Hi I read the update in Whatpad and did not get a chance to read the note here. Yes. I do agree. There are misunderstandings between the couples and it goes away with time when they know how the other one will behave at given circumstances. In the serial, since it attracted the audience and the trp, i feel they continued the same drama till the end. It is good that some vibes are given a better closing to move one and face other dramas
Part 33
Nritya Pravah Dance Studio - Two weeks later, Wednesday November 13th, 5:40 pm
“All right girls, once again from the top! Follow me! Five, six, seven, eight…”
The dance instructor took her position in front of the class as her students mimicked her plié and graceful hand poses along with it.
“Let your body flow freely and naturally. Grace and elegance is key…” she instructed.
It was a beginners level ballet class, with girls of all ages. Ruhi danced in the second row, standing on her tip-toes and bending her knees in her attempt of a plié. There were other dancers in the room with better form and technique, but what distinguished her from the rest was the huge smile plastered on her face that brightened her entire being. Dressed in a pink leotard, white tights, and ballet shoes with Tchaikovsky’s music playing in her ears, she felt like a real life barbie. It was a dream come true.
“And… we’re done for today. Great job, girls! I’ll see you next week! Good work everyone!” The 45-minute long session came to an end.
Ruhi galloped outside to meet her mother, making no effort to contain her excitement. Outside the dance studio, she found Ishita standing at the entrance of the building, glancing at her watch.
“Ishimaa!” Ruhi waved to her mother, jumping up and down.
Ishita looked up to see her precious girl running towards her.
“Hi baccha!” she exclaimed, taking her daughter into her arms. “Kaisi rahi ballet class?”
“It was amazing, mumma! Bahot maza aaya! Look!”
Ruhi spun around and bent her knees in a plié.
“Main bilkul barbie lag rahi hoon na?!”
“Barbie se bhi pyaari lag rahi ho,” Ishita admitted. “Abhi ghar chale?”
“Yes, let’s go! Mujhe papa ko bhi dikhana hai. Woh office se aa gaye honge na?”
“Bas raaste mein hi honge. Humse pehle ghar pahoch jaayenge.”
Ishita took hold of her daughter’s hand and led her to her car. After buckling Ruhi’s seatbelt, she got into the driver’s seat and started the car. As she shifted the gear and began driving home, her daughter’s chatter continued all along.
“...and then the teacher turned on the same music from the Barbie Swan Lake movie, you know the one where Odette dances with the prince? And we all danced to that music like princesses! And then…”
“Shaant, shaant baby, calm down,” Ishita interrupted. “Lagta hai aapko toh bahut mazaa aaya ballet class mein.”
“Yes!”
“Accha to phir yeh batao, aaj ke ballet class aur kal ke bharatanatyam class mein se aapko kaun sa zyada accha-”
“Ballet!” Ruhi blurted out her answer before Ishita even finished her question.
“Par aap bharatanatyam continue toh karoge, na? Aap ko seekhna chahiye. It’s part of our heritage.”
“Okay mumma, I’ll continue with both. But my favorite is ballet!”
“Okay baby. Duly noted,” Ishita chuckled.
She pulled into the parking lot of their society beside her husband’s car.
“Papa aa gaye! Ishimaa, main upar jaa rahi hoon!” Ruhi screamed. This girl had no concept of a volume dial.
“Sambhaalke Ru! Dheere se jaana!” Ishita yelled after her.
By the time Ishita parked the car and got out, Ruhi was already running upstairs. Ishita picked up the pace and followed her. Her daughter was the human personification of fire and energy and excitement. She hoped from the bottom of her heart that Ruhi never lost that passion.
As she walked in the front door of the Bhalla house, her eyes widened at the scene playing in front of her.
“Chaliye papa! Aur yeh table hataayiye! I wanna show you my dance moves!” Ruhi was dragging Raman by the hand from his bedroom. He was still in his two piece suit, with messy hair and a tie loosely hung from his neck. Poor guy didn’t even have a chance to freshen up after getting home.
“Aa raha hoon beta! Mera haath to chodo!”
“Nahi papa, jaldi aao!”
“Beta, papa ka haath itni zor se kheechogi to haath toot ke gir jaayega.”
“Papa yeh table ko side mein karo.” Ruhi pointed to the living room table and put her father to work.
“Waah Raman,” Toshi quipped from the kitchen. “Tu puri company ko order deta phirta hai, aur teri beti tujhse hi kaam karwa rahi hai. Good good ji, very good Ruhi!” She stopped in the task of peeling potatoes to applaud her granddaughter.
While Raman moved the table to create space in the living room, Ishita washed her hands in the kitchen and joined her mother-in-law.
“Layiye mummyji, main karti hoon,” she offered. “Kya banana hain?”
“Dekh, maine non-veg mein mutton curry banayi hai aur dining table pe rakh di hai-'' She pointed to the copper casserole on the table. “-aur vegetarian mein bas abhi aloo matar ki sabzi bana rahi hoon. Aur saath mein parathe bhi bana denge. Thik rahega na?”
“Ha mummyji, sahi rahega. Aap aloo kaat rahi hain to main matar cheel deti hoon.”
Over in the living room, Raman slouched on the couch and faced his daughter.
“Okay Ruhi, ab dikhao jo dikhana hai,” he sighed.
Ruhi went on to narrate every moment of her ballet class with occasional displays of the plié and pirouette. Despite his long day at the office, Raman listened intently, pride and joy washing away the day’s exhaustion.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Bhalla House, Raman & Ishita’s bedroom - 10 pm
Ishita walked into the room in her night clothes to find Raman sprawled on the bed, groaning.
“Kya hua Raman? Bahot thak gaye aaj?” she asked.
“Arey kya batau, office mein itna kaam tha aaj… aur ek to iss contract ne sab ki band bajaa rakhi hain. Clients ke demands bandh hi nahi hote!” he complained.
Ishita sat on the couch and began rubbing lotion on her hands and face.
“Aur phir Ruhi… baap re… kitni energy hai us ladki mein?!” Raman marveled, rubbing a hand down his face. He sat up to face Ishita. “Itni energy kahaan se aati hain usme?”
“Bacchon mein hoti hai itni energy. Shravu jab se paida hua na, tab se Vandu akka ka kehna hai ki uske piche bhaagte bhaagte hi unka workout ho jata hain. Aur jab se Ruhi meri life mein aayi hai, tab se mujhe bhi yahin feeling hoti hain,” Ishita replied.
“Ek to itni energy, upar se tumhari sangat. Mujhe to uss bande ke liye bura lagta hain jisse uski shaadi hogi.”
“Haan- ek minute.” Ishita stood up and glared at her husband with hands on her hips. “What do you mean by ‘tumhari sangat’?”
“What I mean is, jo abhi meri haalat hai shaadi ke baad wohi haalat uski hogi.” He stood up to face her. “Kya kya sehna padta mujhe. Kisi bhi waqt Jhansi ki rani ki talwar nikalti hai, din bhar ke lectures, aur yeh lectures aate kahan se hai yeh to bhagwan hi jaane. Kyunki tumhare top floor mein to unhunone kuch daala hi nahin.”
“Har waqt mujhe taane dete rehte hain,” Ishita scowled. “Kabhi dimaag ka sahi use nahi karte aap? Waise to bada keh rahe the abhi, ‘thak gaya hoon’ aur ‘bahot kaam tha’ vagere vagere, par mujhe taane dene mein kabhi nahi thakte.”
“Isse kehte hain Punjabi dimaag.” Raman tapped his temple. “Kuch din humare saath rahogi to tum bhi seekh jaaogi.”
Ishita stared at her husband open-mouthed and scoffed in disbelief. This man was incorrigible. A change of topic was the need of the hour.
“By the way, aapne abhi abhi Ruhi ki shaadi ki baat nikaali. Aapne sachmuch socha hain us baare mein?”
“Not really, woh to bas aise hi baat nikli to maine bol diya.”
“Baat nikli nahi, aapne nikaali,” she pointed out.
“Ab iss topic pe jhagda karna hai tumhe?” He crossed his arms and glowered at her.
“I was just pointing out ki aaj pehli baar Ruhi ki shaadi ki baat nikli hai. Aur woh bhi aapne nikaali. Dekhna, ek ek din karke 20-25 saal itni jaldi beet jaayenge ki pata bhi nahin chalega Ruhi ki bidaai kab hogi.”
“OH HELLO?!” Raman yelled.
“Kya?!” Ishita jumped in her skin.
“Kya bidaai ki baate nikaali tumne?! Woh abhi bahot choti hai! Ruhi kam se kam 30 saal tak kahin nahin jaayegi apne papa ke ghar se.”
Ishita pressed her lips together and started shaking. Then she was laughing. In fact, she practically keeled over from fits of laughter.
“Raman,” she said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, “abhi to aap bada sympathy jataa rahe the Ruhi ke hone wale pati ke liye. Aur maine uski bidaai ke baare mein zaraa sa mention kiya to jo seedha Ravan ka krodh dhaaran kar liya aapne! Ab to mujhe bhi bura lag raha hai Ruhi ke hone wale pati ke liye. Usse aapse jo bhidna padega!”
“Bhidna padega?! Meri beti ki taraf koi aankh to utha ke dikhaye, uski haddiyaan tod dunga!”
“Shaant Ravan Kumar, shaant…” Ishita whispered. “Aapka BP badh jaayega.”
“Woh to waise bhi jab se tumse shaadi ki hai tabse aasman chu raha hai.”
“Raman, kya aap bhi,” she scolded him.
“Accha isse pehle ki main bhul jau, tumhe kuch waqt ke liye kal mere office aana padega. Kuch paperwork hai.”
“Mujhe? Mujhe kyun? Aap ke office ke kaam mein mujhe kya karna-”
“Arey phir se sawaal pe sawaal?! Jitna bola utna hota nahi kya tumse?”
“Nahin! Main to karungi sawaal! Kya karoge?”
“Kya karunga? Chup chaap jawaab dunga, aur kar bhi kya sakta hain aadmi? Office ka kaam nahin hain. Legal papers hai. Pathak ne bulaya hain. Isiliye tumhe aana padega. As my wife.”
“Kaunse papers?”
“Kal aa jaana to sab details pata chal jayenge.”
“Thik hai. Mere shaam ko patients waise bhi kam hai, to lagbhag 3 baje aaungi.”
“Great. Meherbani aapki.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Raman’s Office, Neil Pathak’s Cabin - the next day, Thursday, 3:15 pm
“Sab ready hai, Pathak?” Raman asked.
“Haa bhai. Saare documents yahin hain. Sirf aapki aur Ishita bhabhi ki sign chahiye. Waise, bhabhi kab tak aayenge?” Pathak turned his wrist and looked at the dial on his watch. “It’s 3:15 already. I have another meeting at 4.”
“Pata nahi kahan reh gayi Madrasan. Kal raat ko to usne kahan tha ki 3 baje aayegi. Ruk, main phone karta hoon.”
Raman dialed Ishita’s number. The ringtone of her phone sounded from the door of Pathak’s cabin. Ishita rushed through the door frame, still clad in her doctor’s coat, tendrils of hair coming loose from her braid.
“Sorry, sorry, mujhe late ho gaya,” she huffed, out of breath from her climb up the stairs. She walked in and took a seat beside her husband. “Mere last patient ke parents kuch zyada hi questions puch rahe the. Unke bete ko naye naye braces lage hain to use kaafi dard ho raha tha. Aur phir braces ke saath kya khaana chahiye, kya nahi khaana chahiye, use kaise clean karna aur maintain rakhna, us baare mein bahot questions the. To unke sab questions ke answer dene mein time lag gaya. Anyways, ab bataiye, mujhe kyun bulaya yahan par?”
She turned towards Raman expecting an answer, surprised to see her husband gawking at her. She snapped her fingers in his face. “Hello? Suna maine kya kaha? Chup kyun hai aap?”
Raman blinked awake and cleared his throat. What was happening to him? How could he -- the stony, level-headed CEO -- get so distracted? “M-main… main bas hairaan hoon, ki koi ek insaan itna kaise bol sakta hai? Tum shuru hoti ho to khatam hone ka naam hi nahin leti yaar. Aur…aur itna late kyun hua?”
“Abhi bataya to sahi! Phir se bolu?” she teased him.
“Arey nahi Madrasan! Meherbani karke phir se bolna shuru mat kar.” He folded his hands in surrender. “Mere kehne ka matlab hain ki agar late hone wala tha to message ya phone kar deti.”
“Main drive kar rahi thi, Raman. Drive karte karte phone kaise use karti? Aur main sirf 15 minute late aayi hoon. Thodi na-”
“Raman bhai! Ishita bhabhi!” Pathak interrupted. He had been amused with the exchange between his bhai-bhabhi. For the first time in his life, he had seen the no-nonsense, ruthless CEO Raman Bhalla this flustered. For the first time, he saw his brother unable to tear his gaze away from a woman. And it pleased him to no end that said woman was his bhabhi.
“Aap dono abhi ladiye mat,” he continued, “we need to get to work.”
“Gladly. Main to kab se puch hi rahi hoon ki mujhe yahan kyun bulaya,” Ishita muttered, gaining a side-eye from Raman.
Pathak ruffled through some papers in a red file on his desk and passed a document to Raman and Ishita across his desk.
“Bhabhi, this is a certificate of guardianship. I need both of you to sign it. I’ll explain,” he elaborated, seeing Ishita’s expression of confusion. “When you won Ruhi’s custody case, guardianship was transferred to Raman bhai as he was the biological father. By being married to him, you are considered Ruhi’s stepmother. But you have guardianship only by way of being married to Ruhi’s father. If your marriage ended or was rendered void for some reason, or if god forbid, something happened to Raman bhai and he was unable to care for Ruhi, then you wouldn’t automatically be next in line as Ruhi’s guardian. In order to prevent anything like that, you both need to sign this certificate of guardianship. This certificate will be proof that both of you are the legal guardians of Ruhi, regardless of your relationship, or lack thereof. If one of you were rendered incapacitated and were unable to care for Ruhi, full custody would be transferred to the other one.”
“So we just sign this paper, and you’ll submit a copy to the court as well?” Raman asked.
“Yes. I’ll keep one copy, one will be submitted to the judge, and you guys can keep the original,” Pathak answered.
As Raman and Ishita signed the certificate, Pathak couldn’t suppress his smile. Generating this certificate had been a process of two weeks. Raman had approached him two weeks ago and demanded that he drop all his work and figure out a way to make sure that Ishita would legally be Ruhi’s guardian regardless of her relationship with Raman. To quote his brother, ‘she deserved to be secure in her position as Ruhi’s parent without the fear of losing her because of a fragile marriage.’ Pathak didn’t know where this suddenly stemmed from, but he knew better than to ask. It seemed to be an issue between husband and wife. But the reason behind his smile was something entirely different. Because before he ended their conversation, Raman had given him a warning to not reveal that this was his idea. He had joked that if his wife found out that this was his idea, she might oppose it, being the hot-headed Jhansi ki Rani that she is. But Pathak knew his brother. It was so like him to do something this selfless for a loved one and never take credit.
“Here Pathak.” Raman handed the signed certificate back to Pathak. “Aur koi kaam hai?”
“No bhai. Nothing else. I’ll let you know if I need anything else. Thanks for coming in. Thanks bhabhi.”
“Okay Neil, thank you so much,” Ishita said, voice quivering from emotion. “This really means a lot. You have no idea.”
“Bhabhi, this is my job. Please don’t thank me.” You should thank Raman bhai.
“I’ll take your leave now.”
“Let me walk you out,” Raman said.
As Raman guided her out of Pathak’s cabin and to the exit of the office, Ishita struggled to keep the overwhelming emotion in her chest under control. She knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that this was Raman’s idea. There was no way Pathak could have been alluding to the exact same thing that she had discussed with Raman two weeks ago.
“Regardless of our relationship, Ruhi will always be your child first. Then mine.” -- Raman
“This certificate will be proof that both of you are the legal guardians of Ruhi, regardless of your relationship, or lack thereof.” -- Pathak
Getting this certificate now was too much of a coincidence. The only explanation was that Raman had asked Pathak to do this. He had made sure to get rid of her insecurity regarding losing Ruhi. She was her daughter. Everyone knew that and now, so did the law. But the main source of the balloon of emotion that swelled in her chest and clogged her throat was the fact that her husband took no credit for any of this. She saw now how he worked. Silently, quietly, doing one selfless deed after another without any expectation of praise or even credit. His words consisted of jokes and taunts; he was hardly a man of sweet nothings. But his actions were what made a real difference. She laughed at herself for ever thinking that this man could be anything other than selfless. And she was filled with wonder knowing that this man was her husband.
“Accha Ishita, abhi tum ghar hi jaaogi, right? Waapis clinic to nahin jaana?” Raman asked. They had reached the exit to his office.
Ishita blinked her eyes and stopped the emotion from welling. “N-nahin… mujhe clinic nahin jaana waapis. I’ll just stop by the supermarket on my way home. Do you need anything?”
“Get me a can of shaving cream and men’s hair gel.”
“Okay.”
“All right then, I’m going back to my desk. See you at home.”
Raman turned around, but was stopped by Ishita gripping his wrist.
“Kya hua?” he asked her. “Ishita?” Raman grew concerned, noticing the sheen of tears welling in his wife’s eyes.
But before Raman could understand what was going on, he found the wind knocked out of his lungs as Ishita wrapped her arms around him. He stood there frozen, limbs unmoving, as he comprehended the fact that his wife had just hugged him.
“Thank you Raman. For doing this. I know you won’t admit it, but I’m sure this is your doing.” The tears from her eyes soaked the sleeve of his shirt. “And you have no idea how much this means to me. I…this… just thank you. Thank you so much,” Ishita sniffed, having decided against suppressing the ball of emotion in her chest.
She slowly withdrew her arms from the embrace and unraveled herself. Raman still stood there, a statue with an unreadable expression.
“Main chalti hoon. Ghar pe milte hain.” Ishita tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and left.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The wind whistled in Raman’s ear, his feet glued to the floor. About a 100 billion neurons in his brain screamed at him to move, that he was still in his office surrounded by staff who feared him, looked up to him, staff who shouldn’t be seeing their boss this flustered and unnerved by a hug from his wife. The logical side of mind kicked into gear and freed his legs from paralysis, high tailing him to his cabin. He locked the door shut and dropped into his chair, finally letting air into his lungs. Ishita just hugged him. Like for real, wrapped her arms around him, pressed her face into his shoulder, hugged him. His eyelids fluttered shut, and the corners of his lips tugged upwards, as he replayed the moment in his head over and over again. His wife hugged him. And all he could do was stand there like an idiot. He cursed himself for his inaction. For not hugging her back. For not wiping the tears from her eyes or rubbing her back or soothing her in any way. They were tears of happiness, yes, but any kind of tears from her eyes unnerved him.
He hadn’t meant for her to get so emotional, so overwhelmed. All he wanted was for her to stop fearing that she could lose her daughter, ever.
“I already lost Ruhi once before we got married. I couldn’t face it again.”
Ishita’s words from two weeks ago had been churning in his head which had led him to ask Pathak for a solution. It pained him to no end that this maddening, marvelous woman could ever have any kind of fear weighing down on her. And the fear of losing her daughter? Never, not on his watch. He knew first hand the pain of being separated from one’s own child. But he could not have predicted that she’d get so overwhelmed with emotion that she’d throw her arms around him. And never in a million years could he have predicted that she’d figure out that all this was his idea. He had meant for this to happen without bashing in any limelight. It was the biggest paradox of his life. He might be a sauve, confident CEO and business owner in the most elitist business circles of the country, but deep down, he was still the sweet, shy boy that his mother raised him to be. Even today, praise and applause and compliments made him uncomfortable. He operated with one of two motives: duty or desire. It was his duty to take care of his parents, provide facilities for his siblings, and secure a bright future for his kids. It was his desire to earn money, make his business the best, and have his name outshine his competitors. And he neither wanted nor expected praise for either. It was a true testament to his wife’s empathic accuracy that she could tell everything was his doing. Her appreciation and joy over something she hadn’t even asked knew no bounds. And although it wasn’t his motivation, Ishita’s appreciation meant the world to him.
He chuckled at the cold, cruel joke that life had played on him. There was a time when a woman in his life had demands he couldn’t fulfill no matter how hard he tried. When said woman gave no indication of gratefulness regardless of anything he did for her. And now, he had a woman who asked for nothing when he could literally buy her anything she wanted. In that moment, he learned that he would do anything for Ishita’s appreciation, even without her asking. Especially without her asking.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Iyer House - two days later, Saturday, November 16th, 9 am
“Appa, ab toh batao yeh ‘family meeting’ kyun bulayi hai?” Vandu asked. “Kab se suspense create kiya hain aap sab ne…”
The Iyers’ living room was packed with the Bhallas and Iyers alike. Both sets of parents were settled on the sofa, and Vandu and Bala sat in the loveseat. The rest of the family -- Ishita, Raman, Romi, Rinki, Mihir, Mihika -- surrounded them, standing or sitting in various chairs. Vishwa and Omprakash had asked everyone to gather in the Iyer house this morning for an important announcement, and the suspense was itch-worthy.
“Maa-papa, aap log to kuch bolo?” Raman asked his parents.
“Accha, accha, shaant ho jaao sab. Hum bataate hain.” Omprakash conceded. “Iyer saab, aap boliye.”
“Thik hai Bhalla ji,” Vishwa began. “Suniye sab. Hum sab badon ne milkar kuch baat ki hain, aur ek faisla liya hai. Aur… hum aap sab ki raay sunna chahenge.”
“Appa, koi pareshaani ki baat to nahi hain na? Is everything okay?” Ishita asked.
“Yes Ishu, everything is okay,” he continued. “Actually… we’ve been thinking for a while now… and now that we’ve talked with the kids too… We think it’s time that… It's time for us to plan Mihir and Mihika’s wedding. Aap sab ki kya raay hai?”
Smiles broke out across faces all around. A rose blush bloomed on Mihika’s cheeks and Mihir flashed his teeth.
“Periappa!” Mihir leapt from his seat and landed right in front of Vishwa. “Main to kab se isse keh raha hoon ki hum log shaadi kar lete hain, shaadi kar lete hain, par madam ko apni career se fursat mile, tab na? Meri to 100% haan hain! It’s an absolute yes!” he beamed and turned towards Mihika. “Miku, what do you say?”
Ishita and Vandu had herded themselves to their sister, who was having a hard time controlling the scarlet flush rising in her cheeks.
“Arey, ab main kya bolu? Tum bhi na! Ekdum buddhu ke buddhu rahoge!” The smile on Mihika’s face and her playful tone contradicted her scolding words.
“Akka, look!” Ishita shook Vandu’s arm. “Miku is blushing!”
“Oh my god! Humari behen to gayi!” Vandu squealed. They never, ever saw their headstrong sister this flustered.
“Miku?!” Mihir interrupted. “Ishita bhabhi, Vandu akka, ab main iska kya matlab samjhoo?”
“Offo buddhu!” Mihika sighed. “Meri haan hain! Periamma aur amma se meri baat ho gayi thi. Ab career growth to shaadi ke baad bhi ho sakta hain. So… I guess it’s time to get married… I’m ready,” she whispered with shy, downcast eyes.
Hoots of laughter, congratulatory hugs, and smiles erupted all around.
“Lekin haan!” Mihika warned. “Shaadi puri Tamilian reeti-riwaz se hogi. I’m telling you, Mihir!”
“Tumhari saari sharte manzoor hain madam!” Mihir skipped across the room and hugged his to-be-wife.
The lovebirds were soon separated as everyone began taking turns to congratulate them.
“Dekh lo Bala, yeh bhi ho gaya shaheed.” Raman swiped his thumb across his throat, earning a chuckle from Bala. “Mihir! Beta, ab tujhe bhi madrasan biwi milegi, woh bhi Iyer khandaan ki. Ab tujhe pata chalega, dard ka matlab kya hota hai.”
“Kya bhai, aap bhi. Daraa rahe ho bacche ko,” Mihir mumbled.
The vibrating tone of his phone distracted Raman from his merciless teasing of Mihir.
“Ek minute, main aaya.”
Raman pulled his phone out of his pocket on his way to the balcony. The name flashing on his screen ruined his spirit and soured his mood. Shagun.
“Kya hua Raman?”
He turned around to see that Ishita had turned up behind him on the balcony.
“Aap sab se door yahan aa kyun gaye?” she asked.
Raman showed her the screen of his phone. “Shagun’s calling me. After two weeks of radio silence. Pata nahi kya chal raha is aurat ke dimaag mein!” he scowled.
“Phone uthaake dekhiye na? Tabhi to pata chalega.”
“Nahi, abhi nahi. Abhi sab itne khush hai, to apna mood kharab nahi karte. Baad mein shaam ko akele mein baat karenge. I just hope ki Adi…”
“Adi thik hi hoga. Aap chinta mat kijiye. Chaliye. Mihir aur Mihika ki sagaai aur roka ki baat ho rahi hain.”
“Chalo.”
Raman pocketed his phone and followed his wife to join their family’s celebrations, trying to ignore the anxiety looming in the back of his head.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Bhalla House, Raman & Ishita’s bedroom - 11 pm
“Don’t worry Soumya Chitti,” Ishita paced back and forth with her phone pressed to her ear. “Arey hum sab sambhaal lenge… Nahi, abhi tak shaadi ki tareekh to nahi nikaali hai… Haan, jab aapko agle saal chutthi milegi, tab shaadi ki taiyyari karenge. Aap bas apni availability bata dijiyega…”
The door creaked open and Ishita glanced sideways to see her husband walk in. He was fresh out of the shower, with wet hair and a towel hung over his shoulders.
“Yes Chitti,” she continued on the phone. “Haan, Amma-Appa bhi yahin keh rahe the. Sagaai aur roka jald se jald ek choti si ceremony mein karte hain, phir shaadi baad mein dhoom-dhaam se hogi… Hum soch rahe the ki sagaai agle mahine December mein rakhenge. Sab ko holidays honge na…Haan… Aur agar aap bhi aa sake to aur bhi accha hoga… Jee Chitti… Okay, to phir baad mein baat karte hain. Bye. Good night.”
“Tumhari baat kitni lambi chali, Madrasan? Ek shaadi plan kar rahi ho ya sau?” Raman teased, as he ruffled his wet hair with his towel.
“Soumya Chitti se itne dino baad baat ho rahi thi, aur upar se Mihika ki shaadi ki baat, to obviously baat lambi hi chalegi na?” Ishita countered.
“Haan phir bhi… maine Ruhi ko sula diya aur phir main khud naah ke aaya, and you were still on the phone…”
“Ab kya kare,” Ishita drawled and crossed her arms. “Shaadi ka ghar hai. Ab toh na baatein kam padegi aur na kaam.”
Raman chuckled and dropped his towel on the chair. “Mujhe to abhi bhi yakin nahin ho raha. Mihir ki shaadi. It’s unbelievable. School-college jaata baccha tha jab main usse mila tha-”
“Raman!” Ishita dropped her phone on the table and marched to the dresser where her husband stood.
“Kya hua?! Phir se koi dimaag ka dohra pada kya?” he asked, irked at being interrupted so loudly.
Ishita pinched the wet towel on the chair and lifted it with a finger and thumb. “Yeh koi jagah hai geela taulya rakhne ki?”
“Do minute towel yahan rakh diya to koi aasmaan nahi toot padega, Jhansi ki Rani.”
“Raman, yeh chair dekhiye, iske cushions dekhiye, agar yeh geele ho gaye to kharaab ho jaayenge. Aur geela towel do minute ke liye bhi rakho na tab bhi-”
Raman’s phone rang and broke the argument. Raman got an out and took it. While he looked for his phone, Ishita sighed and hung the towel to dry herself. When she returned to their room, she found Raman sitting on the couch and staring at his still ringing phone.
“Answer it, Raman. Kya hua?” she asked.
“It’s Shagun again,” he sighed. Ishita’s spine snapped straight. “Tum aao yahan,” he called her. “Sit here.” He nodded at the empty spot beside him.
Even as she picked up on the hint of vulnerability in his voice, Ishita appreciated his effort to include her. She joined him on the couch as he accepted the call and put it on speaker phone.
“Raman, I’ve been calling you all day. Where the hell have you been?” Shagun’s shrill voice sounded from the phone.
“Kya kaam hai Shagun?” Raman asked, trying his best to keep his voice even.
“Wow, straight to the point, huh? You don’t even have time to ask how I am, now?”
“Kya kaam hai?” Raman repeated his question.
“Fine. I… I needed some money,” she conceded.
Raman and Ishita looked at each other. Was she playing another game?
“What do you need money for?” Raman asked.
“Who do you think you are Raman? My accountant? Or my mother? Mujhse rupiye-rupiye ka hisaab maangoge?”
“Agar mere paise maangogi to mujhe jaanne ka haq hai ki tumhe kis liye chahiye.”
“I need the money for Adi. He needs some things.”
“What does he need? I’ll buy whatever he needs and bring it for him.” Raman suggested, hoping to use it as an excuse to meet his son.
“You don’t have to do this Raman. Just transfer the money to me.”
“Shagun, I’m not giving you money directly. It’s too messy. We’re just not that close anymore. Just tell me what Adi needs, and I’ll get it for him. I’m his father after all.”
“He’s my son, Raman. Tum uspe apna zyada haq jataane ki koshish mat karo. And if you’re not giving me money, then… you can’t meet Adi,” Shagun sneered, barely hiding her rage.
Ishita’s eyes widened in shock, but Raman had anticipated a move like this. He knew how to play.
“Shagun, don’t forget. You’re the one who wanted to hide the fact that you took money from me to pay Adi’s school fees, right? You wouldn’t want anyone to find out that you had to borrow money from the ex that you dumped?” he insinuated.
“Oh please Raman. Don’t act oversmart. You can tell anyone you want. All it would prove is that you paid for Adi's school fees. So what? You’re Adi’s father, right? It’s no big deal.”
“Shagun-”
“We’re done here, Raman. Ab Adi se milne ke baare mein bhul hi jaao. Bye.”
“Wait Sha-”
The call ended. Silence. Ishita glanced warily at her husband who stared at his phone with a storm brewing in his eyes.
And then he exploded. Raman stood and threw his phone onto a pillow and kicked the corner of the bed, punching his fists in the air.
“Kya karun main is aurat ka?!” he yelled. “How dare she?! Jo man mein aaye karti hai, bina soche ki uski harkaton ka kisi aur pe kya asar hoga…”
He began pacing back and forth to work off his rage. Ishita stood up to face him, struggling to find the right words to say.
“Aur kisi ke liye na sahi, Adi ke liye bhi nahi sochti yeh aurat…” Raman released a shaky breath and sunk onto the bed. “Mushkil se ek ummeed mili thi Adi se milne ke liye…” he trembled.
“Raman…” The quiver in her husband’s voice sprung Ishita into action. She hurried over to the bed and sat beside him. “Raman, please himmat mat haariye. Hum koi raasta dhoond lenge.”
“Kaise? Shagun to mujhe Adi se milne degi nahi. Doosra kya tarika hai?”
Ishita held Raman’s chin with her thumb and forefinger and turned his head towards her. “Raman, look at me. First, take a deep breath. In-” she inhaled, prompting Raman to do the same, “-and out.” They both released a deep breath. “Now listen. We always knew that reconnecting with Adi was going to be a difficult journey, right? Sirf ek baar try karne se humein Adi mil jaayega yeh zaroori to nahi? We’ve only tried once. We’ll try again.”
“Ishita… Adi means so much to me,” Raman looked away and whispered, “You know, when Adi lived with us, he spent most of his time with me. Shagun was mostly involved in herself. She liked to sleep in and go out a lot. So I used to get Adi ready in the morning. Then in the afternoon I used to come home for lunch, and we had lunch together. In the evening we had dinner together and I used to spend all my time with him, playing with him, teaching him the alphabet and arithmetic and other things… You know, every weekend, I used to go with him to the park with Romi and Mihir, and we taught him football. Itne chote chote pairon se woh ball ko kick karta tha, aur hum teeno uchal padte the.” Raman laughed fondly at his precious memories.
“Adi ke saath banayi huyi har yaad mere dimaag mein aisi chhapi huyi hai jaise kal ki hi baat ho. Mujhe itni khushi aur itna garv kabhi mehsoos nahi hua jitna Adi ka pita banke hua. Lekin…” Raman visibly shuddered.
“Lekin kya Raman?” Ishita prompted.
Raman blinked and continued. “During his custody case, my son sided with his mother… and it broke me… The judge asked him, ‘aapko mamma ke saath rehna zyada accha lagta hai, ya papa ke saath?’ And he said ‘mamma ke saath.’ Shagun used to shower him with expensive gifts and toys from Ashok which I couldn’t afford. And my son chose that over me. Humaari shaadi se pehle tum kehti thi na, ki main apni family ko chod ke paise ke peeche kyun bhaagta tha? Par jab mera apna beta mere pyaar ke badle paisa chune, to main bhi kya karta? Pyaar aur saadgi se apne bete ko bada karne ka nateeja to dekh chuka…”
“Raman,” Ishita placed her hand on his shoulder and rubbed her thumb on his collar bone. “Adi was a child then. Many times children gravitate towards their mothers. And there’s no reason behind it. It’s just… I guess it just comes down to simple biology, you know. But that doesn’t mean that there is no place for the father. Aap khud apne dil se puchiye, jab bhi aap Adi ke saath waqt bitaate the, to woh enjoy nahi karta tha? Woh aap ke prati koi pyaar nahi dikhata tha? Dikhata tha, na? Lekin utna hi pyaar use Shagun ke liye bhi hoga. After all, she is his mother. She showed her love through gifts, and you showed your love through quality time. He received love from both of you. It wasn’t a choice between love and money. It was a choice between mother and father. How could he have chosen just one parent?”
“But he did choose one parent, didn’t he? He chose Shagun.”
“He was put on the spot Raman. He might have felt pressured to give an answer. Maybe he didn’t even know the gravity of the question he was answering. You can’t blame him for that.”
“No Ishita, I’m not blaming him. Not at all. But… how could I not dwell on it? Now that I’m trying to reconnect with him, what if he shuns me again? What if he doesn’t want anything to do with me? What if-”
“Raman, calm down.” Ishita moved her hand from his shoulder to his back and rubbed gently. “Adi shaayad aapse gussa hoga, shaayad naaraz bhi hoga. Lekin uska apne pita ke liye pyaar kam nahi hoga. In fact, shaayad usi pyaar ki wajah se gussa aur naarazgi hogi. But I am sure he won’t shun you. It will take a while to get your relationship to the same way it was again, but it’s not impossible.”
Raman nodded weakly.
“Raman, look at me.” When Raman looked at Ishita, the raw agony in his eyes made her catch her breath in her lungs. She cleared her throat and continued. “Raman, abhi ke liye itna mat sochiye. Aap Diwali se Adi ko lekar tension le rahe hain. Just give this a rest for a few days. Let your brain relax, and we’ll revisit this with a fresh perspective after a few days. We’ll find another way to meet Adi, okay? We’ll keep trying until we find a way to meet him. And whatever happens, main hoon aapke saath. Humesha.”
Pal.. do pal.. ki hi kyun hai zindagi
Is pyar ko hai sadiyan kaafi nahin
To khuda se maang loon
Mohlat main ek nayi
Rehna hai bas yahan
Ab door tujh se jana nahin..
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Suhana har dard hai..
Jo tu mera humdard hai
The resolve from his wife’s voice seeped through every crack in his visage and soothed him. Her hand rubbing on his back grounded him and calmed his racing heart. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, thankful for his wife’s presence. If it weren’t for her -- her patience, her courage, and her hope -- he would have begun his descent into a self-destructive spiral. He was dealing with the most painful part of his life -- his strained relationship with his son. It had been the source of five long years of misery. But when he looked at Ishita’s tender eyes and her kind-hearted smile, he knew those moments of torment would never return. He saw hope and light and life. Because no matter how hard life became, no matter what hardship fell on him, he wasn’t alone now. He wouldn’t be alone ever.
Teri muskuraahatein hain taakat meri
Mujhko inhi se ummeed mili
Chahe kare koi sitam yeh jahan..
Inmein hi hai sada hifazat meri
Zindghani badi khoobsurat huyi
Jannat ab aur kya hogi kahin
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Suhana har dard hai...
Jo tu mera humdard hai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tElHNHLSKY
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Announcement:
Hey guys! I wanted to ask a few questions about my writing to get my readers’ feedback.
Is the story a good representation of the original show? Can you see the characters actually performing the scenes and saying the dialogues I write? I am especially having a hard time writing Raman’s taunts and quips without making him a callous prick.
Are you getting enough of both Ishita and Raman’s point of view? Are you able to understand in each scene what both of them are thinking and feeling?
Are you happy with how many side characters I am including in the scenes? Any characters you want to see more or less of?
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Nice update. I like the way you are taking the story forward. Just imagining what would be Ishitha's next way route to Adhi. Waiting for the marriage masala also. Your writing is so good. Just go ahead.
Just awesome update
I can able to imagine each and every scene
All characters are superb
Pls continue ur writing
Beautiful and excellent update
Ruhi is cutie pie her energy is at next level poor raman but he enjoyed his daughter banter raman taunting ishita was cute raman is such a sweetheart he took away ishitas insecurity of loosing ruhi by making her guardian ishita was so emotional and happy she knew it was him only who did all this raman was lost in ishita haha ramans reaction was epic when ishita hugged him he was so happy so finally mimika are getting married ishra scene was nice shagun is such a disgusting woman hope ishra will find a way to meet adi ishita making raman understand was superb raman looked at ishitas face he got relaxed
I m loving ur writing more than show ur writing style is with all emotions please update soon
Beautiful and excellent update
Ruhi is cutie pie her energy is at next level poor raman but he enjoyed his daughter banter raman taunting ishita was cute raman is such a sweetheart he took away ishitas insecurity of loosing ruhi by making her guardian ishita was so emotional and happy she knew it was him only who did all this raman was lost in ishita haha ramans reaction was epic when ishita hugged him he was so happy so finally mimika are getting married ishra scene was nice shagun is such a disgusting woman hope ishra will find a way to meet adi ishita making raman understand was superb raman looked at ishitas face he got relaxed
I m loving ur writing more than show ur writing style is with all emotions please update soon
Hey,
Do me a favor, let's play Holi”. You’ve been colored by Team Basanti
Please comment “I’ve been colored by Team Basanti on our team thread
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Part 34
Sarojini Saree/Suit Center - two weeks later, Saturday, November 30th, 11 am
“Yeh dekhiye madam, yeh color aap pe bahot jachega. Aap ke mangetar aapko dekhte reh jaayenge.” The salesman spread a hot pink saree in front of Mihika trying to add to the pile of clothes they’d already kept aside for her engagement.
It took a massive logistical effort, but after many schedule conflicts and canceled plans, all the Bhalla and Iyer women had finally managed to go shopping together for Mihir and Mihika’s engagement. After much deliberation, it was decided that they would get engaged in a Punjabi fashion (with a roka and ring ceremony happening together), seeing that the groom had agreed to a Tamilian wedding already.
“Nahin nahin.” Toshi pushed aside the pink saree laid out by the salesman. “Yeh bahot halki hain. Meri hone wali bahu ke liye ekdum bhari saree chahiye.”
Ishita caught a glimpse of Mihika’s moist-eyed look. They always knew that Mihir was just as much a part of the Bhalla family as Raman or Romi. But the way Toshi had accepted Mihika as another daughter-in-law seemed truly marvelous to them. It proved that the Bhallas’ affection wasn’t just empty words; it was real.
“Lekin bhari bhari saree pehnne se to accha ki tum ek accha sa lehenga hi leh lo, na Mihika?” Simi suggested. Like Vandu and Ishita, she had put her husband on child-duty for the rest of the day. Might as well have a girls-day out while they’re at it.
One after another, they chose different outfits for the bride and for themselves. After a two-hour long trial session, they left the store with their pockets lighter and shopping bags heavier. Way heavier. Rinki, Simi, and Toshi chose new salwar suits; Vandu and Madhu picked out sarees with heavy borders; and the bride chose a heavy, gold and magenta lehenga. Ishita -- confused between a saree and suit -- decided to treat herself and buy both. Worst case scenario, Ravan kumar would tease her a bit on her fashion choices. Was it weird that she’d started loving this push-and-pull she had going with him?
“Ek baj gaye, Simi di. Bahot bhookh lagi hain,” Rinki complained as they loaded their cars with their shopping bags.
“Ek kaam karte hain,” Simi addressed the group. “Yahan se paanch minute dur ek chaat corner hai. Wahin pe lunch kare?”
“OMG YES!” Mihika exclaimed. “I haven’t had pani puri in sooo long!”
“Gol gappe,” Rinki corrected her with a tap on her shoulder.
“What?”
“We Delhiites call them gol gappe.”
“And we Tamilians call them pani puri.” Mihika narrowed her eyes.
“You’ve been in Delhi for almost a year now. You’re a Delhiite. Besides, you’re marrying a Delhiite,” Rinki countered.
“Simi, mujhe us chaat corner ka address message karo na. Sab log wahin pe milte hain,” Ishita intervened before the Tamilian vs Delhiite feud erupted again. “Chalo sab, apni apni gaadi mein baith jao. Phir khaana kha kar ghar pahochte hain.”
“Seriously. Pata nahi humare husbands baccho ko sambhaal bhi paa rahe honge yaa nahin,” Vandu commented.
“Oh please you two,” Mihika retorted as they got in their car. “My jeejus are just as good at handling their kids as you two, okay? Bina baat ke unhe itna sunaane ki zaroorat nahin hai.”
As the sisters argued about their men, the ladies pulled into traffic and headed for lunch.
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Akash Ganga Community Park - 1 pm
“Tag! You’re it!” Shravan yelled to Ruhi as he ran away, with his cousin close behind. “Come on Ruhi chuhi! Himmat hai to pakad ke dikha!”
“Ruk ja, Shravu ke bacche!”
As Shravan and Ruhi ran across the grass-covered playground, Bala and Raman watched them from the park benches.
“Vandu just texted in the family Whatsapp group,” Bala said, pocketing his phone. “The ladies are having lunch at some chaat corner and should be coming home in about an hour.”
“Great. Took them long enough,” Raman replied.
“Don’t jinx it Raman. If they find another shop, who knows if they will stop there too?”
“Why would they? I thought they finished shopping?”
“They all bought clothes for the roka. What if they stop for jewelry or makeup? Or god forbid, begin shopping for the wedding already?”
“Nonsense, we haven’t even set the date for the wedding yet.”
“Still, don’t test it…”
Despite his misgivings, Bala’s foreboding tone made Raman drop the subject. Why tempt fate?
“Oh by the way,” Raman continued, “I’ve been meaning to ask, where do you take Shravu for swimming lessons? I’m thinking of enrolling Ruhi in some.”
“I go to the pool behind my community. They’re not official classes or anything. Shravu has a friend whose uncle is a retired swim teacher. So he’s happy to give lessons to boys his age on weekends. But he doesn’t teach girls unfortunately,” he added quickly, seeing Raman’s hopeful look. “He’s even insistent that only fathers or male parent figures accompany the boys when we drop them off or pick them up.”
“Seriously?”
“Yup. Call it orthodox or traditional or sexist, but those are his rules. I think he’s just uncomfortable with women being around when he’s swimming with the boys. Otherwise, he’s a real gentleman. He’s met Vandu and all the moms of the boys too.”
“It’s a shame he doesn’t teach girls.”
“Isn’t Ruhi already taking two dance classes though? Bharatanatyam and Ballet?”
“She is, and she’s doing great in both. But she loves getting in the water, so she’ll need to learn how to swim soon. You should’ve seen her at the resort we went to in September. I made a mental note then to start thinking about her swim lessons.”
Inadvertently, Raman mentally reminisced about their time together at the resort. It had been a necessary trip to bond him, Ruhi, and Ishita into one family unit. The memory spread warmth in his chest, but also enhanced the ache of a missing family member.
Bala pressed his lips together, trying to suppress a barrage of questions in his head. He opened his mouth but closed it again, hesitant to overstep.
“Kya puchna hai?” Raman asked. Nothing went unnoticed by his observant eyes.
“Tum bura to nahi maanoge?”
“Aaj kal sab mujh se aise hi kyun puchte hai?”
“Matlab?”
“The other day, Mihir asked me the same thing. Never mind that, just say what you want to say Bala.”
“A couple weeks ago, when you and Ishita had that fight, and she left the house for a couple days, she talked to Vandu. Naturally, Vandu told me everything. I just… I was thinking…”
“I’m sorry Bala,” Raman said, sensing Bala’s hesitation. “I know what you’re thinking, and I apologize for putting Ishita in that situation. Actually I-”
“No no Raman, you misunderstand me,” Bala interrupted. “I don’t mean to say that I’m mad with you or anything. And honestly, Vandu didn’t give me all the details. All I understood was that you guys had a fight regarding getting back in touch with Adi and Shagun was being difficult about it. And I don’t want to know anything else. That’s all between you and Ishita. I just wanted to ask if you’re doing okay. Ishita always talks with Vandu and Mihika about it, and even if she doesn’t, they are stubborn enough to pull it out of her. All three of them are stubborn as rocks to be honest.”
“Don’t I know it…” Raman chuckled.
“It just seemed to me like you might need someone to talk to. Your siblings are younger than you and you probably don’t share this stuff with your parents so… I don’t want to overstep but just know that I’m glad to listen if you ever need a friend.”
“Thanks Bala, it means a lot,” Raman replied.
Whether it was his nature or because of his position as the eldest son in his family, it was true that he didn’t confide in many people. Even Mihir and Pathak were like younger brothers to him. He talked to them as much as he could, but certain things, even they couldn’t understand. Knowing he had someone of his own age -- who was a father no less -- as a friend, was a surprising reassurance.
“Bala, just don’t tell anyone about us trying to reconnect with Adi. The family doesn’t know yet, and you know how excited they can get, especially Ma.”
“Don’t worry, Raman. My lips are sealed.” Bala made a motion of zipping his lips.
“I’m just hoping that when, or if, I meet my son again, we can still salvage our relationship. I haven’t spoken to him in over five years.”
“No relationship is unsalvageable, Raman. No matter what goes wrong, no matter how estranged two people are, as long as both sides put effort in, things can work out.”
“And you think Adi will put in effort?”
“I guess time will tell,” Bala said, not wanting to give false hopes. “What I do know is that kids respond to effort. If they see effort and love, they usually reciprocate. If they don’t, then they drift away. Either way, it’s in your hands.”
Raman nodded, grateful for Bala’s insight. Knowing that he had some semblance of control over the situation eased his anxiety. After all, Shagun didn’t have as much power as she thought she did. Once her illusion broke, he’d be able to meet his son. Then he’d leave no stone unturned to win him back.
“Raman bhai! Bala jeeju!” Mihir’s voice boomed from behind them, and they saw him and Romi walking over in the afternoon sun.
“Aa gaye tum log jeweler ke paas se?” Raman asked.
“Yup. Dulha aur dulhan ki angoothi ka naap de diya,” Romi informed them as they sat on the bench beside Raman and Bala.
“Dekh lo Mihir, this is your last chance. Agar shaadi se bachna hai to abhi bol de, baad mein mauka nahi milega,” Bala teased.
“Bhai tu to gaya,” Romi chimed in. “This is what you get for marrying the feistiest Iyer sister.”
“Arey bas tum log, bichaare ko itna daraao mat,” Raman said.
“Thanks bhai. Aap hi mere sacche dost ho,” Mihir replied gratefully.
“Nahi nahi beta. Main to yeh keh raha hoon ki iske baad bhi tumhe shaadi mein ek final chance milega shaadi se bhaagne ka. Woh Tamilians mein kaashi bhaag jaane ki rasam hoti hai na? Tab dhamki dene ki jhagah par sach mein bhaag jaana!”
“Great idea!” Bala said. “Tumhari ticket main kar ke dunga!”
They all burst out laughing.
“But jokes apart, we are very happy for you Mihir,” Bala said in a serious tone. “Hum to bas aise hi tumhari leg-pulling kar rahe hain. But truth be told, you and Mihika are perfect for each other.”
“Thanks jeeju. And I know very well that you guys are just joking. I see the way you look at Vandu akka. There is no way you could be anything but happy with her.”
“That’s absolutely true,” Bala agreed, with no hint of a lie.
“Waah Bala, itni jaldi party badal di?” Raman probed.
“Come on Raman bhai, you are worse than him,” Romi spoke up.
“Kya matlab?!”
“At the risk of getting my head bitten off, let me go on record and say that when it comes to Ishita bhabhi, you are the exact same way. She left the house for two days and it was like the life had been sucked out of you. You were unapproachable. Ask Mihir if you don’t believe me.”
“Oh yeah, 100%,” Mihir concurred. “At first, I was scared he’d get irrationally angry or something, but even his rage factor was dialed down. Admit it bhai, bhabhi has changed you.”
“Mihir, Romi, agar tum dono ko mere haath ka prasad nahi khaana hai na, to abhi ke abhi chup ho jao,” Raman warned.
“You see that! Dekha Romi! Dar laga tujhe?” Romi shook his head in the negative in response to Mihir’s question. “That’s what I’m talking about Bhai. You don’t even know that bhabhi has changed you.”
Raman narrowed his eyes and glared at his brothers. “Both of you, go to hell. I’m going to get the kids inside for lunch.”
“Romi, Mihir, your brother’s got it bad,” Bala remarked, as Raman sauntered off.
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Food Castle Chaat Corner - 1:30 pm
“Yeh samosa chaat, yeh cheese sandwich, yeh chole bhature, yeh gol gappe, aur yeh masala dosa and uttapam.” The waiter laid down one plate after another for the Bhalla-Iyer women at their table. “And this is the veggie pakora platter and meat pakora platter…” One by one, he laid down all the ordered food and left the ladies to enjoy.
“Main ek baar phone kar ke dekh leti hoon, baccho ne khaana khaaya ki nahi,” Ishita said.
She dug her phone out of her purse and found a string of notifications in their family group chat, the latest being photos sent by Romi where Ruhi and Shravu ate at the dining table, and Raman, and Bala worked in the kitchen making fresh, hot quesadillas and burritos. Caption: Masterchefs in the house!
She showed it to Vandu seated beside her and Mihika in front of her, getting smiles from both of them.
“What did I say earlier,” Mihika pointed out. “My jeejus are just as good at handling the kids as you two are. This proves my point.”
“Okay fine, jeeju ki chamchi,” Ishita conceded. She dropped her phone into her purse and dug into her uttapam.
She could argue with her sister as much as she liked, but she couldn’t deny her point. To have a husband who not only knew but happily participated in household chores and child-rearing was a rarity in the Indian community. She always knew she’d be a working mother, but she never knew she’d be lucky enough to have a partner who shared the load equally, in both earning money and taking care of the family. And in-laws that lauded him for it, rather than interfere or put him down.
“Waise, Ishu akka,” Mihika whispered, trying to get her attention. The rest of the ladies were absorbed in their own conversations.
“Kya hua Miku?”
“Aap ko pata hai, humare roke mein Shagun aayengi ki nahin?”
“Shagun kyun- Oh right, she’s Mihir’s sister. I totally forgot.”
“Exactly, mujhe abhi abhi yaad aaya. Kisi ne baat nahi ki hai about inviting Mihir’s sister, or even his mother for that matter.”
“Miku, yeh to Mihir ka decision hona chahiye, right?”
“I know, lekin jitna main use jaanti hoon, woh unhe invite nahin karega. Woh to uske baare mein itna kum baat karta hai ki mujhe nahin lagta uski zehen mein bhi yeh baat aayi hogi.”
“Tu usse puch ke to dekh. Just ask him whether he wants to invite them or not.”
“That’s another thing. If he does want to invite them, will Raman jeeju be okay with them there? What if Mihir wants to invite them but is hesitating because he doesn’t want to hurt jeeju?”
“Miku, ek minute, just calm down. First, talk to Mihir about this. It depends on what he wants. And don’t worry about Raman. This is your and Mihir’s special day. You guys can invite whoever you want. Raman will be fine. I’ll talk to him.”
Ishita contemplated on another idea brewing in her head. If they could actually invite Shagun to the roka, then maybe Adi could come too. Maybe this could be the start to a new relationship between father and son. At the very least, if Shagun was invited, then at least Raman could have another chance to talk to her. Fingers crossed, Ishita thought to herself.
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Bhalla House - 9:30 pm
As the day winded down, most family members retired to their rooms for the night. Bala, Vandu, Shravu, and Simi had left hours ago, while Toshi-Omprakash & Madhu-Vishwa finished dinner and turned in for the night. The youngsters - Rinki, Romi, and Ruhi - played video games in the living room.
“Ruhi, aur kitna khelna hai baba? Sona nahi hai?” Ishita asked her from the entryway of her bedroom. “Ruhi?!” she called out again upon receiving no answer.
Shaking her head, she approached the scene in the living room. “Romi, pause the video game.”
“Par kyun mumma?” Ruhi complained as Romi paused Mario on screen.
Now that she had her daughter’s undivided attention, Ishita asked her, “Aap pehle yeh batao, sona kab hai? It’s almost 10 o’clock.”
“Kya bhabhi, it’s only 9:30,” Romi remarked.
“Romi!” Ishita whisper-shouted. “I’m trying to get her to sleep, not stay up for an extra 30 minutes!”
“Sorry sorry, my bad.” Never come between a mother’s attempt to get her child to sleep, Romi learned. Even if it involves a stretch of exaggeration.
“Mumma, mujhe bua ke saath sona hai aaj!” Ruhi exclaimed.
“Nahi Ru-”
“Bhabhi, rehne dijiye,” Rinki intervened, “I’d love to have her in my room tonight. We haven’t had a sleepover in sooo long, right Ru?”
“Are you sure Rinki?”
“I’m sure bhabhi. Don’t worry. Dekho, abhi 9:30 huye hai, to hum 10 o’clock so jaayenge, kyun Ruhi? Is that okay?”
“Yes, 10 o’clock,” she agreed.
“Okay Ru, Ishimaa check karne aayegi, 10 o’clock means 10 o’clock, okay? Not one minute later, got it?”
“Yes Ishimaa, I promise.”
“Fine. Now get back to your game then.”
As the video game resumed in the living room, Ishita returned to her bedroom.
“Ruhi so gayi itni jaldi?” Raman asked from his desk.
“Nahi, woh to Rinki aur Romi ke saath video games khel rahi hai. Aur phir baad mein use Rinki ke saath sona hai. Unka girls’ sleepover karna hai. Kal chutthi hai to maine bhi permission de di”
“Hm.” Raman clicked through his inbox reading over emails and making a to-do list of issues he needed to tackle as the office opened on Monday.
“By the way,” Raman turned in his chair and faced Ishita. “Tumne apni shopping dikhayi nahi aaj subah ki.”
“Aap ko dekhni hai?” Ishita asked from her place in front of the dresser. “I thought you weren’t interested this afternoon. As I recall, when Rinki and Simi asked to show their dresses, you said, and I quote, ‘mujhe auraton ke kapdo dekhne se zyada bahot important kaam hai life mein?!’ ”
Truth was, he was very interested in seeing what his wife had bought. In fact, the spiking level of his interest was something he’d rather not focus on. Unfortunately, when the girls had decided to show their shopping this afternoon, his precious daughter had chosen that exact moment to drag Ishita to her room to inform her of a tear in her favorite jeans that needed immediate mending. Disappointed, he had retreated to his bedroom, having lost interest in the fashion display altogether. But now that he was alone with his wife, his interest spiked again. Along with an unidentified fuzzy, warm feeling, that he’d also rather not focus on.
“Woh kya hai na, tum jo pehnogi usse meri image bhi judi hai. Koi purani kapdo ki thaan lapet li, to meri hi beizzati hogi. To isse behtar haina ki main dekh lu acche se ki tum kya pehnogi engagement mein?” he teased Ishita.
“Ravan kumar, don’t worry about your image. You’re lucky to have me by your side,” she retorted. “And as far as my clothes go, I look fabulous in everything I wear. Phir bhi, main aap ko dikha deti hoon maine kya khareeda hai.”
Raman chuckled lightly, hiding his smile as Ishita rummaged through the wardrobe for her new saree and suit. He knew very well -- painfully so -- how beautiful she looked in anything she wore. But getting a rise out of her was so easy, he couldn’t resist.
Ishita sifted through her sarees and suits to find her shopping bags, taking extra long to let her cheeks cool down from the warmth rising in them. What was wrong with her? She wasn’t the type to boast about her beauty or how ‘fabulous’ she looked. She had no misgivings about her appearance. She was an average girl next door. Where did this sudden confidence boost come from?
“Look.” She laid out the saree and suit beside each other on the bed. “Maine ek yeh zari wali saree li hai, aur yeh salwar suit liya hai. I couldn’t decide between the two, to maine dono le li. Actually Amma aur Akka sarees le rahe the, lekin Rinki, Simi, aur Mummyji ne salwaar suit li, so I didn’t know ki main kya lu. Aur ab bhi function mein kya pehnungi yeh nahi pata. Aap kuch suggest kijiye na?”
Raman rubbed his chin and narrowed his eyes as he looked between Ishita and the clothes.
“Raman? Kya soch rahe ho?” she asked.
“You should wear the salwar suit.”
“Are you sure? Main usually sarees pehenti hoon. Salwar suit mein acchi lagungi?”
“Abhi to tumne bola, ‘I look fabulous in everything I wear!’ ” He imitated an exaggerated hair flip. “Don’t worry Madrasan,” he said in a serious tone. “Tum jo bhi pehno, acchi lagti ho. Aur waise bhi, tum ab Punjaban ho. To ek baar Punjaban libaaz bhi peheno.”
“Aap ko lagta hai main jo bhi pehnu, acchi lagti hoon?” she asked, mentally shoving the storm of butterflies in her stomach back in their cage. Now she knew where her confidence boost came from.
“No… that’s not… I didn’t mean…” Raman was tongue-tied, now that he realized what he said.
Fortunately, he was saved further embarrassment as voices from the compound trailed upward and grabbed their attention.
“...no Mihika, just let it go!”
“But Mihir…”
“Yeh Mihir aur Mihika ki awaazaein hai na?” Ishita asked. “Kya hua in dono ko?”
From their balcony, they saw them fighting on the ground, their voices getting higher with each growing minute.
“Niche chalo, isse pehle yeh dono pura mohalla sar pe utha le,” Raman said.
“Miku! Mihir! Why are you guys shouting? What happened?” Ishita asked, as she reached the compound of the society.
“Oye, kyun chilla rahe ho dono?” Raman added, who followed her close behind. “Aas paas dekha to karo, tum kahan ho? Public mein koi aise jaghadta hai kya?”
“Sorry bhai,” Mihir said, realizing how loud they’d been. “Sorry aapko disturb kiya. Main chalta hoon.”
“Ek minute, ruk!” Raman came forward and stopped him from leaving. “Baat kya hai yeh to bata.”
“Bhai…” Mihir hesitated, but then sighed and gave in. “Mihika wants to invite Shagun to the roka.”
Realization dawned in Raman’s eyes. “And you don’t?” he asked.
“No. Not if I can help it.”
“Okay. Then she’s not coming. That’s my promise.”
“Thanks bhai.”
“Lekin jeeju-” Mihika interrupted.
“Mihika, we’ll talk about this later,” Raman gritted out, and Mihika knew better than to argue.
He turned towards Mihir again. “Tu ghar ja. Aur aaram se so ja. Is sab ke baare mein zyada mat sochna. Hmm?”
Mihir nodded.
“Jaa,” Raman patted his cheek and sent him on his way.
As Mihir’s car pulled out of the parking lot, Raman turned towards Mihika and Ishita, both looking rightfully pissed.
“Raman, you didn’t even listen to her. Use bolna ka mauka to dete aap?” Ishita argued.
“Dekho tum dono, Mihir nahin chahta ki Shagun aaye uske engagement mein aaye. Baat wahin pe khatam hoti hai.”
“Jeeju, yeh bhi to ho sakta hai na Mihir sirf aapko bura na lage isliye mana kar raha hai? After all, she’s his sister.”
“Jab tumne usse pucha to usne kya kaha?”
“Usne Shagun ko invite karne se mana kar diya lekin-”
“Mana kiya na usne, to phir suno uski baat ko. Apni marzi us par thopne ki zaroorat nahi hai.”
“Jeeju, I’d never do that!” Mihika was downright offended. “But the fact remains that she’s his sister. Aur gusse mein liye gaye faisle galat ho sakte hain!”
“Yeh faisla gusse mein liya hua nahi hai Mihika. He made this decision four years ago to cut Shagun out of his life. Don’t force him to go through that again.”
“Raman,” Ishita intervened, “is there really no chance of inviting Shagun? I know you and I don’t get along with her, but our problems can’t negate the fact that she’s Mihir’s sister.”
“This has nothing to do with me, Ishita. Mihir cut her off for good years ago. You know very well how toxic and selfish she is. She was like that in all of her relationships, not just her marriage with me. Mihir cut her off because he wanted a clean break from her, for his own peace of mind. It wasn’t out of any deference or obligation to me. And as far as her being Mihir’s sister, then you know more than anyone that blood is not enough to maintain a relationship. Especially not a one-sided relationship.
“Even if Mihir and Shagun did reconnect, it would be a disservice to him. In every relationship of his, Mihir gives his 110%. He’d do the same for his sister, but Shagun would use him for her own selfish reasons. She’s that kind of a person. That’s how she was as a wife, as a mother, as a sister. And Mihir deserves better than that.”
“I’m so sorry jeeju,” Mihika muttered. “I had no idea. Mihir hardly ever talks about Shagun or his mom…”
“That’s because he hates reliving what he had to go through years ago. And you don’t have to apologize to me. Go say sorry to your boyfriend.”
“I will. Mera phone kidhar… Upar hai shayad-” Mihika sprinted up the stairs looking for her phone to call Mihir.
After Raman and Ishita reached their bedroom, Ishita apologized as well.
“Sorry Raman. Mujhe nahin pata tha ki Mihir aur Shagun ke beech itni dooriyan hain. I mean, I thought her problems with us would be separate from her relationship with her brother.”
She put away her saree and suit that she had spread out on the bed.
“Shagun ke liye relationships nahi hote Ishita. Uske liye woh transactions hain,” Raman said from the other side of the bed. “She looks at every relationship, every person with just one thought. What could I gain from this? You couldn’t have known. Tum sorry mat bolo.”
“Mujhe to laga tha, agar Shagun ko invite karte to shayad uske saath saath Adi bhi aata. Aap finally mil paate usse.”
As Ishita spread her bedding on the couch, Raman contemplated the idea but eventually decided against it.
“No Madrasan, that wouldn’t have worked out.”
“Why not?” she asked, sitting beside her pillow.
“If Adi came here for Mihir’s engagement, the focus would be on him, not the bride and groom. Mihir-Mihika wouldn’t get their special day. And more importantly, Adi would be forced to meet our entire crazy clan all at once. Can you imagine how overwhelmed he’d be? He probably doesn’t even know that he has a little sister and a stepmother now. No, it’s best if I meet him first on my own, then slowly integrate him into our family.”
“That’s right, actually. I didn’t think of that. We did the same thing with Ruhi too. She met you first, then the family.”
“Yeah. Let’s just hope Adi accepts us as openly and warmly as Ruhi did.”
“He will, Raman. Maybe not at first, but eventually, he will.”
“Let’s hope so.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Batra Medical Center, Dentistry Clinic - next day, Sunday Dec 1st, 2 pm
“Thank you so much for coming in on a Sunday, Dr. Bhalla,” Sarika said. “Dr. Batra was scheduled to come in for his VIP patient today but he had a family emergency, which is why I had to disturb you.”
“Don’t worry Sarika. I already said, it’s fine. Besides, this patient has been coming to us for years. We weren’t about to give them a chance to complain now, right?”
“Right,” Sarika chuckled, relaxing a bit.
“I’ll take your leave now. You can lock up the clinic and go home too.”
“Yes ma’am. Thanks once again. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!”
“You too!”
Ishita left the building and was greeted by the afternoon sun and chill December air, the perfect combination. She unlocked her car and got in as she perused the notifications on her phone. She was delighted to see a message from Mihika saying all was well between her and Mihir. Besides that, she received a few promotional emails with discount codes and online coupons that she didn’t find very important. She connected her phone to her car’s bluetooth, started her favorite music artist Jagjit Singh, and began driving home.
Hosh Valon Ko Khabar Kya Bekhudi Kya Cheez Hai
Ishq Kije Phir Samajhiye Zindagi Kya Cheez Hai
Hosh Valon Ko Khabar Kya…
Ishita’s mood had been quite upbeat since Raman’s slip-up yesterday. Mihir and Mihika’s fight had distracted them, but his words were now tattooed into her brain. She couldn’t forget them even if she wanted to.
Tum jo bhi pehno, acchi lagti ho.
She never expected her husband to say sweet words. Who needed words when his actions proved every day how selfless and caring of a person he was? But when he did offer them, they were an added bonus.
Unse Nazrein Kya Mili Roshan Fizayen Ho Gayi
Aaj Jaana Pyar Ki Jaadugari Kya Cheez Hai
Ishq Kije Phir Samajhiye…
But despite how selfless she knew him to be, yesterday she saw how protective he was of his family. Even before she married him, she knew how headstrong and stubborn he was when it came to coveting Ruhi, but she had mistaken it at first as antagonism against his ex-wife. She soon realized it stemmed from much deeper fears of losing his kids, but yesterday she had a glimpse of his protection of his entire family, including Mihir. She wasn’t foreign to the concept of cutting a family member off for mental health and peace of mind. After all, her Bala jeeju had completely stopped all contact with his mother Devyani and brother Subbu. But as someone whose second nature was to bend over backwards for someone else, the act of breaking off a relationship still made her uncomfortable. Whether she was raised this way, or whether it was her personality, she couldn’t tell. But she was relieved to have a partner who showed her the reality of life and stopped her from expending energy behind people who didn’t deserve it.
Khulti Zulfon Ne Sikhayi Mausamon Ko Shayari
Jhukti Aankhon Ne Bataya Maikashi Kya Cheez Hai
Ishq Kije Phir Samajhiye…
It had been almost five months since she got married, and according to her sisters and parents, she was now unrecognizable. And they were right. Her anxiety had eased and confidence soared. She smiled a whole lot more now. After all, she finally had someone who she could count on. Who she trusted to be there no matter how bad things got. Someone who stood by his family as a rock and would do the same for her. Someone who wouldn’t run away at the first sign of trouble, as so many suitors -- including Subbu -- had done previously. Maybe she did have trouble focusing on herself or putting her own happiness and desires first. Well, at least she had someone who would do that for her, if she ever forgot.
Hum Labon Se Keh Na Paye Unse Haal-E-Dil Kabhi
Aur Voh Samjhe Nahin Yeh Khamoshi Kya Cheez Hai
Ishq Kije Phir Samajhiye
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Bhalla House - 2:20 pm
Ishita walked into her house and was greeted with unusual silence, especially for a Sunday afternoon.
“Raman, where is everybody?” she asked, as she set her purse and white coat down in her bedroom.
“Ruhi is at Amma and Appa’s place. I think Papa went out to meet a few friends. Romi and Rinki too,” he replied from his desk.
“Aur mummyji?”
“Probably asleep. Taking an afternoon nap.”
“I see…”
Ishita opened the doors to her bedroom balcony and stepped outside, basking in the afternoon sun and light chill breeze. She had a soft spot for cooler weather which she hardly got in Chennai. Maybe she really was a Delhiite at heart. Rinki would be glad to hear it.
“Ishita, close the balcony doors please. I’m trying to work here!” Raman shouted over the noise of traffic.
She hummed the tune of the song she’d been listening to in the car and hugged herself, a soft smile adorning her lips. Rather than close the doors, she sat down on a chair in the balcony, enjoying the cool weather.
“Madrasan!” Raman looked over and found his wife sitting in the cold December air and a chill ran down his spine. What was she thinking, practically inviting the flu?
He shut his laptop and fished out a shawl from their closet. He stomped towards her and covered her torso with the smooth fabric. Ishita widened her eyes at him, surprised at the gesture.
“Agar thandi ka itna hi shauk hai to kam se kam koi shawl ya sweater to le leti? What if you caught a cold, or the flu?” he reprimanded her.
“That’s a myth, Raman. The cold doesn’t cause infections. Besides, I don’t see you wearing a shawl or coat?”
“I was raised here, woman. I’m used to Delhi winters. You’re not.”
“Maybe not, but I’ll get used to them. I’ve always loved winters. But we hardly get any cold weather in Chennai.”
“Just another reason why you belong here.”
They locked eyes, internally probing the loaded meaning behind his statement. Ishita looked away and resumed humming. She looked heavenly, and Raman couldn’t find it in himself to go back inside. So he joined her in an adjoining chair.
“You’re in a good mood today,” he remarked.
“Jagjit Singh has the power to cure any foul mood. I was listening to him in the car.”
“Is that what you were humming? ‘Hoshwalon ko khabar kya,’ right?”
“Correct. It’s one of my favorite songs.”
“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s exactly what I’d expect from you.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. It’s just that… It's a song that… Actually I don’t have the words to describe it. The song just… reminds me of you, I suppose.”
“What’s your favorite song?”
“By Jagjit Singh?”
“By anyone.”
“Hold on.”
Raman went inside and grabbed his phone. He scrolled through his music app as he sat back down and played another Jagjit Singh song.
Badi Naazuk Hai Ye Manzil, Mohabbat Ka Safar Hai
Badi Naazuk Hai Ye Manzil, Mohabbat Ka Safar Hai
Dhadak Aahista Se, Eh Dil
Dhadak Aahista Se, Eh Dil
Mohabbat Ka Safar Hai
Badi Naazuk Hai Ye Manzil, Mohabbat Ka Safar Hai
“Good choice,” Ishita commented.
“I haven’t listened to this song in months. Maybe even years,” Raman confessed.
“Why not?”
“Well, I used to love old Hindi songs. But after my divorce… They lost their appeal, I guess. They reminded me too much of a past that was all an illusion. Sounds stupid when I say it out loud right now-”
“It’s not stupid, Raman. I get it actually. You know, when Subbu and I were together, we had this ritual of sneaking out at odd hours for walks on the beach. It was our way of taking a study break. But after we broke up, I couldn’t even look at the ocean without tearing up. So I just avoided the beach completely. And then we moved to Delhi. If there’s one thing I miss about Chennai, it’s the beaches.”
“You’ll be hard-pressed to find a beach in Delhi,” Raman chuckled.
“All I’m trying to say is, avoiding something that reminds you of a painful past is normal. It’s a human reaction to pain. And everything deals with it differently.”
Koyi Sun Le Na Ye Qissa, Bahot Darr Lagta Hai
Koyi Sun Le Na Ye Qissa, Bahot Darr Lagta Hai
Magar Darr Hi Se Kya Haasil
Magar Darr Hi Se Kya Haasil
Mohabbat Ka Safar Hai
Badi Naazuk Hai Ye Manzil, Mohabbat Ka Safar Hai
“I wish I would’ve dealt with it differently actually. I’d tried to protect my family from everything, but I made it so much worse.” Raman’s tone turned regretful.
“What do you mean?” Ishita probed.
“I just… couldn’t deal with everyone’s pity here. After Shagun and Adi left, I felt like either a charity case or a laughing stock. So I ran to Mumbai. Figured if I hid myself then my family would be protected from my pain. But instead… Well, I don’t have to tell you what the situation was. You’ve seen it yourself. I used alcohol to numb my pain, as my reprieve, instead of working through it.”
“Don’t blame yourself for it, Raman,” Ishita said after a stretch of silence. “I did the same thing.”
“I haven’t even seen you consume a drop of alcohol. What are you talking about?”
“No, I don’t mean I drank alcohol, but I hid myself just like you. After Subbu dumped me, I just internalized my pain until it became a part of me. I hid it in a corner somewhere inside me hoping to hide it from my family. Their sympathy, their worried glances… It was just too much. So I just pretended to be happy. Hopefully get them off my back and give them some peace of mind.”
“I guess this kind of heartbreak is just something we had to work through on our own,” Raman said. “Our families love us, but they couldn’t have understood.”
Bataana Bhi Nahin Aasaan, Chhupaana Bhi Kathhin Hai
Bataana Bhi Nahin Aasaan, Chhupaana Bhi Kathhin Hai
Khud Aaya Kis Qadar Mushkil
Khud Aaya Kis Qadar Mushkil
Mohabbat Ka Safar Hai
Badi Naazuk Hai Ye Manzil, Mohabbat Ka Safar Hai
“You said you used to listen to old Hindi songs. Who’s your favorite artist?” Ishita asked, trying to turn the conversation to a happier note.
“It’s hard to pick one. Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, Hemant Kumar… Jagjit Singh, of course. It’s hard to believe I haven’t listened to them in so long.”
“I would never have guessed that they would be your favorite artists.”
“Who did you think I listened to?” Raman raised his eyebrows.
“At the risk of sounding stereotypical, I thought you’d have lots of Mika Singh and Daler Mehendi in your playlist,” she replied with a sheepish look.
“Then you would be stereotyping me… But you’d also be right.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I’m Punjabi. Of course they’re in my playlist. But their songs are for the body and mind. Old Hindi songs are for the soul.”
“You know what, Ravan Kumar? I think you’re a romantic at heart.”
“Don’t tell anyone else or I’ll have to kill them,” Raman chuckled, eliciting a laugh from his wife. He’d never get tired of that sound.
He realized his phone had gone quiet, so he grabbed it and browsed through the music app turning on an old playlist of his. A playlist that soothed his soul, as he liked to call it.
“Is Ruhi still at Amma’s place?” Ishita inquired, getting ready to stand up.
Raman grabbed her hand and stopped her from leaving. “Ruhi’s fine. Just sit here with me.”
“Are we listening to old songs? Why now?” she asked, settling back down.
“I’ve decided that I’ve had enough of focusing on the past, or regretting it, or even thinking about it. Subbu and Shagun have already taken enough from us. They don’t deserve anything else.”
“Good thinking.”
Ishita leaned back and closed her eyes, taking in the afternoon sun, the cool breeze, Jagjit Singh’s voice, and best of all, the feel of Raman’s fingers on her hand. He hadn’t removed it from when he’d stopped her from standing up. She silently threaded her fingers through his, setting their hands on the armrest between them.
Raman gazed at his wife and relaxed, feeling at peace. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this light, his soul this calm. As much as the music washed over him, he knew very well that this feeling was the courtesy of his companion, who had now interlocked their fingers together. The lyrics of his chosen song drifted through the air. A song that came to him of its own accord a few minutes ago, its words perfectly encapsulating his feelings for his wife. Maybe he was a romantic after all.
Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya
Zindagi Dhoop, Tum Ghana Saaya
Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya
Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya
Zindagi Dhoop, Tum Ghana Saaya
Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya
Aaj Phir Dil Mein, Ik Tammanna Ki
Aaj Phir Dil Mein, Ik Tammanna Ki
Aaj Phir Dil Ko Humne Samjhaaya
Aaj Phir Dil Humne Samjhaaya
Zindagi Dhoop, Tum Ghana Saaya
Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya
Tum Chale Jaaoge To Sochenge
Tum Chale Jaaoge To Sochenge
Humne Kya Khoya, Humne Kya Paaya
Humne Kya Khoya, Humne Kya Paaya
Zindagi Dhoop, Tum Ghana Saaya
Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya
Hum Jisse Gungunaa Nahi Sakte
Hum Jisse Gungunaa Nahi Sakte
Waqt Ne Aisa Geet Kyun Gaaya
Waqt Ne Aisa Geet Kyun Gaaya
Zindagi Dhoop, Tum Ghana Saaya
Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya
Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Part 35
Khanna Mansion - Tuesday, Dec 10th, 4 pm
Shagun heard the screech of a car pulling up in her driveway and plopped the magazine that she was reading onto the coffee table. The front door opened and she stood at the arrival of her son.
“Adi! My baby!” She called out to her son with open arms. “Come give your mom a hug.”
Adi broke into a sprint and wrapped his arms around his mother. “I missed you so much mom!” he exclaimed. Considering how scarce his mother’s hugs were, he relished the few he received.
As they broke apart, Shagun signaled for the driver to get Adi’s luggage upstairs to his room. “Beta, tum kuch naashta karoge?” she asked Adi.
“Um… yeah mom, sure.”
“Thik hai. Main jaake kuch leke aati hoon. Why don’t you go sit on the dining table? Phir hum bahot saari baatein karenge.”
“Okay mom.”
Adi sat on the far end of the long wooden table, as his mother stepped towards the kitchen. The ring of a phone stopped her mid-step. She turned around and picked up the phone from the coffee table, answering the call.
“Hey Raina! Long time no see, babe… Really, a charity auction that I didn’t know about?.... Of course she didn’t tell me… You’re right Raina, I always knew that Preeti had a jealousy streak… Obviously I’ll be there, AND I’ll knock her socks off… Exactly, no one can beat Shagun when it comes to clothing… When is the auction?... In an hour?..... No, I’ll be there… Just text me the address… Thanks girl! I’ll see you there!”
Wow, a charity auction in town that Shagun didn’t know about? And for designer dresses, no less! Shagun fumed at Preeti for not inviting her. Her suspicions were on the dot; Preeti had to be jealous of her. Thank god Raina told her on time. She hung up the phone and turned towards Adi.
“Adi beta, mom has to go for an event soon. I’m sorry to cut our time short here. Tumhein jo bhi khaana ho na, cook ko bol dena. Woh tumhare liye bana dega. Tab tak main taiyyar hone jaati hoon. Okay?”
A flash of disappointment crossed Adi’s face which he hastily covered with a bright smile.
“It’s okay mom. I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks beta, I’m sorry again. But I’ll see you tonight! And Ashok will be back then too!” Saying so, Shagun disappeared up the stairs.
Adi slumped his shoulders, sighing in disappointment. He shouldn’t be surprised. This is how it always was. Their time was always cut short. His mother always had a party, or an event, or a function planned when he would rather just sit with her and spend time. Play games, eat, or even just watch TV. He’d take anything at this point. But it was okay. At least she was happy. And she loved him. That’s all that mattered, he told himself, not for the first time.
Having lost his appetite, he simply headed upstairs to his room to unpack. After five years of going back and forth between home and hostel, he had enough practice of packing and unpacking. Except this time, it was permanent. About a week ago, his mother had called his principal and decided that he’d be coming home for good. One call to the principal’s office, and his entire life changed. As we walked into his room, it seemed like the shock of leaving his school friends and favorite teachers had yet to sink in. They had been the center of his life for five long years, and leaving them was one of the hardest things he had to do. But even harder was coming back to Delhi permanently. To the city that held his fondest memories and deepest wounds. His memories were splintered and hazy, but the emptiness they fostered was as fresh as ever.
He shook his head and began unpacking his first suitcase. Shoving his aches and emptiness away was second nature now. So what if this city reminded him of his father and family? Look on the bright side, he told himself. At least now he could be closer to his mother. Maybe now she’d finally be able to find time for him. As long as he avoided Ashok, everything would work out.
Ashok. Even thinking of that man caused his insides to squirm uneasily. He had never been able to bond with him, or even relate to him in any way. Adi had been so hopeful to fill up the absence of a father figure in his life with his mother’s boyfriend, but the man seemed to have not a single bone of compassion or kindness. He had failed on every account to fulfill any fatherly duties.
The chill December breeze blew his curtains open and sunlight flooded his room. As he stood to fix his curtains, he gazed out at the city that was his home. Blurry memories flashed through his mind like a film reel. His grandmother feeding him kheer on her lap. His grandfather swinging him in the park. Singing and dancing with his aunts to the newest Punjabi remix. Playing football with his uncles. Riding the horse with his Pulkit uncle in his marriage procession even though he was from the bride’s side. He had seen another kid on the horse with him and had thrown a fit asking for a turn to ride the horse as well, to which his father had begrudgingly obliged. Almost painstakingly, he noted that his father was present in each memory. He was always there. He had almost every meal with him. When he went to school, his father dropped him off. When he came home, his father picked him up. Whether he was drawing, learning to read and write, playing football, or even inviting mischief, his father was always there, to help him, guide him, hold his hand, and even scold him.
Adi shook his head. His father wasn't here now though, was he? He hadn’t been here for years now. Why did he think of him? Why did he remember him and let his wounds bleed again? He didn’t even know if his father was still in this city. Where could he be? Why didn’t he ever come to meet him? Didn’t he yearn to see his son in all these years? No. Why bother wasting time thinking about him then, Adi reprimanded himself. He shouldn’t be thinking about his dad. Not when he wasn’t even in his life anymore. The person who was still in his life now was his mother. That’s right. He should be focusing on her. The one person who still cared for her. He’d do everything in his might to keep her happy. After all, they simply had each other, right?
Committing his priority to his mother and avoiding memories of his father, Adi set to work again. He spent hours reorganizing his closet and dresser, unpacking suitcase after suitcase. If he wanted, he could call someone from the staff, but he was used to doing his things on his own. He liked to think it was because of living in a hostel for so long, but in the deepest recesses of his heart, he knew that it was his father who had started teaching him how to take care of himself. He involuntarily smiled at a memory that flashed in his mind. He had come home from school one day and thrown his shoes, socks, and backpack all over the living room and turned on the TV. His mother wasn’t around at the time and his grandmother coddled him to no end, but his father had sternly asked him to turn off the TV and showed him how to put everything away. He had spent the rest of the evening giving his father a cold shoulder, but the lesson stuck with him regardless. Living on his own in a boarding school simply built skills on top of the foundation laid by his father.
Adi put away his final suitcase and rubbed his eyes, rebuking himself for missing his father again. That man made his choice five years ago when he disappeared from his own son’s life. He had no place in Adi’s life, his mind, or his memories. He took a deep breath and glanced around his room. His video game consoles and expensive toys lay untouched since the last time he was here. Years ago, he would have been thrilled to find them in his room. But now, they seemed more unappealing than boiled broccoli. Instead, his gaze rested on his bookcase. He kneeled in front of it and went through each book hoping to find a world of fantasy to escape his lonely and empty reality. As always, he was pulled to the seven book series in the top right shelf: Harry Potter. It was due for a reread.
He pulled out the Sorcerer’s Stone and laid back on his bed as he traveled to the magical world of Hogwarts. It never got old, and he doubted it ever would. Like every kid, he dreamed of living in a world of magic and fantasy. But more importantly, he dreamed of living in a world full of friends and family. Friends like Hermione and Ron. A big fat family like the Weasleys. People who would never leave. People who always had his back. He had bonded over the Harry Potter books and movies with many friends at his old school, each of them sharing their favorite book, favorite movie scenes, and even favorite characters. His prankster friends loved Fred and George. The studious topper girl looked up to Hermione. His best friend’s athlete sister was fond of Ginny. The quiet, shy kids related to Ron. Heck, he’d even heard of people whose favorite was Draco. But it marveled him how he had never once heard someone mention Harry himself -- the main character -- as their favorite. Harry, who endured so much pain and loss, but still found the courage in his heart to keep fighting for the wizarding world. His courage and bravery was what Adi admired. His loneliness when living with the Dursleys was what Adi related to. Reading about this kid being brave enough to fight through all his loneliness, pain, and sorrow gave him courage. This kid who was born an orphan but found his big huge family in Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and the Weasleys, gave him hope. One day… one day, he wouldn’t be this lonely.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Bhalla House - three days later, Friday, Dec 13, 8 am
“Ishimaa, do I really have to go to school today?” Ruhi pouted.
“Of course you do, baby.” Ishita tucked Ruhi’s lunch box in her backpack and hung it on her shoulders. “Why wouldn’t you go?”
“It’s Mihir chachu and Mihika chitti’s function today. I don’t want to miss it. Papa, please tell Ishimaa no?” Ruhi harnessed the power of her puppy dog eyes.
But alas, Raman was immune to them now. “Beta, the function is in the evening. You’ll be back well before the event starts,” he said from the other side of the table between sips of his tea. “Just go to school right now.”
“Come on bacche,” Ishita addressed her daughter. “Tata will drop you off at school today.”
She nudged Ruhi towards the door where she found Vishwa wearing his shoes in their doorway.
“Ready Ruhi beta?” he asked his granddaughter.
“Yes Tata! Let’s go!” She took hold of his outstretched hand.
As Vishwa and Ruhi went on their way, Ishita was pleasantly surprised to see Mihir come up the stairs.
“Arey Mihir?! Tum, is waqt? Aao aao!” Ishita welcomed him. “Itni subah subah kaise aana hua?”
“Actually mujhe to Toshi aunty ne bulaya. Unhone bola kuch urgent baat karni hai roke ke baare mein. And it had to be face to face,” he answered. “Hi bhai,” he waved to Raman at the table.
“Tu aa gaya Mihir!” Toshi called from the kitchen. “Accha hua. Baith baith. Mainu tere naal badi important baat karni hai. Raman, tu bhi sun.”
Mihir and Toshi joined Raman at the table. Ishita turned to the kitchen to put away the milk and eggs used for breakfast.
“Listen both of you,” Toshi addressed Mihir and Raman, “There’s actually a small problem in today’s roka.”
Everyone’s attention amplified ten-fold.
“We all know,” Toshi continued, “Mihir isn’t in touch with his biological family. But for tonight’s ritual, Mihir’s sister’s presence is very important.”
“Shagun isn’t coming,” Mihir declared. “That’s not an option.”
“I know beta,” Toshi assured. “I know she’s not a part of this family. She is definitely not invited. But we need someone to fulfill the ritual as your sister.”
Everyone fell into an uncomfortable silence as they pondered the dilemma at hand. Suddenly Mihir’s eyebrows shot up as an idea sparked in his head.
“Bhabhi,” he stood up to face Ishita. “Can I ask you for a favor?”
“Of course Mihir. What can I do for you?”
He folded his hands and made a request. “Will you perform the rituals as my sister?”
Ishita’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you sure Mihir? I wouldn’t want to overstep…”
“Bhabhi, I mean it. I’ll be extremely grateful if you could do me this favor.”
Ishita stepped forward with misty eyes and clasped her hands over Mihir’s folded ones.
“I’d be honored Mihir. I don't have a brother, but I’m so lucky to have found one in you.”
Toshi gazed at the scene in front of her with such love, she felt her chest expand. Every single day this woman proved just how full of warmth she was. She was truly meant to be a part of this family.
“Good good ji, very good,” she clapped. “Tab to problem hi solve ho gayi. Ab to sab shaam ko milte hai. Mihir ki sagaai mein!”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Akash Ganga Society Community Hall - 6 pm
“Phew! That’s the last of the flowers to hang up!” Romi climbed down from the ladder and appreciated his handiwork. He had been helping hang up decorations for the evening’s roka & mangni ceremony.
“Sab kuch ho gaya kya, Romi?” Raman asked, as he entered the hall in his navy blue sherwani. “Arey waah! Tune to badhiya intezaam karwa diya.”
Romi beamed at his brother’s compliment. “Haina bhai? Decorators ne mast kaam kiya hai.”
“Agreed. Acha sun, yahan ka saara kaam to ho gaya hai, to abhi tu upar jaa kar jo roke aur mangni ke liye gifts aur cheezein wagera chahiye, woh leke aa. Teri bhabhi ne sab nikaal ke rakha hai. Tab tak main Mihir ko taiyyar karke lekar aata hoon.”
“Uske ghar se?”
“Nahi paagal, woh upar Ma-Papa ke kamre mein hain. Woh log taiyyar ho gaye hai aur niche hi aate hi honge.”
“Thik hai bhai, chaliye.”
The brothers ascended the stairs and found their parents coming down, their dad busy on the phone.
“Aap log taiyyar ho gaye?” Raman asked them.
“Haan puttar, tu jaake Mihir ko taiyyar kar. Tab tak hum log niche jaa kar catering wale ko setup samjha dete hain. Mehmaan aane hi waale honge.”
“Catering wala abhi tak nahi aaya? Main phone karta hoon-”
“Ruk ja puttar!” Toshi stopped her son from taking out his phone. “Bhalla ji unhi se baat kar rahe hain. Woh log bas raaste mein hi hain.”
“Accha thik hai, aap log jayiye.”
Romi and Raman jogged to their parents’ room and found Mihir sitting cross-legged on the bed, busy on his laptop.
“Waah dulhe raja, sagaai ke din bhi kaam?” Romi teased. “Mihika ko pata chala na to tumhe kaccha chaba jaayegi.”
“Arey nahi yaar, bas ek email forward karna tha. Aur aap logon ka intezaar karte karte thak gaya, isiliye laptop khola,” Mihir replied.
“Humara intezaar karte thak gaya matlab?” Raman said. “Humara intezaar kyun kar raha tha? Hum log tumhe mehendi lagaane wale hai kya? Ek sherwani hi to pehenni thi? Uske baad paghdi hum baandh dete.”
“Par sherwani hai kahan, bhai?”
“Tere paas nahi hai? To kahan hai?!”
“Bhai, main to seedha office se yahan aaya. Meri sherwani to aap kal hi tailor ke paas se le kar aaye the na? Uski fitting thik nahi thi, to humne waapis alter karne ke liye di thi?” Mihir reminded him.
“Oh yeah, I forgot. Mere kamre mein hai. Main lekar aata hoon.”
Raman turned around to leave the room, but bumped into Romi.
“Bhai tu khada kya hai? Tujhe bola na sagaai ka saaman niche le kar jaana hai?!” he reproached.
“Oh sorry sorry, main bhool gaya. Par bhabhi kahan hai?” Romi asked with a quizzical look.
“Woh Amma-Appa ke ghar pe Mihika ko taiyyar kar rahi hai. Jaa jaldi.”
“Haan haan main jaata hoon.”
While Raman retrieved Mihir’s sherwani, Romi ran across the hall looking for Ishita.
“Bhabhi! Ishita Bhabhi!” he yelled.
“Hum log andar hai! Mihika ke kamre mein!” Ishita shouted back.
Romi jogged to the threshold of Mihika’s room and hung onto the doorframe. Mihika was seated in front of the dresser in a gold and pink lehenga, as Ishita stood behind her working on her hairstyle. She herself was dressed in a royal blue and emerald green salwar suit with gold threading.
“Kya hua Romi?” she asked.
“Bhabhi, sagaai sa saara saaman kahan rakha hai? Saare gifts vagera niche le jaane hai.”
“Haan dekho, saare gifts living room ke table pe organized hai. Total 11 boxes hai so gin ke saare le lena. Phir pooja aur tilak ki thaali taiyyar kar ke Mata ke mandir mein rakhi hai. Woh bhi chahiye hoga. Aur dono rings mere kamre ke dresser par hai.”
“Eleven gifts, pooja ki thali, and rings. Got it!”
Romi jogged back to his apartment and located the gifts and pooja thali in the main room. After four trips up and down to transport everything, he was drenched in sweat, and regretted wearing his heavy kurta this early. After a brief trip to the restroom to wash his face and hands, he headed to his elder brother’s room to locate the rings. He looked at the dresser; they weren’t there. He moved a few bottles of perfume and lotion around; they still weren’t there. He looked around on the sofa, the bed, the desk, but he saw no rings.
“Bhabhi! The rings aren’t in your room,” he told Ishita as he approached Mihika’s bedroom again.
“Nahin Romi, wahin par hai. Tum thik se dekho na,” she urged, as she worked through Mihika’s french braid.
“Maine sab jagah dekha, bhabhi. Nahin mile. Aap dhoond dijiye na?”
“Main kaise aa sakti hoon Romi? Dikh nahi raha, main Mihika ke baal bana rahi hoon? Wahin dresser par hai rings. Shaayad Ruhi ko taiyyar karte waqt makeup bag ya jewelry box ke piche chhip gaye honge.”
“Bhabhi, aap hi dhund dijiye na, please? Sirf do minute lagega, chaliye na?” he pleaded.
“Akka, aap jayiye. Tab tak main choti pakadti hoon,” Mihika suggested.
“Accha? Thik hai. Yeh le pakad. Main aati hoon.”
Ishita handed Mihika the end of the braid and rushed out with Romi to her bedroom. As she approached the dresser, she sighed.
“Romi, come here,” she beckoned her brother-in-law.
“What is it, bhabhi?”
Ishita picked up her makeup pouch to reveal two velvet boxes encasing engagement rings. “Yeh kya hai?” she asked Romi.
“Um… Engagement rings,” he answered sheepishly.
“Tum bhi na, apne bhai jaise hi ho. Aas paas dekhte nahi aur seedha chillane lagte ho,” she scolded.
“Sorry sorry bhabhi. My bad. I’ll take these rings and go downstairs.”
Romi grabbed both velvet boxes and rushed downstairs, while Ishita sighed and headed back to the bride.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
“Yeh le Mihir, teri paghdi bandh gayi.” Raman stepped aside to let the groom take a look at himself in the full-length mirror. “Kaisa lag raha hai?”
“Wow bhai, I feel like a king!”
“Forget king man, you’ll feel like an emperor during your wedding. The problem starts after you’re married,” he joked.
“Wow Mihir, kya lag rahe ho!” Bala called from the door, as he came in to join them.
“Hey Bala, took you long enough. Kahan reh gaye the?” Raman asked.
“Actually Vandu wasn’t feeling very well. So she’s been resting. That’s why we decided to come a bit later. Otherwise she was hoping to come earlier to get Mihika ready.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah yeah, nothing to worry about. Just mild nausea and headache. She must have eaten something that didn’t agree with her.”
“Aur tumhara tingu kahan hai?”
“Shravu? Use niche Ruhi aur Rinki mil gaye, to woh wahin ruk gaya.”
“That’s nice.” Raman turned his attention to Mihir. “Come on dulhe raja, ab niche chale? The bride will take her sweet time to get ready but we should get you downstairs at least.”
“Yeah yeah, let’s go.”
In the adjoining flat, Ishita and Vandu worked on Mihika’s dupatta and the finishing touches of her makeup.
“Mihika, are you sure you didn’t want a professional beautician to do your makeup?” Vandu asked, as she rubbed a pink blush on Mihika’s cheeks..
“No akka, they use too much product. Maybe we can hire someone for the wedding, but today this simple makeup looks best,” she replied.
“Okay then. Your choice. Here, this lipstick is the last step… And your makeup is all done!”
Vandu handed Mihika a hand-held mirror for her to examine her makeup.
“Looks perfect Akka.”
Vandu sat down on the bed and stretched her limbs. She felt another headache set in like the morning and squeezed her eyes shut to relieve the ache. She needed a distraction.
“By the way Ishu, I’ve been meaning to ask since I came in…” Vandu turned her attention to Ishita, who was busy making pleats in Mihika’s dupatta.
“What Akka?”
“What made you choose this outfit? A salwar suit instead of your usual saree?”
Ishita’s cheeks went pink. She knew very well what her sister was hinting at. Her usual instinct would have been to go for a saree but Raman’s words from days ago compelled her to choose this outfit instead.
Aur waise bhi, tum ab Punjaban ho. To ek baar Punjaban libaaz bhi peheno.
“Akka, my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law are wearing salwar suits. So it’s only natural for me to wear the same.”
“Oh yeah, of course. It’s not like you have a Punjabi husband who might possibly want to see you in these clothes…” Vandu smirked. Mihika snickered from her seat.
“Tum kya has rahi ho, Miku?” Ishita scolded. “Khadi ho, mujhe yeh dupatta bandhna hain.”
Ishita draped and tucked the dupatta trying to hide her blush from her sister’s teasing. Sure, she wanted to see the look on her husband’s face when he saw her in complete Punjabi attire, but her akka didn’t need to know that.
“Kuch pins dena to,” Ishita gestured to the cluster of safety pins on the dresser. Vandu handed her a few and Ishita pinned Mihika’s dupatta in multiple places.
“Yeh lo,” Ishita spread her hands and gestured to Mihika. “Ho gayi hamari dulhan taiyyar!”
Mihika spun around in front of the mirror and checked her look from each angle.
“I love it!” she squealed. “Thanks to you both!” She wrapped her sisters in a quick hug.
“Okay okay, we have no time for this,” Vandu clapped. “Let’s go downstairs.”
“Yes yes, let’s go.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Community Hall - 7 pm
“Here comes the bride!” Rinki announced to the guests gathered in the community hall.
Flanked by her sisters, Mihika entered the hall through the glass double doors and trailed to the front of the hall to her family. A dazzling smile embellished the ethereal glow on her face as she walked to Mihir, who stood transfixed gazing lovingly at his beloved. Beside him, Raman held a similar expression, except he only had eyes for Ishita. Along with her royal blue and emerald green salwar, she wore gold chandelier earrings and her hair was done in a long braid entwined with a gold paranda. She looked… sublime. He gazed at her with such intensity as if he were scared she’d disappear if he blinked. He was now accustomed to the punch he felt in his gut whenever he looked at her, but today… today he felt like all his insides were doing the salsa. Today the butterflies that came loose every time threatened to erupt in a storm. She was always beautiful. But today, she was… his.
Ishita and Vandu guided Mihika to her spot beside Mihir and stepped back to let the elders take over the rituals. Vandu slid in between Bala and Simi and took out her phone.
“Wait Amma!” Vandu called. “Let me video call Soumya chitti. She’ll want to see this.”
While Soumya connected online, Ishita took her place beside her husband at the edge of the crowd. Raman leaned down and whispered in her ear.
“Madrasan, aaj tum meri punjaban lag rahi ho.”
Ishita blushed.
“Haan, kisi khaas insaan ne kaha tha, ab main punjaban hoon. To yahin libaaz banta hai na?” she whispered back.
A few moments passed, and they turned their attention to the event at hand. Both sets of parents -- Madhu & Vishwa and Toshi & Omprakash -- blessed Mihir and Mihika’s union. One by one, every family member showered gifts and blessings on the happy couple.
As the rituals proceeded, Vandu moved from one place to another with her phone to allow Mihika’s mother to watch the ceremony from as many angles as possible. She zoomed in during the ring exchange but accidentally dropped the phone as a sudden wave of nausea overcame her. She hastily picked up the phone and handed it to Simi beside her.
“Can you show Chitti the rituals going on? I just need to use the restroom,” she asked.
“Sure.” Simi took the phone and held the camera towards the couple. Ishita was currently applying a tilak to Mihir as his sister.
Vandu pressed her palm against her mouth trying to suppress the sudden waves of nausea that washed over her, as she ran towards the bathroom in the back. What exactly could she have eaten that caused such an upset stomach? Nothing had changed in her routine.
She heaved over the toilet and emptied the contents of her stomach in the bathroom. A sheen of sweat appeared on her brows along with lines of exhaustion. She trudged to the sink and washed her face, hoping her makeup didn’t get too damaged. She’d stuck to simple kajal and lipstick though, so she wasn’t too worried.
She was startled by sudden knocks on the door.
“Vandu! Vandu, are you okay?” Bala called.
Vandu opened the door and walked out of the bathroom. Instinctively, Bala’s hands shot up and cupped her face.
“Oh my god, Vandu. You look… Are you feeling sick again?” he asked, voice laced with concern.
“I’m fine Bala. Just another bout of vomiting.”
“I’ve been telling you since last night. Let’s go to an urgent care clinic. You’re really getting sick.”
“No Bala, that’s not necessary. If I rest for a few days, this will pass.”
“Fine. But I’m booking an appointment with our family doctor right now.”
He withdrew his phone from his pocket and opened the web browser. A sudden thought occurred to Vandu, and she instinctively grabbed her husband’s arm.
“Bala?” she said, with a tremulous voice.
“What dear?”
“What is today’s date?”
“December 13th. Why?”
After a minute of mental math, she spoke up. “Bala… I think I’m pregnant.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Khanna Mansion - two days later, Sunday, Dec 15, 11 am
Shagun stirred in her bed and stretched her arms over her head. She glanced at her bedside clock which read 11:03 am. As she languidly stretched and sat up, she ran her hand through her sleep-tousled hair. She briefly recalled waking up three hours ago to find Ashok leaving for a golf tournament. Despite their discussion last night of going out with Adi today, he had chosen to spend it golfing with his friends. Her numerous pleas had fallen on deaf ears. In fact, Ashok had categorically refused to spend any time with Adi. His words from this morning still rang in her head.
“Shagun, stop whining now. I don’t have time for your son. I’m going to my friends’ place right now. I’ll be spending the day there.”
For years, she had fervently hoped to build a family of sorts -- her son, her fiancé, and herself. A dream that seemed elusive despite her best efforts. Heck, she couldn’t even get her fiancé to start talking about wedding prep, and they’d been engaged for five months now! Groaning in frustration at her boyfriend, Shagun lifted the covers back and sat up on the edge of her bed. As was her morning routine, she chugged a glass of water and opened Instagram. She’d been blowing up with followers since her last picture at the charity auction and the number of likes of her recent post inflated her ego. She set the glass down and swiped through the newests posts and stories on her feed.
Suddenly, a story by a childhood friend caught her eye. A picture of Mihir and Mihika showing off their rings with the following caption:
Congratulations on your engagement Mihir! May God bless you and your better half with infinite joy and happiness! xoxo
With her spine snapped straight in attention, Shagun found Mihir’s profile. He had uploaded about six new posts and each picture sent shock and anger spiraling through her system. Each post showed her brother amidst rituals and traditions getting engaged to Ishita’s sister. He didn’t even think it was necessary to let his own sister know? And of all people in the world he could be getting engaged to, it had to have been that woman’s sister? This must have been Ishita’s doing, Shagun thought. She trapped Raman and put her sister to work to trap Mihir for their money. She knew it.
She stopped at one post, glaring at it with steam whistling through her ears and her blood boiling. Mihir and Mihika were flanked by Ishita and Raman on either side, with Ruhi in Raman’s arms. The bright smiles on their faces caused the tendons of her heart to stretch until they threatened to snap. Family. That’s what they looked like. A true family. A family that her ex-husband managed to build in less than six months but she couldn’t in five long years.
Just when she thought her rage had reached its limits, another picture sent her fuming. Mihir and Mihika were seated in their chairs while Ishita applied a tilak to Mihir’s forehead. The caption read: When you’re lucky enough to get two new family members on the same day - @_mihika_ as a fianceé and @dr.ishita.bhalla as a sister :)
“That witch!” Shagun screamed, throwing her phone against the wall. How dare she? Shagun hadn’t received an ounce of appreciation, much less acknowledgment, as Mihir’s sister, but this woman did?! Ishita was allowed to do the rituals as Mihir’s sister?! First Ruhi, then Raman, then the Bhallas, and now Mihir? That woman had replaced her in everyone’s lives!
“Mom!” Adi’s voice trailed upstairs and broke through her temper. “Mom… I’ve been meaning to ask…” he muttered as he nervously approached the door of her bedroom.
“What is it, Adi?!” she yelled, causing her son to jump.
“Actually… mom… I um… I was thinking…”
“Dammit Adi, just say what you want to say!”
“I was wondering if Dadu and Dadi were still in Delhi. I just… haven’t met them in so long… And bua… chachu… And pa-”
“PAPA?” Shagun shrieked, finishing his sentence. Her anger erupted. “You want to meet your dad, Adi?! The man who left you five years ago?!”
Shagun glared at her son with a storm brewing in her eyes. She still had control over Raman and his family. Maybe not as his ex, maybe not as Ruhi’s mom, maybe not even as Mihir’s sister… but she was still Adi’s mom. And she knew exactly which buttons to press to keep her son under control.
“No mom… I was… I was just curious…” Adi stammered.
“Come here.”
Shagun yanked his arm and sat him down on the bed as she picked up her phone from the wall. She opened Instagram and sat down beside him to show his uncle Mihir’s engagement pics.
“You want to know what your father has been up to? Look!”
She clicked on the post where Mihir and Mihika were surrounded by Raman, Ishita, and Ruhi and showed it to her son.
“You see your Mihir mama? He got engaged two days ago. And he didn’t even tell me. You know why? Because he and your father have replaced me with this woman! Isheeta! Your father married her six months ago. Your dadu, dadi, bua, chachu, all look up to her. Even Mihir considers her as a sister now! Look!”
She scrolled to the picture of Ishita applying a tilak to Mihir’s forehead, and read the caption out loud.
“You still want to see them?! Then fine. Just wait. There’s more.” She zoomed in on Raman carrying Ruhi in his arms.
“You see this girl? Her name is Ruhi. She’s my daughter. Mine and Raman’s. Your younger sister.” Shagun continued with a catch in her throat. “But she doesn’t even call me mumma. She calls this Isheeta her mother. Isheeta took your sister away from us. You never even got a chance to meet her!”
Adi gazed at the picture in shock, trying to process the bombshell his mother just dropped. He had a sister… A stepmother… His father had remarried. He had truly moved on. He really had forgotten Adi and his mother. And here he was still lamenting over his loneliness…?
“Seriously Adi?! Everyone’s left me and even you want to leave me!” Shagun dropped her phone on the bed and paced back and forth, sobbing. “Is this how much you love your mother? The mother that has tried so hard to give you the best of everything?”
Adi’s brows furrowed and his heartbeat leapt. What had he done? His curiosity had gotten the better of him, causing him to ask about the Bhallas’ whereabouts. But he hurt his mother in doing so. How could he do such a thing? To his mother who had done so much for him?
“I’m… I’m so sorry mom!” He leapt into his mother’s arms. “I’m so so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I promise, I don’t want to see them. I don’t want to meet them. I just want you to be happy. I love you mom,” he cried.
Shagun wrapped her arms around her son. “I love you too beta. I love you too…”
Adi tightened his embrace around her mother and blinked away his tears. His father didn’t deserve any more mental energy from him. His first priority was his mother.
“Mom,” he stepped back to look her in the eyes. “Kyun na aaj hum dono kahin bahar chale?”
Shagun wiped her tears and cupped her son’s face. “I think that’s a great idea Adi. Kahan jaana hai tumhe?”
“Um… mujhe…”
“Beta, kyun na hum Emporio Mall chale? A mother-son shopping spree. And you can get the latest video games that have been released. Whatever you want.”
“Okay mom,” Adi smiled. “Whatever you want.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
DLF Emporio Mall - 4 pm
“Look mom! I want this one. PlayStation 5!”
Adi ran over to the next aisle where a huge poster advertised the latest gaming console, balancing a stack of DVDs in his hands. Shagun followed closely with a bunch of bags in each hand. She carried the latest clothes and accessories for herself along with branded shoes and clothes for her son.
“You like this one Adi?” she asked, raising her chin to gesture to the PlayStation.
“Yes mom! The one we have at home is the older version. This is the latest. Let’s get this one.”
“Okay beta.” She turned from her son and gestured to the salesman nearby. “Excuse me! Excuse me! We’d like to get this gaming console packed please!”
As Shagun talked with the salesman, Adi breathed a sigh of relief for the nth time today. His screwup from this morning had been all but forgotten. Though he still couldn’t rid himself of guilt completely. He mentally chided himself for hurting his mother. Again. At least she was happy now. After hours of browsing and shopping through the most extravagant mall of Delhi, her smile was back. If someone had looked at them today, they would’ve seen a spoiled kid trailing along with his mother. A privileged kid who had the luxury of getting anything he wanted with the snap of his fingers. Years ago, that would have been true. When Ashok first came into his life, he and his mother were inundated with gifts and toys they’d never dreamed of. But today, all this materialism had turned into the only way to bond with his mother. The only time he received his mom’s full and undivided attention was when she was shopping for him and showering him with expensive gifts. Gifting and spoiling him was her primary love language, which Adi now cherished, considering how rarely he had the fortune of his mother’s company. Truth be told, he didn’t need any of these lavish items to feel loved. He’d be just as happy (if not more) with a simple movie at home, cuddling in his mom’s lap.
“Aur yeh DVDs bhi leni hai humein. Adi, uncle ko woh DVDs de do,” Shagun instructed.
Adi handed the salesman the stack of DVDs and followed him and his mother to the checkout counter. Sure, he and his mother had had a rough start. But today was a day well spent. Here’s to hoping for smooth sailing forward.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Bhalla House - two days later, Tuesday, 6:10 pm
“Ishimaa!” Ruhi ran to her mother in the kitchen, as her Bharatanatyam anklets jingled with each step. She’d just come home with her father, who was removing his shoes at the front door.
“Aa gayi shaitaan?!” Ishita gave one last stir to the rasam and wiped her hands to hug her daughter. “Kaisi thi bharatanatyam practice?”
“It was good.”
“Aur aapne anklets kyun nahi nikaale abhi tak? Jao, jaa kar anklets nikalo aur homework karne baitho.”
“Pehle aap batao, dinner mein kya hai mumma?”
“Aaj ka dinner mein Tamilian cuisine hai. Rasam and coconut rice. Aur saath mein payasam bhi. Lekin abhi aap jaa kar homework shuru karo papa ke saath. Dinner ready hoga tab aap ko bulaaungi. Go.”
Ruhi ran into her room and removed her anklets.
“Ruhi! Apni books leke living room mein aa jao!” she heard her father call.
“Coming papa!”
She gathered her books and pencil box and joined her father at the living room table, while her mother worked on dinner in the kitchen.
“Kya baat hai? Aaj tum akele dinner bana rahi ho? Aur woh bhi madrasi khaana?” Raman asked Ishita, as Ruhi began working on her math homework.
“Haan woh mummyji-papaji Pammi aunty ke ghar gaye hai. Unke kisi common friend aaye huye hai to unko khaane pe bulaya hain. Aur Rinki-Romi bhi late aane wale hain.”
“Okay, but that still doesn’t explain why you’re making South Indian food.”
Ishita shrugged. “I was craving it for a while.”
They fell into a comfortable silence for the next hour, Ishita cooking and Raman helping Ruhi with her homework.
“Great job Ru. Give me a high five!” Raman congratulated his daughter on finishing her homework and getting all the answers right.
The family then sat for dinner together. For once, Raman ate the rasam-rice without a peep. Looks like he was finally getting used to ‘gunpowder’ in his food. Once they finished up, Ruhi washed her hands and started the TV.
“Don’t watch TV for too long, beta,” Ishita said. But her daughter was already engrossed in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Before she could repeat herself, her phone rang and distracted her. She answered the call while Raman washed the dishes.
“Vandu akka ka video call?” Her sister usually opted for a voice call if possible. She pressed the green accept call button and her screen was illuminated with Bala’s face.
“Jeeju, aap? Akka ke phone se call kar rahe hai? Woh bhi video call?” she asked, confused.
“Yes Ishu, actually news hi aisi hai ki face to face baat karna important hai.”
“Is everything okay jeeju?” Caution laced her voice. Raman wiped his hands and joined her to face Bala.
“Hold on.” Bala moved over and sat down on his couch next to Vandu. “Okay, now we can tell you… Vandu’s pregnant!” Bala beamed with pride and joy.
After a moment of pleasant shock, Ishita and Raman burst with excitement, congratulating them simultaneously.
“Oh my god, congratulations!!”
“Such amazing news!”
“When did you find out? Have you been to the gynec yet?” Ishita asked.
“We found out over the weekend,” Vandu answered, radiant with bliss. “And yeah, I had an appointment with the gynecologist yesterday.”
“Wait, are we the first ones to hear this?” Raman asked. “Do Amma and Appa know?”
“Yes Raman, of course my mother knows!” Vandu chuckled. “We told them a couple hours ago. We’re just announcing it to close family though. We’re not making a big deal this early. You guys also don’t tell anyone other than family in the house.”
“Of course, of course, we understand,” Raman replied.
“Akka, Shravu must be so excited…” Ishita said.
“Arey baat mat pucho Ishu…”
They chatted for a while until Vandu had to hang up to call Mihika. While Raman finished doing the dishes, Ishita changed out of her saree into a comfortable kurti and leggings.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Raman and Ishita’s bedroom - 9:45 pm
The rest of the evening had passed by rather quickly, as Raman and Ishita shared the news of Vandu’s pregnancy to the rest of the Bhalla family upon their arrival. Ishita’s payasam had come in handy as a sweet treat to commemorate the good news.
The day’s exhaustion finally caught up to everyone as they retired to their rooms for the night. Raman got under the covers and turned on the TV. Ishita applied lotion to her face and hands as part of her night routine.
“Ishimaa?” Ruhi’s voice beckoned her from the door.
“Haan Ruhi? Kya hua? Neend nahi aa rahi?” she asked, turning around to face Ruhi.
Ruhi walked in and climbed onto her mother’s lap.
“Mumma, sab log itne khush kyun hai aaj? Aur sab Vandu periamma ke baare mein kya bol rahe the… pre…peg…” Ruhi struggled.
“Pregnant?” Ishita finished for her.
“Haa wohi!”
Ishita picked up her daughter and settled down on the other side of the bed, with Ruhi in her lap.
“Sab log isiliye khush hai kyun ki periamma aur periappa ko baby hone waala hai. Shravu aur aapko baby sister ya baby brother milne wala hai. Pregnant hona matlab jab baby mumma ke tummy mein hota hai, for nine months, tab mumma ko pregnant bolte hai,” Ishita explained.
“Matlab abhi periamma ke tummy mein baby hai? Saare babies apni mumma ke tummy se aate hai?”
“Yes baby.”
“Par main to aapke tummy mein nahi thi na? Main to Shagun mumma ki tummy mein thi…?”
Raman’s head turned and Ishita’s smile dropped. This was her bane. That she couldn’t carry a child. Ruhi and Raman and her family had filled every fissure in her being but yet, certain cracks seemed irreparable.
“Ruhi,” Raman scooched closer to his wife and daughter and settled Ruhi between them. “To kya hua agar aap Shagun mumma ki tummy mein thi? Aap ke liye to Ishimaa hi aap ki mumma hai na?”
“Yes papa.” Ruhi leaned against her mother and hugged her waist. “Bhagwaan ji se maybe mistake huyi thi. Unko mujhe Ishimaa ke tummy mein hi rakhna chaahiye tha…”
Ishita swallowed a brick of tears and willed her heart to beat normally. She had her precious girl right here in her arms. Who cares if she didn’t have the good fortune of carrying her in her womb?
“Wait a minute,” Ruhi untangled herself from her mother and spoke up. “Main aapki tummy mein nahi thi to kya hua? Aap bhagwaan ji ko bolo ki aapki tummy mein doosra baby rakh de. Mere liye baby brother ya baby sister?”
Anxiety crept up like a snake throughout Ishita’s chest. Ruhi doesn’t know, she thought. She doesn’t know the one source of pain in Ishita’s life. How could she tell her…? What would she say…?
Raman recognized Ishita’s dilemma and leapt to action.
“Ruhi,” He tapped her on the shoulder. “Aap ko baby brother kyun chahiye? Aapka to brother hai na? Adi bhaiya?”
“To phir Adi bhaiya kahan hai?” she cried. “Mujhe unse milna hai. Unke saath rehna hai, khelna hai!”
The snake of anxiety seemed to transfer from Ishita to Raman.
“Baby, Adi bhaiya abhi hostel mein hai,” Ishita told her. “Woh jaise hi waapis aayenge, hum sab unko milne jaayenge.”
A frown marred Ruhi’s lips that neither of her parents were able to erase.
“Accha Ru, kyun na aaj Ruhi, mumma, aur papa, sab saath mein soye?” Raman suggested, as a means of distraction. “Family sleepover?”
“Okay papa,” Ruhi complied.
The family of three tucked themselves under the covers. Raman turned off the bedside lamps and turned over, placing an arm on Ruhi. Ishita caressed Ruhi’s head, gently putting her to sleep. Unfortunately, sleep seemed elusive to both parents.
“Jaag rahi ho?” Raman asked his wife half an hour later. The room was dark but he didn’t need to see her face to know she would be awake.
“Hmm,” Ishita replied. “Aapko bhi neend nahi aa rahi hai na?”
“Nahi.”
“Ruhi ko nahi pata… meri surgery aur… uske effects ke baare mein. Agar usne dubara pucha toh-”
“Use batane ki zaroorat nahi hai. Tumhein waise bhi us baat se bahot takleef hoti hai. Aur waise bhi… bacche kabhi kabhi aisi zid karte hai. Aaj use pata chala ki Shravu ko baby brother ya sister mil raha hai to usne bhi zid ki. Uski har zid seriously mat lo.”
“Okay.”
A silent moment passed.
“Ishita?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Raman.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes- Well, not completely. I just… I hadn’t thought about my surgery in such a long time, you know? I’ve just… I’ve been too happy to focus on that.”
Raman ignored the happy dance his heart did hearing that.
“So when Ruhi asked about me having a baby,” Ishita continued, “it just came as a shock. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay.”
“But are you okay?” She turned the focus of their conversation onto her husband. “Ruhi mentioned Adi-”
“I will be,” he answered. “I’m glad she still thinks about him, but it hurts that she can’t see him. I don’t care what Shagun says, as soon as Christmas break begins in Adi’s school, I’m going to meet him. I’ll break down Ashok’s door if I have to.”
“As much as I admire that spirit, make sure you take Pathak in loop before you make a decision. You don’t want to violate the custody agreement and get in any legal trouble. That would seem counterproductive,” Ishita chuckled.
“Touché Madrasan,” Raman agreed. “Touché.”
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