here tonight…..I know this was supposed to be a high school reunion…..but most of our friends are now settled all over the country and the world…..so it's just us…..all the people in this room who Ranbir and I care for so much….our best friends from all over the world…..kyun Armaan bhai?"
Hinna pulled Armaan to center of the living room, "and I would also like to honor my cousin….my brother….my best friend's husband…Armaan Ali Mallik tonight!"
"Honor me?" Armaan was surprised.
"Yes honor Armaan Mallikfor being the most loveable thief in this world," Hinna chuckled.
"Thief?" Armaan swallowed hard. Memories of the Federal prison in D.C were still fresh in his mind.
There was pin drop silence in the room as everyone stared at Armaan and Hinna.
"Yes thief! We have an FBI officer here….and a congressman amongst us tonight….so you cannot escape Armaan bhai," Hinna caught hold of Armaan's elbow.
"Hinna…yeh kya mazaak hai?" Armaan whispered.
"Darr gaye?" Hinna laughed and then continued, "Armaan bhai….you have stolen our best friend from us….so you are the biggest thief for us!"
Armaan heaved a sigh of relief and relaxed, "Oh," he glanced at Riddhima's smiling face and then pulled her to the center. He put his arm around her, "thanks to all of you…..for letting me steal my most precious possession from this country," and kissed her head.
"This is not fair Armaan….why did you have to take her that far?" Gary walked in to everyone's surprise.
'Hi Gary!" Riddhima gave him a friendly hug.
"How are you dear?" he asked, 'we miss you."
"I miss you all too," she looked around, "but I have to say one thing in my husband's defense…..he did not steal me…..I stole him from all the other women on this planet." Riddhima put her arms around his waist and looked up at Armaan.
"Ismein galti kisi ki nahin hai Hinna…..bas oopar waale ki galti hai," he gazed into Riddhima's eyes and kept staring at them for a moment, "yeh janam janam ka saath hai…..humein koi alag nahin kar sakta……na sarhad….na desh…..na dharam…..aur na bhaasha…..we are meant to be together in this life…..and all our future lives to come."
Here is a song dedicated to our eternal Jodi from KYPH (AK/ZK)…….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vDIwJfUcjI
janam janam kaa saath hain tumhaaraa humaaraa
agar naa milate is jeewan mein, lete janam dubaaraa
jab se ghoomei dharatee, sooraj chaand, sitaare
tab se meree nigaahe, samaze tere ishaare
rup badal kar saajan maine, fir se tumhe pukaaraa
pyaar ke pankh lagaa ke, door kahee ud jaaye
jahaa hawaayen gam kee, hum tak pahuch naa paaye
khushiyon kee khushaboo se, mahake ghar sansaar humaaraa
VISHNU'S ABODE:
Lord Vishnu- Laxmi….dekho maine Yamraj ko phir sabak sikhaa hi diya
Laxmi (Lord vishnu's wife)- Swami….aapki ichha ke bina koi in dono aatmaaon ka kuch nahin bigaad sakta.
Lord Vishnu- Jaanta hoon Laxmi….lekin is baar aisa lag raha tha ki Yamraj sach much jeet jaayega.
Laxmi- Jeet jaata….agar maine apna jaadoo nahin chalaya hota
Lord Vishnu- Laxmi….tum? Tumne kya kiya tha?
Laxmi- Yam ne tho poori tayyari kar li thi Riddhima ke saath bahayanak khel khelne ka….wo tho main Sur ke roop mein pahunch gayi thi…warna abki baar Armaan aur Riddhima ko alag kar hi deta hamesha ke liye.
Lord Vishnu- Sur?
Laxmi- Haan swami…Sur hi ek aisi kadhi hai jisne unhein hamesha hamesha ke liye phir milaa diya tha
Lord Vishnu- Dhanya ho Laxmi…dhanya ho…..main kitna bhaagyashaali hoon jo tum meri patni ho!
OUTSIDE VISHNU's ABODE:
Yamraj is punching a big bag full of skeletons, skull bones and dead skin, "GRRR!!! Vishnu! Yeh tumne kya kiya? Mera saara plan fail kar diya phir….ab main kya karoonga?"
Yamraj started bawling and sat down in front of his punching bag, "Mere saare ideas chale gaye hain…..ab koi ideas nahin hain dimaag mein," he sobbed harder and harder and collapsed on the ground from the shock of seeing Armaan and Riddhima happy together once again……
Now till, Yamraj ji has any more ideas up his sleeve, I will take a break from writing fan fics for now….
Thanks for reading and commenting on this fan fic regularly. Your lovely comments are what keeps writers like us going. Please accept my heartfelt thanks to all of you for all your sweet and sometimes not so sweet comments.
As you all have figured by now, all my fan fics are about true love and how love can change one's perspective on life, relations, emotions and people. I tried my best to present an unbiased view on both the Eastern and western cultures. If there was a Josh in the west, there was a Adi Hassan in the east. If there were good people like Lisa, Gary and Peter in America, there were equally helpful people like the Malliks in India. If there was a confused desi girl like our Riddhima, there was an equally balanced Hinna in the US.
I strongly believe that no culture is bad, just like no person is really bad from inside. We all have our shades of gray just like any culture, religion or language does. Instead of just looking at the glass half empty, if we all learn to see the positive traits of every culture, religion and person, the world would hopefully be a more peaceful place to live in……
Adios for now….
"Dekho Armaan bhai ka chaand aakhir aa hi gaya!" Aaliyah commented as Riddhima and Armaan both stopped staring at each other and blushed.
"Mom!" Sur ran into Riddhima's arms, "Mom….mom….come with me…..you wanna meet my new friend…Suhaana?" Riddhima obliged and walked off with Sur.
Soon, to Armaan's dismay, Riddhima was surrounded by her relatives from Gujarat, Nishant, Padma, Rahul, and everyone else except him. Armaan sighed and walked away, 'shayad meri kismet mein Riddhima ka saath sirf jail mein hi tha."
HUM UMID KI DUNIYA BASATE RAHE,
VO BHI PAL PAL HUMEIN AAZMATE RAHE,
JAB MOHABBAT MEIN MARNE KA WAQT AYA,
HUM MAR GAYE AUR WO MUSKURATE RAHE... …
(thanks kvn1983)
With a sullen expression, he walked into the kitchen to get a drink. He noticed Alex and Farhan having fun racing their cars on the kitchen floor. It reminded him of his childhood days with Rahul and finally brought a little smile on his face.
As he drank water from a bottle, he heard a familiar voice, "masha'allah!" A startled Armaan gulped down a big sip and put the water bottle away. Riddhima stood at the door with her arms folded with a big smile on her face. She walked towards him and wiped the water from his lips with her dupatta, "I always tell Sur to take small sips…..look at you," she chuckled.
He jerked her hand away, "I can take care of myself," and wiped the remaining drops with his kurta sleeve.
"Baap re! Abhi bhi gussa ho? Dekho chaand nikalne se pehle aa gayi na?" she asked
"Chaand tho pehle hi nikal Chuka tha," he looked away and sulked.
She grabbed the scarf around his neck with her two hands and pulled him closer, "suna nahin Aaliyah kya keh rahi thi? Tumhara chaand tho ab aaya hai," she drawled romantically and looked into his eyes.
"Wo sab andhein hain…..pagal hain jo tumhari tulna us chaand se karte hain," he replied curtly, avoiding her gaze.
"Achha?" she chuckled, "shayad tum theek kehte ho….aakhir us chaand mein tho daag hai na? Aur meri khubsoorati tho bilkul be daag hai," she giggled.
"Bahut naaz hai tumhein apne is roop ka? Kitni ghamandi ho gayi ho," he pulled his scarf away and stepped back.
She grabbed his scarf again, "tumne aadat kharaab kar di hai….kya karoon? Not my fault."
"Of course saari galti meri hi hai….maine hi tumhein sir chadhaa rakha hai….all my fault!" he yanked away again.
"Theek hai tumhein main pasand nahin tho chali jaati hoon," she made a sad face.
"Apni marzi se aayi ho…..tho apni marzi se jaa bhi sakti ho," he folded his arms crossly.
"Do you know a good realtor in Mumbai?" she asked as she left glumly.
"What?" he was surprised and unfolded his arms, "why do you need a realtor in Mumbai?"
"Ab jab Mumbai ko apna ghar banaa liya hai tho sir chupaane ke liye chhat tho chaahiye na?" she crinkled her nose at him.
"Kya matlab?" he grabbed her by her elbow and dragged her into the walk-in pantry of the kitchen. He turned the dim light inside the pantry and shut the door, "zara phir se kehna…..I want to make sure I heard that right."
She folded her arms and heaved a sigh, "why do you care Mr Mallik? Main tumhari lagti hi kaun hoon? Now that we have decided to move to India, Sur aur main Mumbai mein koi ghar dhoondh lenge….mom has a flat in Baroda now, but that would be too small for all of us."
Armaan wrapped his red scarf around her slim waist and pulled her closer, "kya kaha tumney? Phir se kaho please," he bent down a little so his face was inches away from hers.
"Teen din intezaar nahin kar sake mera? After all it takes time to wrap a whole household from a country 1000s of miles away…..if the movers and bank had not given me a hard time, I would have been here……" she could barely complete her sentence as his lips crushed hers in the most possessive and passionate manner. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck as he dropped his scarf around her waist and instead grabbed her with his strong arms. His complains and grumbling melted in an instant as he tasted his love and her sweetness.
After an intense lip lock, they finally pulled away, still gasping and breathing heavily from the passion the kiss had generated. She had a faint smile on her face and looked up at him, "sorry…..ab itna intezaar nahin karwaaoongi."
"Don't be sorry…..I love your surprise…..aaj tumney mujhey sab se badhi khushi di hai Riddhima….I am sorry for whining and nagging you….jo tumney kiya wo sab nahin kar sakte….apna sab kuch chhod kar mere paas chali aayi ho tum," he clasped her hands in his and kissed each finger tenderly.
Bhool Se Agar Koi Bhool Hui,
To Bhool Samajke Use Bhool Jana,
Arey Bhoolna Sirf Bhool Ko,
Bhoolkar Bhi Hume Na Bhool Jana.
(thanks kvn1983)
Riddhima smiled lovingly as he recited the sher softly and caressed her fingers with his hands.
"Jitna chhod kar aayi hoon, us se kahin zyaada paaya hai maine...I have no regrets……I would have followed you anywhere in this universe," she rested her head on his chest and inhaled his warmth.
He stroked her hair and rested his chin on her head, "do you still need a realtor?"
She pushed him back with her hands and hit him playfully, "you can find one for yourself…. I am not leaving this home till the day I die!"
Armaan laughed heartily and bent down to kiss her one more time, "mmm…..aaj pehli baar in honthon se apne desh ka swaad aaya hai…pardes ki milaawat nahin."
Sabne kaha Dosti ek Dard hai,
Humne kaha Dard kabool hai
,Subne kaha is Dard ke saath Jee na Paogay
,Humne kaha teri Dosti ki saath Marna kabool hai.
(thanks kvn 1983)
Meanwhile, Naina and Rahul came to the kitchen looking for Armaan.
"Arre yeh Armaan kahan ghayab ho gaya? Sab uska intezaar kar rahe hain," Naina looked everywhere.
"Ammi…..ab Riddhima aa gayi hai….yeh samajh lee jiye ki jahan Riddhima hogi, wahin hamare bhai jaan honge," Rahul chuckled, "Farhan…..Armaan chachu ko dekha hai?" he asked his son, who was still racing his cars with his new friend on the kitchen floor.
"Haan wo pantry mein hain,' Farhan said absent mindedly.
"Pantry mein?" Naina and Rahul looked at each other.
"Yes…..with Riddhima aunty……vrooom!" Alex raced his car and answered.
Rahul and Naina suppressed their smiles and shook their heads.
"Main Padma behen se baat karti hoon…….mahurat dekhkar in dono ki shaadi bhi abhi karwaa dete hain…..waise bhi inki 2-2 rasmein honi hain….jaa Rahul tu maulwee ji se baat kar…..main pandit ka intezaam karwaa ti hoon," Naina chuckled at her son's impatience, "bilkul apne abbu par gaya hai…..wo bhi bilkul aise hi the jawani mein,' she said softly.
"Accha jee…..tho abbu ki chori pakdi gayi," Rahul overheard his mom mumbling to herself, "pataa chala Armaan jaisa aashiq hamare khaandan mein kaise paida hua."
"Chup kar Rahul," Naina blushed, "kuch tho hamari umar ka lihaaz kar."
"Theek hai ammi….Riddhima ko jaan kar khushi hogi ki aage jaakar wo bhi aapki tarah is umar mein nayi dulhan ki tarah sharmaa sakegi," Rahul hugged his mom as they walked out of the kitchen.
Armaan and Riddhima were still oblivious of the conversations in the kitchen. If they had their way, they could have stayed in the pantry all evening, but they realized that people were probably looking for them at this point.
"Shouldn't we be going out now?" Riddhima fixed her lehnga. Armaan bent down and picked his scarf, "chalo….aap kehti hain tho duniyadaari bhi nibhaa lete hain….warna yeh pantry mein kaafi sukoon mil raha tha." She hit his arm playfully, "yeh Arjun aur Arohi ka khaas din hai…..hamara nahin."
Armaan grabbed her hand and kissed it, "jab tak tum mere saath ho, mere liye sab din khaas hain."
"sach?" she squinted her eyes and grinned playfully as he chased her out of the pantry.
"Tum log?" he was startled to see the two boys with their cars still in the kitchen.
"Dadi dhoondh rahi thi aapko chachu," Farhan grinned as he saw the flour stains on Armaan's scarf and Riddhima's lehnga.
"Kya kaha tuney?" Armaan was mortified.
"Yahi ki aap Riddhima aunty ke saath pantry mein hide n' seek khel rahe ho," Farhan said naughtily.
"Abbe…teri tho!" Armaan tried to grab his nephew but he swiftly slipped away from his hands.
Riddhima chuckled a little and came up to Armaan, "looks like the pantry has already made us famous…..now let's go and face the music Mallik saheb," she wiped his lips with her dupatta once again.
"Yeh baar baar mera mooh kyun ponch thi rehti ho?" he asked irritably.
"Theek hai nahin ponch thi…..I bet people would love your new lip color," she winked at him and walked out of the kitchen. Armaan grinned and wiped his lips with his kurta sleeve before joining everyone in the living room.
"Aaiye…aaiye Armaan miya….lagta hai shaadi se pehle hi aate daal ka bhaav pataa lagaa rahe the aap?" Arjun teased his friend as the pantry romance was no longer a secret limited to Rahul and Naina. Everyone gave Armaan and Riddhima curious looks and commented on the flours stains on their clothes. Riddhima acted a little more nonchalant and mingled with Harshini and her maasi-maasa from Gujarat. To her pleasant surprise, Nishant and Harshini had already become good friends in the few hours they had been together.
Harshin's son had not been too well recently, and a doctor at the party was who she needed for some advice. Before long, Nishant was holding Harshini's 2 year old son and proudly walking around with him in the party.
"Armaan….we want a song…..we want a song!" everyone cheered him as he tried to compose himself after the pantry escapade.
"Ek Punjabi geet ho jaaye Armaan….aakhir hum sab Punjab de munde hain!" Mazhar requested.
Armaan smiled mischievously as he remembered this popular bhangra number:
"Dil le gayi kudi Gujarat di" by Jasbir Jassi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsKqeGgCNTA
Riddhima blushed and laughed merrily as he stressed on the 'kudi Gujarat di…..'
"Lagta hai yahan sirf Gujarat ki kudiyon ka hi bol baala hai," Nishant whispered in Riddhima's ears and gazed at Harshini.
"Nishant…..if you want…..the Gujarat ki kudi you are eyeing, can become your dance partner tonight," Riddhima caught Nishant staring at Harshini.
"Yeah yeah whatever," he turned red and walked away towards the men.
Next, a song was requested for Arjun and Arohi to dance on….
"Salaam-e-ishq"
http://www.raaga.com/channels/hindi/movie/H001105.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaclyFdstlU
ishq hai...
(teri aankhon ke matvaale kaajal ko mera salaam
zulfon ke kale kale baadal ko mera salaam) - 2
ghayal kar de mujhe yaar tere paayal ke jhankar
hey soni sone teri soni har adaa ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq ishq ishq salaam-e-ishq - 2
(ho salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-
salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-) - 2 ishq hai...
Arjun twirled Arohi around and caught her in his arms as they danced. A shy Arohi hid her face in her palms as everyone else joined in during the dance…..
ho teri mastaani anjaani bataon ko mera salaam
rangon mein doobi doobi raaton ko mera slaaam
khwaabon mein kho gayi main deewani ho gayi main
soney soney aisse soney har adaa ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq ishq ishq salaam-e-ishq - 2
(ho salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-
salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-) - 2 ishq hai...
Naina and Padma held Arohi and Riddhima by their hands and gave them their blessings……
ho teri hathhawitch mehandi ka rang khila hain
tujhe sapano da changa mehboob mila hain
meri banno pyaari pyaari sari duniya se nyaari
ise doli mein tu leja doliyaan, doliyaan...
Armaan gazed at Riddhima's lovely face and remembered their first meeting at Hinna's sangeet. He recalled how he had fallen for her at first sight…..
teri meri nazar jo mili pehli baar
ho gaya ho gaya tujhse pyaar
dil hai kya dil hai kya jaan bhi tujhpe nisaar
maine tujhe kiya aitbaar
ho main bhi toh tujhpe mar gayi
deewanapan kya kar gayi
meri har dhakan betaab hai
palkon vich tera khwaab hai
ho jaan se bhi pyaari pyaari jaaniya ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq, (salaam-e-ishq ishq ishq salaam-e-ishq) - 2
(ho salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-
salaam-e-ishq salaam-e) - 2 ishq hai...
Shabbir and Aaliyah were next and danced together to this part. Ranbir pulled Hinna into his arms and danced with her…..
main tere ishq mein do jahan vaar doon
mere vaade pe kar le yakeen
keh rahe hai zameen keh raha aasman
tere jaissa dooja nahin
ho aisse jaadoon na daal ve
naa aaon tere naal ve
jhooti tereefein chodh de
ab dil mere dil se jod de
ho jo abhi hai dil se nikli uss dua ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq ishq ishq salaam-e-ishq - 2
(ho salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-
salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-) - 2 ishq hai...
rab se hai iltija maaf kar de mujhe
main toh teri ibaadat karoon
aye meri soniye na khabar hai tujhe
tujhase kitni mohobbat karoon
tere bin sab kuch benoor hai
meri maang mein tere sindoor hai
sanson mein yehi paigaam hai
mera sab kuch tere naam hai
ho dhadkanon mein rehnewaali soniye ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq
The floor was full as all the couples, old and young, joined in……
teri aankhon ke matvaale kaajal ko mera salaam
zulfon ke kale kale baadal ko mera salaam
khwaabon mein kho gayi main deewani ho gayi main
soney soney teri soney har adaa ko salaam
salaam-e-ishq ishq ishq salaam-e-ishq - 2
(ho salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-
salaam-e-ishq salaam-e-) - 3 ishq hai...
salaam-e-ishq
"Ab ek Gujarati garba bhi ho jaaye….kyun bhai?" Armaan signaled to the orchestra and smiled. He invited Nishant and Harshini to dance with him. A shy Harshini was initially hesitant, but Armaan grabbed her hand and placed it in Nishant's hands.
Riddhima, Padma, Naina maasi and Dilip maasa were thrilled to see Harshini dance so freely with Dr Nishant Mehta. They coordinated their garba steps rhythmically and almost seemed like had been dancing together forever……..
"Dholi taro dhol baaje…." From HDDCS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th_WbVEqsJ4
Next, they played a song for Peter and Lisa to dance on with Riddhima, Arjun, Arohi, Aaliyah, Shabbir, Harshini and Nishant. Armaan joined Riddhima midway between the song as they all danced to this peppy new number….
"Hey chori….zara nachke dikha…" from "cash"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7yL1pw81rI
aye chori zara nach ke dekha, zara thumka laga, zara nach ke dekha - 2
naughty naughty si fiza hai, haule haule se dil mein chali koi hawa hai
sapne sapne yeh dua hai, roko roko yeh mujhko na jane kya hua hai
u n me will we meant to be, main tera tu meri destiny
chhodo na choda na baahein marodo na ho jaaungi mein khafa
sainya sainya sehari lage hai mohe sexy, chain mere dil ka chura gaya
sainya sainya sehari love the way u touch me, ?? dil mein basa gaya
(aye chori ..zara nazar milana
zara nach ke dekha ..zara nazar churana..
zara thumka laga..mere jazbaaton ki
zara nach ke dekha ..zara kadar deeMallika) - 2
chup chup chup kar koi meri sapno mein aaye
chup chup woh rehta hai par raaj chhupa na paaye
aankhein yeh baat bataati hain, aahein sunaati hai dil ki sada
chhodo na choda na baahein marodo na ho jaaungi mein khafa
sainya sainya sehari lage hai mohe sexy, chain mere dil ka chura gaya
sainya sainya sehari love the way u touch me, ?? dil mein basa gaya
aye chori zara nach ke dekha, zara thumka laga, zara nach ke dekha - 3
naughty naughty si fiza hai, haule haule se dil mein chali koi hawa hai
sapne sapne yeh dua hai, roko roko yeh mujhko na jane kya hua hai
u n me will we meant to be, main tera tu meri destiny
chhodo na choda na baahein marodo na ho jaaungi mein khafa
sainya sainya sehari lage hai mohe sexy, chain mere dil ka chura gaya
sainya sainya sehari love the way u touch me, ?? dil mein basa gaya
Finally, all the men joined in and teased the women on this song:
"Soni de nakhre sone lag de…." From "Partner"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtUkNNICbBY
soni de nakhre sone lagade o meinu, soni de nakhre sone lagade - 2
oh keindie pump up the jame oh keinde
oh jannah jannah (4)
soni de nakhre soni lagde meinu…… (4)
oh keinde pump pump pump up (4)
oh jannah jannah
oh keindie pump up the jame oh keinde (4)
oh jannah jannah oh keinde
mainu bhi nakhre sone lagade tere, mainu bhi nakhre sone lagade - 2
(o char din ki jawaani aah aah
o bitein tanaha na raani aah aah) - 2
woh pyaar tera main rakhwaanga aah aah
ho sar aankhon pe deewaani aah aah
soni de nakhre sone lagade o meinu, soni de nakhre sone lagade - 2
(oy kudi naal mere nachle aah aah
ho mainu baahawich kas le aah aah) - 2
Aaaja ishq di kadi wich aah aah
ho thoda jile thoda marle aah aah
soni de nakhre sone lagade o mainu, soni de nakhre sone lagade - 2
soni de nakhire soni lagidae tainu (4)
oh keinde pump pump pump up (4)
oh jannah jannah
oh keindie pump up the jame oh keinde (4)
oh jannah jannah oh keinde
The kids had all joined in too as the men teased all their women about their 'nakhras'
By the end of the evening, everyone had a great time at the sangeet ceremony. Nishant offered to drop Harshini and her parents to the nearby hotel they were staying at.
"Mom….do you think what I think?" Riddhima asked Padma as they watched Nishant leave with Harshini's son in his arms.
"Hmmm….main bhi soch rahi hoon ki dono ki Jodi bahut jamegi," Padma pondered.
"Aap unki Jodi tho baad mein banaaiyega behenji…..pehle hamare ghar ko roshan kar dee jiye," Naina held Padma's hands.
"Jee…aapka ghar?" Padma was perplexed.
"Ab ek beti jaa rahi hai," Naina caressed Arohi's chin, "tho soch rahi hoon…..ek beti ko vida karoon aur doosri ko apne ghar le aaun….kyun na Armaan aur Riddhima ki shaadi bhi usee din kar dein jis din Arjun aur Arohi ki kar rahe hain?" she looked at Armaan with the corner of her eyes. Both Armaan and Riddhima turned red at that comment; they knew that even the elders were aware of their desperate situation. This was not the US, where they could sneak out and be together before their marriage; they had to follow strict rules here at the Mallik residence. An early marriage was the only way they could be together officially.
Padma smiled and squeezed Naina's hands, "aap jaisa chaahe….humein manzoor hai….kyun Riddhima?" she asked. For a change, Riddhima was too shy to respond. She hid her face in her mother's pallu like a little girl.
"Mujhey manzoor hai," for a change Armaan spoke up, grinned wickedly and hugged his mother, "ammi…..aap tayyari kee jiye…..Riddhima bahut utaawali hai tumhari bahu ban ne ko."
Riddhima looked up and glared at him. She could not say anything as everyone around them cheered and clapped for the two lovers.
PART 50: Last part
ONE WEEK LATER:
MUMBAI DOMESTIC AIRPORT:
"Bye mom….bye abbu," Sur kissed her newly wed parents on their cheeks, "make sure you bring a little Taj Mahal for me."
"Yes, of course beta…..next time we will take you to see the Taj itself," Armaan returned her kiss.
"Can I go with you now?" an excited Sur asked.
"Pagal hai!" Farhan pulled Sur back, "honeymoon par bachhe nahin jaate!"
"Kyun nahin jaate?" an innocent Sur asked. Farhan whispered something in Sur's ear; she giggled softly and looked at her parent's aghast expression, "don't worry abbu…..main mazaak kar rahi thi…..Suhaana and I will have lots of sleepovers when you are gone….have a great time," she kissed them again and ran to Suhaana, who was bidding good bye to her parents on their way to Simla for their honeymoon.
"Farhan ke bachhe….kya kaha tha tuney Sur ke kaan mein?" Armaan knelt down and asked his nephew. Armaan was afraid that mischievous Farhan might be teaching his innocent little girl a little too much about the realities of life.
"Kuch nahin chachu….yahi ki honeymoon grownups ka sleepover hota hai….usmein bacche allowed nahin hote!" he smiled sheepishly and ran away to his dada and dadi.
"Aaj kal ke bacche….allah bachaye unse," Armaan stood up and shook his head.
Riddhima, dressed in a beautiful orange and red silk saree, henna all the way up to her elbows, wrists covered with ornate bangles and kadhaas, looked like a perfect bride. The glow on her face reflected her inner happiness as she circled her arm around Armaan and whispered, "Farhan ne kuch galat tho nahin kaha na….he is right."
Armaan glanced down at his gorgeous wife and put his arm around her, "galat kaha…..hamara honeymoon sleepover nahin……wakeover hoga…samjhi?" and squeezed her in his arms, "jab se shaadi huyi hai….idhar udhar bhaagti rehti ho….now you will be in my custody for the next 1 week!"
"One week? That's it?" she teased him and giggled, "I was hoping for lifetime imprisonment Mr Mallik."
"Mrs Mallik…..agar qaidi ki yahi marzi hai….tho uska intezaam bhi ho sakta hai," he gave her an amorous gaze and gently brushed his head against hers.
"*cough*cough* Bhai plane tho udh jaane do…..aap logon ka honeymoon tho yahin shuru ho gaya hai," Rahul cleared his throat and came up to them, "yeh rahe tumhare boarding passes…..aur yeh hotel ki booking…..you guys have the best honeymoon suite at the Amar Vilas…..bahut mushkil se mila hai…..I hope you make best use of it," Rahul winked and handed them the travel folder.
"Aap fikar mat kariye bhai…..hum aapki mehnat barbaad nahin hone denge," Armaan winked back at Riddhima, who turned red from embarrassment. Since the wedding, their roles had reversed with Armaan taking the initiative in being the daring one with the outrageous comments and Riddhima being the shy and docile 'bahu' like a typical Indian woman, especially in front of Armaan's family.
The Hindu and Islam wedding ceremonies, numerous rituals from both sides; multiple visitors and traditions had exhausted both Armaan and Riddhima. Knowing how desperate the two had been before their marriage, it would come as a surprise that the couple had not yet celebrated their suhaag raat yet. Last night, was their only chance to be alone together, but for some unknown reason, Sur had a major meltdown just as Riddhima came back to her room after putting her to bed. The night went by with Armaan trying to pacify Sur with stories and poems as Riddhima fell asleep on the couch in Sur's room. Sur was missing her nani, her own room, her own toys, and most of all her mom. The wedding ceremonies had kept her away from her mom most of the time, and now that Padma and Nishant had departed too, Sur found herself alone all of a sudden. To top it all, Suhaana had moved out of the Mallik residence to her parent's new home too.
It was then decided that both the newly married couples would leave for their respective honeymoons, earlier than scheduled. Sur and Suhaana would now be together at the Mallik's and sleep with their dadi till their parents got back. Both the four year olds loved that decision and 'granted' permission to their parents to leave for their honeymoons.
"Achha Suhaana….jab ammi aur abbu chale jaayenge, tho dadi ka kehna zaroor maan na….theek hai?" Arohi explained, "aur Sur ko bhi tang nahin karna."
"Nahin karegi," Sur put her arm around Suhaana, "Arohi chachi…..aap jao….main aur Suhaana kisi ko tang nahin karenge." The girls giggled and hugged each other joyously.
Billy picked the two four year olds in his arms, "bilkul pareshaan nahin karengi yeh dono…..tum log befikr hokar jao," he smiled at Arjun and Arohi.
A reassured Arohi and Arjun bid goodbye to everyone and boarded their flight to Simla.
ARJUN & AROHI's HONEYMOON:
Arjun had been on cloud 9 since their nikaah. They had a simple wedding ceremony at the Mallik's along with Armaan and Riddhima's wedding. Soon after Arohi's bidaai, they had moved to their own home which Arohi had so beautifully decorated over the past few weeks. Arohi still blushed as she recalled their suhaag raat that night. Thankfully, Suhaana had stayed back with Sur at the Mallik's giving them privacy and time with each other, without any interruptions unlike Armaan and Riddhima.
It was interesting that Arohi, who had always lived in a large joint family, had moved out into a small nest of her own along with her husband and daughter. Riddhima, the one who was used to her independence and raised in a very nuclear family abroad, had ended up in a large joint family in the heart of Mumbai.
Now, dressed in a beautiful silk green salwaar kameez, mehndi on her arms, beautiful jewelry complimenting her elegant looks, Arohi was on her way to Simla, a hill station in Northern India, with her husband, Arjun Shah.
"Arjun….mujhey abhi tak yakeen nahin hota ki hum tum ab saath hain," Arohi rested her head on his chest as they sat on the couch in their beautiful honeymoon suite at the Cecil Oberoi Resort situated amongst the beautiful peaks of the Himalayas.
"Arohi," he held her hand and kissed it tenderly, "main vaada karta hoon ki ab hum dono ko khuda bhi judaa nahin kar paayega……jab pehle nahin kar paaya tho ab qayamat bhi aa jaye, tho hum dono alag nahin honge."
"Ya allah…..aap qayamat ki baat kyun karte hain?……Mujhey aisi baaton se darr lagta hai," she clung to him.
"Bahut darr pok ho tum Arohi," Arjun chuckled a little at his little worry wort.
"Aapko mazaak soojh raha hai?" she got up angrily, "meri yahan jaan nikal jaati hai aisi baatein soch soch kar……main hi jaanti hoon ki kya kya nahin suna tha maine aapke aur mere rishte ke baare mein……wo darr aaj bhi mere dil ko sataata rehta hai."
"Arohi….Arohi," he hugged her and kissed her forehead, "hamara rishta bahut pak hai….usey koi nahin thod sakta jaan……main chaahta hoon ki in lamhon ko apne dil mein hamesha hamesha ke liye qaid kar loon……dekho bahar aasmaan mein wo chaand….noor jaisa lag raha hai…..jab tak uski dua hamare saath hai…..hamara koi kuch nahin bigaad sakta," he kissed her lips gently and carried her to the luxurious king sized bed in the room.
Enjoy this beautifu song from "Jodha Akbar" as Arjun and Arohi celebrate their 'pakiza rishta' once more as husband and wife…..
http://profile.imeem.com/6m6OTzl/music/CqZYDumc/sonu_nigam_m adhushree_in_lamhon_ke_daaman_mein/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3BH6lmZ7-c
In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain
Khamosh si hai zameen hairaan sa falak hai
Ek noor hi noor sa ab aasman talak hai
(Nagmein hi nagmein hai jagti soti fizaon mein
Husn hai sari adaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein ) —2
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tanam tanam tanam tanana dom tom
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tana dom tom tana dom tom tanana dom tom
Dom tom tana nana dom tom tana dom
Dom tom tana nana dom tom tana
ohhoo
Dom dom tom tana nana dom tom tana
Dom tom tana nana dom tom tana nana
Kaise yeh ishq hai
Kaisa yeh khwab hai
Kaise jazbaat ka umda salab hai
(Kaise yeh ishq hai
Kaisa yeh khwab hai
Kaise jazbaat ka umda salab hai
Din badle raatein badli, baathein badli
Jeene ke aandaz hi badlein hai) —- chorus
In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain
Female:
Samay ne yeh kya kiya
Badal di hai kaya
Tumhe mene paa liye
Mujhe tumne paya
Mile dekho aise hai hum
ke do sur ho jaise madham
koi jyada na koi kaam
Kise aag mein
Ke prem aag mein
Jalte dono hi the tan bhi hai maan bhi
Maan bhi hai tan bhi
Tan bhi hai maan bhi
Maan bhi hai tan bhi
Male..
mmmhhmmm
Mere khwaabon ke is gulistaan mein
Tumse hi tum bahar chai hai
Phoolon mein rang mere the lekin
In mein khusboon tumhi se aaye hai
[(Kyon hai yeh arzoo
Kyon hai yeh zustzu
Kyon dil bechain hai
Kyon dil betaab hai ) —-2
Din badle raatein badli baatien badli
Jeene ke andaaz hi badle hain > —chorous
In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain
Khamosh si hai zameen hairaan sa falak hai
Ek noor hi noor sa ab aasman talak hai
(Nagmein hi nagmein hai jagti soti fizaon mein
Husn hai sari adaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein…
ARMAAN & RIDDHIMA's HONEYMOON:
"Riddhima!" Armaan tried to shake a very drowsy Riddhima on the flight en route to Agra. Since they had boarded the flight, she had been fast asleep on his arm. He had tried everything to keep her awake- recited new shers, poems, told her jokes, romantic sweet nothings but her eyelids kept drifting off into a deep slumber.
"Agar sona hi tha tho honeymoon par kyun jaa rahe hain?" he finally gave up and shook her again.
She opened one eye and squinted, "abhi so rahi hoon kyunki wahan jaakar tho wake over karna hai na?"
"So you are awake? Jhoothi kahin ki…drama baaj!" he pulled his arm away and got up from his seat.
"Kahan jaa rahe ho?" she pulled him back by his arm.
"Are you the same woman who seduced me before we got married?" he sat down angrily, "ab kya hua hai tumhein?"
"I like to see you desperate," she was wide awake and put her arm around his shoulder, "mera desi sher….kitna cute lagta hai gusse mein," she pinched his cheek with her fingers.
"Who says I am desperate? I could care less…..as far as I am concerned…this is just another vacation," he sat back and closed his eyes.
She leaned closer, bit his ear lobe and whispered, "I'll make sure this is the vacation of your life Mallik saheb." Armaan opened one eye and gave her a devilish smile, "yes Mrs Mallik…..ghar par tho sabke saamne itni seedhi saadhi desi bahu bani rehti ho….mere haath bhi nahin aati ho….where is my American seductress?"
"Tumhein pataa nahin ab main American nahin…..ek bholi bhali Hindustani ladki hoon," she placed her pallu on her head and bowed shyly in front of him.
"Yeah right!" he took her pallu off and they both broke out into laughter as the pilot announced that they were soon going to land in Agra.
"Armaan…jokes aside," she held his hand and gazed into his eyes, "I know you think I have been ignoring you all these days…..but I know you know me well…..you love me for who I am……but now that I am a part of you and your family, I want to know them well….I want them to know who I am…..not just a spoilt and selfish American immigrant who trapped their son in her love……but a dutiful daughter-in-law also…..someone who cares about her husband's family……iss liye tumse itne din door rahi…..lekin ab nahin reh paaungi," she leaned against his chest and caressed his hand.
"Yeh kaunsi kitaab se yaad kiya hai tumne?" he squeezed her hand and kissed it, "naatak karne mein tum number 1 ho…..bachare Indian judges…..they don't know what kind of woman is going to join their courts soon," and put his arm around her as the plane landed in Agra. She dug her elbow into his side and punched him playfully, "I will make sure you'll pay for this accusation."
"Ok…Ok..baba….tum jeeti…..main haara……chalo we need to sit upright….the plane is landing," Armaan sat up and laughed.
AT THE HOTEL:
Riddhima stood at the window, brushing her hair as she admired the Taj in full view. The evening sun was almost setting, giving the Taj an Orange colored glow in the horizon.
"Kya dekh rahi ho?" a freshly showered Armaan in his bathrobe walked behind her and circled his arms around her waist.
"You were right Armaan…..the Taj seems more beautiful each time one sees it….aaj 5 saal pehle se bhi zyaada khubsoorat lag raha hai," she gasped as his lips brushed against her neck softly.
"Taj ki khubsoorati tho lavzon mein bayan ho sakti hai….lekin meri husn e jaana ki tareef mumkin nahin hai," he drawled seductively and turned her around to face him. His finger traced the lines on her face gently as he recited shers from this famous Nusrat Fateh Ali Mallik ghazal. Riddhima closed her eyes as she sensed his lips approaching hers. After quenching their parched lips, he carried her to the royal bed in the center of the suite. The bed was covered with beautiful rose petals with a white lacy curtain encasing the edges . Armaan removed the pins from her sari and gradually unwrapped his beautiful present……
Husn E Jana Ki Tareef Mumkin Nahin
Aisa Daikha Nahi Khoobsurat Koi
Jism Jaisay ajantaa Ki Moorat Koi
Jism Jaisay Nigaahon Pe Jaado Koi
Jism Naghma Koi, Jism Khushboo Koi
Jism Jaisay Machalti Hoi Raagni
Jism Jaisay Mehekti Hui Chandni
Jism Jaisay Khilta Hua Aik Chaman
Jism Jaisay K Sooraj Ki Pehli Kiran
Jism Tarsha Hua Dilkash O Dilnasheen
Sandali Sandali, Marmari Marmari
He removed his bathrobe and lay next to his wife's radiant body. He picked a rose from a nearby vase and caressed her face gently with the soft petals……
Chehra Ek Phool Ki Tarah Shaadaab Hai
Chehra Uska Hai Ya Koi Mehtaab Hai
Chehra Jaise Ghazal, Chehra Jaan E Ghazal
Chehra Jaise Kali, Chehra Jaise Kanwal
Chehra Jaise Tasawwar Bhi Tasveer Bhi
Chehra Ek Khwaab Bhi, Chehra Taabeer Bhi
Chehra Koi Alif Laila Ki Dastaan
Chehra Ek Pal Yaqeen, Chehra Ek Pal Gumaan
Chehra Jaisa Ki Chehra Kaheen Bhi Naheen
Maahroo Maahroo, Mehjabeen Mehjabeen
Riddhima groaned in pleasure as his magical fingers and words played havoc with her body. He kissed her eyes softly………
Aankhein Daikhe To Mein Daikhta Reh Gaya
Aankhein Ya Makaday Ka Do Baad Hein
Aankhein In Ko Kahoon Ya Kahoon Khuwaab Hein
Aankhein Neechi Huwi To Haya Bun Gayi
Aankhein Unchi Howi To Dua Bun Gayi
Aankhein Uth Ker Jhuki To Ada Bun Gayi
Aankhein Jhuk Ker Uthi To Qaza? Qada Bun Gayi
Aankhein Jin Mein Qaid Aasman O Zameen
Nargisi Nargisi, Surmayi Surmayi
Armaan's fingers stroked her beautiful long hair as he kissed and inhaled their fragrance……
Zulf E Janaan Ki Bhi Lambi Hai Daastan
Zulf Ki Mairay Dil Per Hein Parchiyaan
Zulf Jaisay K Umdi Howi Ho Ghata
Zulf Jaisay K Ho Koi Kaali Bala
Zulf Uljhay To Dunya Pareshaan Ho
Zulf Suljhay To Yeah Deed Aasan Ho
Zulf Bikhray Siyaah Raat Chaanay Lagay
Zulf Lehraye To Raat Janay Lagay
Zulf Zanjeer Hai Phir Bhi Kitni Haseen
Reshmi Reshmi, Amberi, Amberi
His husky drawl had mesmerized her body into a stuporous daze, "Armaan…..please," she touched his lips with her finger and arched her back in pleasure, a sweet throbbing filling her senses with every touch and kiss of his, "tang mat karo Armaan…..I need you…I need you more than ever…." she moaned as they came together, this time as Mr and Mrs Mallik under the soft glowing moonlit sky peeking through the window and filtering through the lacy curtains.
"Armaan…..Armaan," Riddhima shook him as he snored softly after their passionate love making. She removed the pieces of her broken bangles carefully from the bed and his palms and smiled as she recalled his passion just a few minutes ago. Of course, who would believe that he was the same man-he lay listless and spent as if he had just been through an arduous task. Riddhima, on the other hand was wide awake and ready to celebrate.
"Mmm…sone do Riddhima….aaj bahut dino ke baad neend aayi hai," he moaned.
"It's night time…..we have to see the Taj by the moonlight…..tonight is the only night," she ran her finger on his sleepy face.
"Tho dekh tho raha hoon apne Taj ko….wo bhi chaandni raat mein," he opened his eyes slightly and touched her face.
"Very funny! Mujhey bhi tho dekhna hai Taj chandni raat mein," she tried to pull him up.
"Tho bathroom mein sheesha hai na….usmein apne aap ko dekh lo," he rolled over and fell asleep again.
"Shaadi ke ek hafte baad hi itne unromantic ho gaye ho Armaan….aage kya hoga?" she threw her pillow on his face.
"Abhi se maarna shuru kar diya? Aage kya hoga? Itne acche sher tho sunaaye the tumhein…..wasn't that romantic?" he mumbled sleepily.
"Theek hai….tum yahin sote raho….main khud chali jaaoongi….I am sure I can always find a handsome prince somewhere to give me company…..especially when I am dressed as a beautiful Indian Princess….bye sleepyhead," she walked away after wrapping herself with the bed covers.
"Indian princess?" he turned around and asked.
"Hmm…..I got a special outfit tailored just for tonight…..but you can snooze honey…..I am going to get dressed…..the special carriage will pick me up in hour," she bolted for the bathroom with a bag in one hand.
She tip toed out of the bathroom in a beautiful pink sharaara, kurta, dupatta wrapped around her head, beautiful antique jewelry on her wrists, anklets, neck and head. It was as if Mumtaz Mahal herself had come down from the heavens that night. Riddhima noticed that Armaan was still fast asleep, this time covered from head to toe with a blanket. She decided to leave the dark and quiet room without him and wondered if he would follow her.
"Main jaa rahi hoon," she whispered once and when he did not stir, she just stomped out of the room.
To her surprise, there was a carriage waiting at the curb, "it must be for someone else…..I never asked for one…..I was just kidding with Armaan," she decided to wait for a cab instead.
"Ma'am…..the prince in the carriage would like to know if the esteemed lady would care to join him?" the guard outside the hotel asked her.
"Prince?" she was stunned, but then decided to take up the offer when no cab was in sight, "sure …why not? Is he going to the Taj?"
"He will take you wherever you want to go ma'am," the guard smiled.
Riddhima nodded and thanked the guard. She put a foot up on the step and tried to get up with the long sharara dangling below her heels.
A strong, large hand popped out of the door of the carriage. She smiled and placed her hand in his, "thanks."
"Hi….I am Prince Mallik," the deep voice introduced himself as she sat beside him.
"Nice to meet you Prince Mallik…..I am Princess Mallik," she tried to pull her hand away but he clasped it snugly, "ab yeh haath chhod ne ke liye nahin pakda hai princess Mallik……mere haath mein tera haath ho…saari jannatein mere saath ho," he bent down and kissed her hand as the horse driven carriage trotted off towards the Taj.
"Subhan'allah!" he gasped as he glanced at his princess under the passing street lights, "you are lucky, Prince Mallik is a married man…otherwise he would not mind eloping with the beautiful princess," his familiar lips brushed against her ear.
"Don't worry Prince Mallik….this Princess loves to elope with married men…especially if he is a handsome prince like you," she returned his glance in the most alluring manner and admired his Princely attire.
"Bechara aapka pati," he came closer and kissed her ear, "accha hai meri wife bhi yahan nahin hai….warna hum aur aap is aalam ka lutf kaise lete?"
"Drama baaj!" she giggled and punched his chest as he hugged her and held her close to his chest, "thanks for the carriage idea Riddhima….I wonder why it never occurred to me before…..shayad 5 saal pehle hi tumhein bhagaa kar le jaata ismein…..see you are not the only one who can surprise me," he chuckled as their voices faded into the horizon.
They could not stop laughing and chuckling all the way to their destination- the Taj.
As they walked hand in hand, Armaan and Riddhima stood at the entrance and absorbed the warmth of the beautiful monument shimmering in the glowing moonlight.
This time they held onto each other's hands and descended the steps gradually.
Enjoy this song in the background, as the couple walk towards the ancient monument, a symbol of true love, unmatched in its beauty and radiance even 500 years after its construction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBCC-0T_Qz8
mere haath mein tera haath ho saari jannatein mere saath ho - 2
tu jo paas ho phir kya yeh jahaan tere pyar mein ho jaaun fanaa
mere haath mein tera haath ho saari jannatein mere saath ho
tu jo paas ho phir kya yeh jahaan tere pyar mein ho jaaun fanaa
mere haath mein tera haath ho saari jannatein mere saath ho
tere dil mein meri saanson ko panaa mil jaaye
tere ishq mein meri jaan fanaa ho jaaye
jitne paas hain khushbu saans ke
jitne paas hothon ke sargam
jaise saath hain karvat yaad ke
jaise saath baahon ke sangam
jitne paas paas khwaabon ke nazar
utni paas tu rehna hamsafar
tu jo paas ho phir kya yeh jahaan
tere pyar mein ho jaaun fanaa
mere haath mein tera haath ho saari jannatein mere saath ho
rone de aaj hamko do aankhen sujaane de
baahon mein lene de aur khud ko bheeg jaane de
hain jo seene mein qaid dariya woh choot jaayega
hain itna dard ke tera daaman bheeg jaayega
jitne paas paas dhadkan ke hain raaz
jitne paas bundon ke baadal
jaise ?sahaq? sa chanda ke hain raat
jitne paas nainon ke kaajal
jitne paas paas saagar ke lehar
utne paas tu rehna hamsafar
tu jo paas ho phir kya yeh jahaan
tere pyar mein ho jaaun fanaa
mere haath mein tera haath ho saari jannatein mere saath ho
As Armaan and Riddhima reached the end of the canal and looked up at the moon in the sky; they remembered the first kiss they had shared at the same spot. The celestial body had been kind enough to bless them even then, but tonight all the Gods in heaven were omnipresent to celebrate and sanctify the union of the two souls under the shadow of this chaste monument of love……
adhoori saans thi dhadkan adhoori thi adhooren ham
magar ab chaand poora hain falak pe aur ab pooren hain ham
…..The End…..
Next…Epilogue…..
EPILOGUE: sorry became a little long…
FIVE YEARS LATER:
ARJUN & AROHI's HOUSE:
"Aaj aapka bahut badhaa case hai……inshallah sab theek jaayega," Arohi helped Arjun with his tie early one morning.
"Inshallah aur insha-Arohi," Arjun chuckled and kissed her forehead, "tumhare pyaar aur tumhari dua ke bina kuch mumkin nahin hai meri zindagi mein."
"Jaaiye…jaaiye…..taareefon ke pull baandhna tho koi tum se seekhe," Arohi tightened his knot a bit too snugly in exchange for his extra sugary words that morning.
"AHHH! Mujhey maarne ka iraada hai kya jaan?" he pretended to choke.
"Hai allah! Tum theek tho ho Arjun? Sorry….zara zor se tie baandh di," an apologetic Arohi bit her lip, "kuch zyaada ho gayi kya?"
"*Cough* cough* Iski sazaa zaroor milegi tumhein jaan-e-man," Arjun squeaked and coughed as if he was still being smothered by the tie.
"Sazaa?"
"Haan…ek kiss deni padhegi," he said with a smug expression.
"Hai allah…..kaisi baat karte hain? Suhaana aur Rehan kisi bhi waqt uth jaayenge….school ka waqt ho raha hai unka," she looked at the two innocent kids sleeping on their bed.
"Yeh achhi baat hai…..raat ko dono badmaash hamare kamre mein dabe paaon chale aate hain…..tab tum mujhey kiss nahin karne deti …..arre Arjun bacche aa jaayenge…bacche aa jaayenge…..aur ab jab wo aa chuke hain….raat bhar kabaab mein haddi ki tarah sote rahe hain…..aur abhi bhi so rahe hain janaab…..tab tumhein yeh fikar hai ki kahin jaag na jaayein….arre is ghar mein meri bhi kuch chalti hai ya nahin?" Arjun made a whiny face and walked out with his briefcase, "yahan tho sirf biwi aur bachhon ka raaz hai allah miya," he looked up at the ceiling and walked towards the door, "shayad aaj judge hi meri baat maan le….aur tho koi manta nahin hai!"
There was still no sign of Arohi as he turned around in the hope that she would follow him. He sighed and walked out towards his car, "bas kaam…kaam …kaam….yeh nahin ki apni sunder biwi ke saath kuch paal bitaa sakoon…..Suhaana aur Rehan ke saath waqt bitaata hoon tho begum sahiba kehti hain main unhein bigaad raha hoon….chalo Arjun miya…..court hi chalo…shayad wahan koi tumhari sun le," he opened the door to his car and placed his briefcase on the back seat. He heaved a sigh and sat on the driver's seat and was about to turn the ignition on when he saw Arohi on the passenger seat, "TUM?" he startled.
"Kya keh rahe the mere baare mein?" she tried to suppress her smile.
"Kuch nahin begum sahiba….yahi ki mera kitna kehna maanti hai meri biwi," Arjun smiled sheepishly.
"Sach? Kitne achhe shauhar ho jee tum," Arohi leaned towards Arjun and to his pleasant surprise planted a kiss on his lips.
Arjun was in seventh heaven, "mmm…..aaj subah subah mooh mitha karne ke liye shukriya."
"Mooh meetha karne ki ek aur wajah hai," she said shyly.
"Sach?"
"Suhaana aur Rehan ka ek aur saathi aane waala ya waali hai," she blushed and hid her face in his neck.
"Lekin ….lekin yeh kaise hua Arohi?" he pretended to be surprised.
"Kaise matlab?" Arohi was offended and sat up.
"Maine tho kuch nahin kiya jaan e man…..main tho chup chaap raat bhar sota rehta hoon…..wo bhi beech mein 2-2 bacchon ke saath…..yeh sab kab hua?" Arjun acted like he was shocked by the news.
Arohi plodded out of the car and shut the door loudly, "yeh sab doodh waale ka kamaal hai……tumhein kya pataa?" and was about to walk off when Arjun grabbed her by the wrist, "Mubarak ho jaan…..Arjun miya ko apni mardangi par poora fakr aur yakeen bhi hai…..bechare doodh waale ko kyun pareshaan karti ho…..main hoon na?" and kissed her hand softly.
She blushed and hid her face in her dupatta, "chodiye ab…..bachhe uthne hi waale honge."
Arjun rolled his eyes and gave up, "ya allah! Yeh bachhe! Kabhie chain nahin lene dete," and drove off as fast as he could, "ab ek saheb aura a rahe hain…..mujhey hi kamraa badalna hoga!"
"Shukr hai bachhon ka…unki wajah se kuch tho family planning hoti hai hamari…warna Arjun ka kya hai….poori fauj khadi kar dete ab tak," she shook her head and went inside to check on her kids.
"Good morning ammi!" nine year old Suhaana and 4 year old Rehan hugged their mom.
"Good morning beta!" she hugged them back.
"Abbu gaye?" they asked
"Haan beta…aaj ek jaldi case tha unka."
"Ammi….aaj nani ya dadi ke yahan chalenge?" Rehan asked
"Haan school ke baad chalenge," Arohi replied, "kahan chaloge batao?"
"Dadi!" Suhaana exclaimed
"Nani!" Rehan sulked, "hamesha Suhaana ki baat maanti hain aap…aaj meri maanengi!"
"Nahin…..mujhey Sur ke saath khelna hai!" Suhaana whined, "nani ke yahan koi aur bachhe nahin hain."
"Theek hai theek hai…..dono jagah chalenge…..chalo…ab school ke liye tayyar ho jao," Arohi sighed and took them inside to brush their teeth and get ready.
As the kids got ready, Arohi looked around their home. They had come a long way since their marriage 5 years ago. Arjun's law practice with Riddhima had really taken off well over the past 2 years; as a result they had moved to bigger house of their own. They had 2 beautiful healthy kids with one more on the way. Arjun's passion for her was as intense as the first time they had confessed their love for each other.
Her relationship with her parents had improved over the past few years too. While her dad was still in jail, her mother had seriously fallen sick. It was at that time, when she was battling between life and death, that Arohi forgot all her grievances and nursed her mother back to health like a dutiful daughter.
After Adi Hassan's release, her parent's had fallen at Arjun's and Armaan's feet and begged for forgiveness. The two young men were too tender hearted and forgave Adi Hassan for his grave mistakes.
Arjun and Arohi still preferred to have their own home, even though Adi Hassan wanted to gift them with one of his bungalows. Arjun was too proud to accept anything from his father-in-law, especially after what he had tried to do to him. It was enough that they all had a cordial relationship; at least the kids had someone they could call 'nana' and 'nani' and that was enough for both Arjun and Arohi……
ARMAAN & RIDDHIMA
Riddhima, now 32 is a busy lawyer along with Arjun at their firm- MALLIK & SHAH LLC. Armaan has continued to write books, both for kids and adults over the past five years. Of course his favorite pastime is to spend time with his family- Sur, 9, Sara, 3 and Somya, 6 months old keep Mr Mom very very busy!
"Sur…please get ready for school beta!" Riddhima walked out of Sur's room after waking her up early morning.
"Why do I have to go to school when Sara and Somya get to spend the whole day with abbu and everyone else?" Sur whined.
"Beta Farhan bhi tho jaata hai school….chalo school bus aane waali hogi," Riddhima literally dragged Sur to the bathroom to brush her teeth, "beta…..kuch din mein Sara bhi school jaayegi…..abhi wo sirf 3 saal ki hai."
"Mujhey bhi 3 saal ka hona hai," Sur whined.
"Meri beti ko kyun pareshan kar rahi ho subah subah? Main kaafi nahin tha kya?" Armaan walked in to Sur's rescue.
"Maine tumhein kab pareshaan kiya?" Riddhima frowned.
"Raat bhar kaun kar raha tha pareshaan rani sahiba?" Armaan whispered in her ear and winked.
"Badmaash!" she slapped his back, "ulta chor kotwaal ko daante!"
"Wow! Kya baat hai meri pari…..hindi ke muhaavre bhi bolne lagi tum tho!" he chuckled and helped Sur get ready.
"Ok Sur….jao neeche breakfast kar lo," Armaan tied Sur's ponytail and then kissed her cheek, "subah subah mom ki help mat liya karo….you know she gets cranky in the morning sometimes…..main hoon na….I will help you get ready!"
"Why is she cranky in the morning?" Sur asked innocently.
"Well," Armaan raised his eyebrows and saw Farhan approaching them in the hallway.
'Kyunki raat bhar chachu chachi ko sone nahin dete," Farhan grinned and the pulled Sur's ponytail, "let's go…..breakfast is ready….bye chachu…he he," he grinned again and ran before Armaan could grab his smart Alec nephew.
"Is Farhan ke bachhe ka kuch nahin ho sakta….yeh meri betiyon ko ek din bigaad kar hi rahega!" Armaan clenched his teeth and muttered under his breath.
Armaan walked back to their bedroom and found Riddhima nursing their 6 month old son.
"Farhan out witted you again?" Riddhima chuckled as she played with little Somya's toes and fingers. Somya gave her a big smile and grabbed her hair as he nursed, "except it was Somya who kept me up last night….more than you Mallik saheb."
"Sur ko tho bigaad hi chukaa hai….Sara aur Somya ko door rakhna us badmaash se," Armaan stretched on the bed and kissed Somya's little feet.
"Accha hai na….Farhan will make life easier for us….we will not have to teach our kids anything," she smiled back.
"Waise galat kaha tha Farhan ne…..tumhari crankiness ka jawaab tho mere paas hai…. Agar main jagaa kar rakhta raat bhar tho aise cranky nahin hoti tum," Armaan came near her and hugged her waist with his arm.
"Armaan! Mujhey Somya ko feed karne do…please abhi tho pareshaan mat karo! I am just fine…..I feel fine," she whined.
'Sorry rani sahiba…aapke mijaaz bataa rahe hain ki aap fine nahin hain..….aap kuch der mein apne courthouse chali jaayengi…..tab tak tho aapke ghulam ko aapke kadmon mein rehne do….kuch seva karne do aapki," and kissed her waist passionately. Somya looked up and frowned as he saw his mother was distracted. He stopped nursing and let out a loud cry.
"Armaan….you know my hormones can only focus on one man at a time….it's either you or Somya….I can't satisfy both at one time," Riddhima tried to console her little one as Armaan nuzzled against her neck and thick hair.
"Dheere dheere aadat padh jaayegi rani sahiba……Somya ko bhi aur tumhein bhi," he nibbled softly on her neck and ears as she felt blood gushing in her veins, "plllease Armaan…abhi nahin."
"Jaane se pehle tax tho dena padhega….aise kaise jaa sakti ho?" he drawled romantically and engulfed her in his passion.
Somya, in the meantime had lost interest in nursing and sat up; he grabbed a rattle on the bed and babbled away while his parents took care of important business.
A little later, Riddhima was ready in her crisp yellow cotton sari to go to work. She hummed a song and talked to Somya as she got ready. Armaan had obviously fixed her 'crankiness' that morning. Sara had woken up in the meantime and sat on the bed entertaining her little brother, "mom…..Somya ne potty ki hai," she made a disgusting face as she smelt her brother's diaper.
"Jao abbu ko bula lao," Riddhima grinned mischievously, "he is better at that kind of stuff you know."
"Ok mom," Sara ran to Armaan's study to fetch him.
"Yes dear…..bandaa haazir hai….pehle maa ki seva karo…phir bte ki…..Armaan miya….aapki zindagi mein yahi likha hai," Armaan came back with Sara.
"Bye sweetheart!" Riddhima kissed Armaan's cheeks and kissed their two little kids, "see you later."
"Aise nahin…wait …wait…wait," Armaan opened his closet and took a box out, "is sari ke saath…yeh earrings zyaada achhe lagenge."
'Oh Armaan….I am already late….please abhi earrings change nahin kar sakti," she folded her hands.
"Theek hai….hamari kadar kisko? Bas diaper changing machine samajh rakha hai mujhey," he sulked and hung his face.
Riddhima smiled and circled his neck with her arms, 'Ok…badal do…..bahut sunder hain…..tumhari harr choice bahut khubsoorat hoti hai waise," she stuck out her tongue and teased him.
"You are full of yourself…aren't you?" he chuckled and gently changed her earrings just as he had always done in the past and kissed her ears, 'jaldi wapas aana please…."
"Sure," she patted his cheek, "and by the way….Hinna has invited us to D.C this May."
"D.C?" he was surprised as they had not visited the US since their wedding.
"She is having a High school reunion for our batch…..can we go?" she asked
"Do you want to go?" he asked
"I would love to…..but only if you go with me," she replied.
"Ok…then we SHALL ALL GO!" he beamed.
"Sach?" she asked
"Nahin jhooth!" he rolled his eyes and then looked at the two inquisitive faces on the bed, "Chaliye Somya jee…..let's go get a bath….come on Sara….we will sing songs in the bath tub…..let's GO!" Armaan picked them both in his arms and danced all the way to the bathroom.
Riddhima had a quick breakfast downstairs and then went to Naina's room, "Good morning ammi….aapki tabiyat kaisi hai?"
'Aao beti…..office ke liye tayyar ho gayi? Kitni pyaari lag rahi hai yellow mein," her mother in law commented, "breakfast khaa liya?"
"Haan ammi," Riddhima took out Naina's pill box and handed her medicines, 'dekhiye…..aapne dawaa nahin khaayee abhi tak."
"Tere alaawa kisi ko yaad nahin rehta meri dawaa ka," Naina appreciated her daughter in law's thoughtfulness.
"Nahin ammi…is ghar mein sab log apni apni responsibilities nibhaate hain….Muskaan bhabhi ghar ko sambhaal ti hain….Rahul bhai business sambhaalte hain…tho mera kaam sirf aapko sambhaal na hai," she chuckled and handed Naina a cup of water, "I have the easiest job…don't I?"
"That is not an easy task….main bahut ziddi hoon…pata hai," Naina smiled and took her medicines.
"Mujhse zyaada nahin," Riddhima kissed her mother in law's cheeks, "bye ammi….see you in the evening."
After Riddhima left, Shahnawaaz walked in and sat down next to Naina.
"Kitni pyaari bahu mili hai humein," Naina admired her younger daughter in law.
"Riddhima tho tumhari laadli bahu hai bhai…aakhir tumhare ladle ki patni jo hai," Shahnawaaz stroked his wife's knees.
"Mere liye sab ek jaise hain jee…aisi koi baat nahin hai," Naina answered.
"Ammi….aap Riddhima ko zyaada chaahti hain waise," Muskaan walked in with a cup of tea and teased her mother in law, "theek hai bhai…aakhir American bahu hai…..desi bahu se zyaada value hai uski."
"Ab Muskaan….aise mat kaho," Naina felt offended.
"Arre ammi….aapki taang kheench rahi thi main…..Armaan bhai ki taang kheenchte kheenchte bore ho gayi thi na," Muskaan chuckled.
WASHINGTON D.C AT HINNA'S PLACE:
It was like coming home for Riddhima, " I feel like I am at my maayka," she munched on some nachos and sat on the counter in Hinna's huge kitchen in a casual pair of jeans and t-shirt.
"Of course this is your Maayka hun!" Hinna chuckled, "just plan on visiting us maayka waalas more often….not once in 5 years like you did this time."
"Done!" Riddhima got off the counter and welcomed her other friends who had just walked in, "Hey Lisa! Peter! Look at you guys….all married with kids…yeah?"
Lisa was married to a young congressman from Virginia. They had one child who was 2 now, "I just have one….but Ridz….you are a mom of 3 kids? My oh my…how do you manage that? And a full time law career?"
"I have a wife," Riddhima winked and grabbed Armaan by his arm, "here he is."
"Lucky gal!" Lisa punched her husband, "I need a wife too Bill!"
"Well let me see if the next congress session would allow that," Bill said with a straight face as everyone burst out in laughter.
"Hey guys….this is Johnny…my significant other," Peter introduced his partner of many years, "we have decided to adopt a baby together….he is a 4 month old Korean boy."
"Wow! Congratulations! That's great news!" everyone was happy for Peter and Johnny.
'Hey Nishant!" Ranbir greeted their next guest, "kab se intezaar kar rahe the tum logon ka!"
"Nishant!" Riddhima ran to greet her best friend and then saw her shy cousin standing right behind him, "Harshu! How nice to see you both……sorry tumhari shaadi ke time par nahin aa saki…I was pregnant with Sara…and on bed rest."
"Koi baat nahin Riddhima…Armaan jiju tho aaye the na," Harshini hugged her cousin. Alex had grown to be a tall 12 year old boy. Harshini's son from her first marriage, Jignesh was now 7. Alex found Sur as soon as he got in and in no time they were the best of friends just like 5 years ago. Jignesh was already friends with Hinna's kids, Mahek and Sahil. Little Sara felt left out but soon joined Lisa's 2 year old in the playroom.
'Guys…we have good news to share with you all," Nishant raised a toast, "Harshini is pregnant with OUR baby!"
"YAY! WOOHOO!" everyone cheered and congratulated the couple. Riddhima looked at Armaan and exchanged a smile. They both understood what the other person meant- they were both happy for Nishant and Harshini at last. Harshini had gone through a lot of obstacles before her first husband's family allowed her to get married again. Her in laws did not want to relinquish rights over their only grandson to some American Gujarati man. It had taken a lot of convincing on Armaan and Riddhima's part before Harshini and her son were let go off by her husband's family.
"Hi everyone!" Hinna asked for everyone's attention, "I just want to thank all my friends who have gathered here tonight…..I know this was supposed to be a high school reunion…..but most of our friends are now settled all over the country and the world…..so it's just us…..all the people in this room who Ranbir and I care for so much….our best friends from all over the world…..kyun Armaan bhai?"
Hinna pulled Armaan to center of the living room, "and I would also like to honor my cousin….my brother….my best friend's husband…Armaan Ali Mallik tonight!"
"Honor me?" Armaan was surprised.
"Yes honor Armaan Mallikfor being the most loveable thief in this world," Hinna chuckled.
"Thief?" Armaan swallowed hard. Memories of the Federal prison in D.C were still fresh in his mind.
There was pin drop silence in the room as everyone stared at Armaan and Hinna.
"Yes thief! We have an FBI officer here….and a congressman amongst us tonight….so you cannot escape Armaan bhai," Hinna caught hold of Armaan's elbow.
"Hinna…yeh kya mazaak hai?" Armaan whispered.
"Darr gaye?" Hinna laughed and then continued, "Armaan bhai….you have stolen our best friend from us….so you are the biggest thief for us!"
Armaan heaved a sigh of relief and relaxed, "Oh," he glanced at Riddhima's smiling face and then pulled her to the center. He put his arm around her, "thanks to all of you…..for letting me steal my most precious possession from this country," and kissed her head.
"This is not fair Armaan….why did you have to take her that far?" Gary walked in to everyone's surprise.
'Hi Gary!" Riddhima gave him a friendly hug.
"How are you dear?" he asked, 'we miss you."
"I miss you all too," she looked around, "but I have to say one thing in my husband's defense…..he did not steal me…..I stole him from all the other women on this planet." Riddhima put her arms around his waist and looked up at Armaan.
"Ismein galti kisi ki nahin hai Hinna…..bas oopar waale ki galti hai," he gazed into Riddhima's eyes and kept staring at them for a moment, "yeh janam janam ka saath hai…..humein koi alag nahin kar sakta……na sarhad….na desh…..na dharam…..aur na bhaasha…..we are meant to be together in this life…..and all our future lives to come."
Here is a song dedicated to our eternal Jodi from KYPH (AK/ZK)…….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vDIwJfUcjI
janam janam kaa saath hain tumhaaraa humaaraa
agar naa milate is jeewan mein, lete janam dubaaraa
jab se ghoomei dharatee, sooraj chaand, sitaare
tab se meree nigaahe, samaze tere ishaare
rup badal kar saajan maine, fir se tumhe pukaaraa
pyaar ke pankh lagaa ke, door kahee ud jaaye
jahaa hawaayen gam kee, hum tak pahuch naa paaye
khushiyon kee khushaboo se, mahake ghar sansaar humaaraa
VISHNU'S ABODE:
Lord Vishnu- Laxmi….dekho maine Yamraj ko phir sabak sikhaa hi diya
Laxmi (Lord vishnu's wife)- Swami….aapki ichha ke bina koi in dono aatmaaon ka kuch nahin bigaad sakta.
Lord Vishnu- Jaanta hoon Laxmi….lekin is baar aisa lag raha tha ki Yamraj sach much jeet jaayega.
Laxmi- Jeet jaata….agar maine apna jaadoo nahin chalaya hota
Lord Vishnu- Laxmi….tum? Tumne kya kiya tha?
Laxmi- Yam ne tho poori tayyari kar li thi Riddhima ke saath bahayanak khel khelne ka….wo tho main Sur ke roop mein pahunch gayi thi…warna abki baar Armaan aur Riddhima ko alag kar hi deta hamesha ke liye.
Lord Vishnu- Sur?
Laxmi- Haan swami…Sur hi ek aisi kadhi hai jisne unhein hamesha hamesha ke liye phir milaa diya tha
Lord Vishnu- Dhanya ho Laxmi…dhanya ho…..main kitna bhaagyashaali hoon jo tum meri patni ho!
OUTSIDE VISHNU's ABODE:
Yamraj is punching a big bag full of skeletons, skull bones and dead skin, "GRRR!!! Vishnu! Yeh tumne kya kiya? Mera saara plan fail kar diya phir….ab main kya karoonga?"
Yamraj started bawling and sat down in front of his punching bag, "Mere saare ideas chale gaye hain…..ab koi ideas nahin hain dimaag mein," he sobbed harder and harder and collapsed on the ground from the shock of seeing Armaan and Riddhima happy together once again……
Now till, Yamraj ji has any more ideas up his sleeve, I will take a break from writing fan fics for now….
Thanks for reading and commenting on this fan fic regularly. Your lovely comments are what keeps writers like us going. Please accept my heartfelt thanks to all of you for all your sweet and sometimes not so sweet comments.
As you all have figured by now, all my fan fics are about true love and how love can change one's perspective on life, relations, emotions and people. I tried my best to present an unbiased view on both the Eastern and western cultures. If there was a Josh in the west, there was a Adi Hassan in the east. If there were good people like Lisa, Gary and Peter in America, there were equally helpful people like the Malliks in India. If there was a confused desi girl like our Riddhima, there was an equally balanced Hinna in the US.
I strongly believe that no culture is bad, just like no person is really bad from inside. We all have our shades of gray just like any culture, religion or language does. Instead of just looking at the glass half empty, if we all learn to see the positive traits of every culture, religion and person, the world would hopefully be a more peaceful place to live in……
Adios for now….
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