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.”
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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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA2kXuYcB8A
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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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oyyUrDV4rI
“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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GRqHkV9Bls
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