Part 43
Bhalla House - Two weeks later, Friday, March 14 - 4 pm
Raman straightened his tie and ran a lint roller over his coat. He combed over his hair again, drawing in a deep breath, as he studied his reflection in the mirror for the nth time today. He was dressed in a crisp black suit with hair gelled back for his company’s celebratory party today at the Oberoi Hotel. It was going to be a grand evening. On Mihir and Romi’s behest, he had decided to go all out, splurging on the best decorations and caterers, inviting every business family in the city. His entire staff would be there, every member of his family was invited, his wife and daughter included.
With one last look at his reflection in the mirror, he exhaled and left the bathroom. His wife and daughter were getting ready in his bedroom, and had practically kicked him out. He knocked on the door of the bedroom, hoping to be granted entry this time.
“Dono maharani taiyyar ho gayi ho to andar aa sakta hu main?!” he called out.
“Aa jaayiye!” Ishita’s voice sounded.
Raman opened the door, walked inside, and… stopped in his tracks. His heart doubled in size. For his two princesses stood in front of the dresser mirror, Ishita braiding Ruhi’s hair into a half crown braid. It was a dream come true. It was a simple, domestic sight, but it was a dream come true. After all, his favorite girls were going to be by his side tonight, and he couldn’t wait for the world to know it.
Am I asleep, am I awake, or somewhere in between?
I can't believe that you are here and lying next to me
Or did I dream that we were perfectly entwined?
Like branches on a tree, or twigs caught on a vine?
Like all those days and weeks and months I tried to steal a kiss
And all those sleepless nights and daydreams where I pictured this
I'm just the underdog who finally got the girl
And I am not ashamed to tell it to the world
Ishita brushed Ruhi’s remaining hair and set the brush down.
“Which necklace do you want to wear, Ru?” she asked, opening the jewelry box.
“This big one!”
“No betu, that’s too big for you. How about this locket?”
It took a good ten minute negotiation between mother and daughter before they agreed on a necklace Ruhi could wear as well as matching earrings. As Ishita tied the necklace around her daughter’s neck, Raman stood by the edge of the room, not wanting to disturb the scene.
“Okay Ruhi, look. You’re all ready… And you’re so pretty!” Ishita planted a kiss on her daughter’s cheek, turning around to nudge her out of the room. “Now go have a snack before we leave. Tab tak Ishimaa apni saree thoda thik kar dengi.”
Ruhi jumped down from the dresser chair, only to run into her father.
“Papa, main kaisi lag rahi hoon?” Ruhi twirled around, her dress fluttering around her knees.
“Meri Ruhi sabse pretty lag rahi hai.” Raman gave a gentle tug to his daughter’s cheek.
“Thank you papa! Main bahar jaa rahi hoon snack karne ke liye,” Ruhi said, flying out of the room.
Raman turned to his wife, who was busy rearranging and fussing with her saree. God, how he loved her.
Truly, madly, deeply, I am
Foolishly, completely falling
And somehow you kicked all my walls in
So baby, say you'll always keep me
Truly, madly, crazy, deeply in love with you
In love with you
Should I put coffee and granola on a tray in bed
And wake you up with all the words that I still haven't said?
And tender touches, just to show you how I feel
Or should I act so cool like it was no big deal?
Ishita straightened her saree, rearranged her pallu, and reached back to reattach the safety pin to her blouse. She reached back, twisting her hand, unable to find a comfortable position to remove the safety pin.
“Laao, main karta hoon.” Raman stepped forward and came up behind her, locking eyes with Ishita in the mirror. A fission of energy crackled between them.
Ishita lowered her hands, allowing Raman to take over. He moved closer, his breath fanning her neck, as he removed the safety pin from her shoulder. She straightened her pallu, and Raman expertly reattached the pin, without taking his eyes off his wife.
Every gesture of his nowadays spoke of love and passion, but he had yet to find the words to say it. Lingering glances, tender touches, and hushed whispers were his way of expressing what was in his heart. The depth of his love still surprised him; how much would it scare his wife if he told her? How would she react? If she didn’t love him back… No. He couldn’t even bear to entertain that thought.
Wish I could freeze this moment in a frame and stay like this
I'll put this day back on replay and keep reliving it
'Cause here's the tragic truth if you don't feel the same
My heart would fall apart if someone said your name
And truly, madly, deeply, I am
Foolishly, completely falling
And somehow you kicked all my walls in
So baby, say you'll always keep me
Truly, madly, crazy, deeply in love with you
Ishita couldn’t seem to take her eyes off her husband, his eyes, his breath, his hands on her shoulders. She had no idea what to make of Raman’s increasingly flirtatious nature, his growing closeness. Did this mean he felt the same way she did? Or was this simply an extension of his care and concern, his selfless attitude that any family member was privy to? Were his feelings as strong and ran as deep as hers did?
“Achi lag rahi ho,” Raman whispered, stroking her shoulders lovingly. “Kapdo ki thaan lapeti hai phir bhi.”
Ishita softly elbowed him in the abdomen. “Mehengi saree hai. Humare ghar ke dono fashion icons ki guidance se li hai.”
“Fashion icons?” Raman’s brows furrowed in confusion.
“Rinki aur Mihika. Dono ki help li thi maine apna outfit choose karne mein. After all, Raman Bhalla ki biwi hoon, to unki takkar ka to dikhna padega, na?” She winked at him.
“Bhai, bhabhi, chaliye! We’re all ready!” Romi called out from the living room.
Raman stepped back and extended his hand, palm facing upwards. “Chale Mrs. Bhalla?”
Ishita put her hand in his, their fingers tightening around each other. “Chaliye Mr. Bhalla.”
I hope I'm not a casualty
I hope you won't get up and leave
May not mean that much to you
But to me it's everything, everything
Truly, madly, deeply, I am
Foolishly, completely falling
And somehow you kicked all my walls in
So baby, say you'll always keep me
Truly, madly, crazy deeply in love (in love) with you (with you)
In love (in love) with you (with you)
In love (in love) with you (with you)
With you, oh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB5_2-GXYyU
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Oberoi Hotel, Main Ballroom - 5 pm
“Let’s all give it up for the man of the hour, Mr. Raman Bhalla!” Mihir announced from center-stage, applause and cheers erupting from all over the ballroom.
Raman walked forward up to the stage, basking in the glow of success that five long years of work and sweat and tears had brought him. His staff was gathered in the center of the room, while his family sat at the two front tables, Bhallas on one and Iyers on another.
Toshi and Romi screamed until their voices were hoarse, drowning out the hoots of Simi and Rinki. Omprakash held Ruhi in his lap, while Ishita sat in the next chair over, all of them clapping to their heart’s content, eyes glowing with pride. On the other table, Vandu, Bala, Madhu, and Vishwa rained their applause, but the loudest cheers came from Mihika who was bursting with pride for her fiancé.
On the other side of the ballroom, Ashok and Shagun sat tall, refusing to join in the applause. Ashok fumed at the success of his rival, the rival who was nothing before he had paid any attention to him, the rival who had snatched this contract from right under his nose. Shagun seethed at seeing the ex she left behind more successful and happier than the man she had left him for. On the other hand, Adi stood up in excitement, applauding his father’s and uncles’ success.
Raman climbed up the stage, as Mihir handed over the mike.
“Thank you, thank you everyone for coming and joining us today. This success hasn’t come easy, and it hasn’t come for me alone. First of all, I want to thank each and every member of my staff. You guys are the real MVPs. I want to thank our investors for trusting us and working with us over the past year. I’d like to give a very special thanks to my family who are sitting right there, screaming like lunatics.” He pointed to the Bhalla-Iyer clan who broke out into another round of hoots and cheers, laughter erupting from the rest of the room. “My brother Mihir,” He clapped a hand on Mihir’s shoulder. “Thanks for being by my side, burning the midnight oil for five long years. And the most important thanks goes to the woman who is my inspiration every day, my wife, Dr. Ishita Bhalla.”
He met his wife’s eyes across the room. It took him a moment -- a rather excruciating moment -- before he tore his eyes off her, realizing that about a hundred pairs of eyes and ears were trained on him.
“Please enjoy the party everyone! We have drinks, dinner, and a dance floor, so please enjoy and celebrate!”
Another round of applause broke out before everyone dispersed to socialize in their own circles. Raman climbed down the stage and made a beeline for the Bhalla table. He had news reporters, investors, and business associates lined up to shake his hand and make introductions, but first things first, he needed his wife.
“Ishita,” he called out, beckoning to her. “I want to introduce you to everyone.”
Ishita waved goodbye to Ruhi and the rest of the family, ignoring their knowing stares and soft teasing whistles, before falling into step beside her husband.
“Aay haay,” Simi whistled. “Dekha, mera bhai kitna lattoo ho gaya hai Ishita ke peeche?”
“Simi di, yeh to kuch bhi nahi,” Romi chimed in. “Aap ne to abhi tak humare office lunch ka kissa nahi suna!”
Romi went on to narrate to his sister the possessiveness displayed by his brother when he had dragged his wife into his office for a private lunch. Toshi chuckled at her eldest’s predicament. She had seen the way he looked at Ishita, the lingering touches, the conversations they had with their eyes. There was no mistaking it; her Raman puttar was in love.
“Dadu, I’m bored!” Ruhi whined from her grandfather’s lap.
“Ruhi chuhi, tu chachu ke paas aaja.” Romi held his hand out for Ruhi to hold. “Hum dono milkar dance floor par aag laga denge. Tingu, tu bhi chal!” He turned to the Iyers’ table and beckoned Shravu to accompany them.
Romi galloped with Ruhi and Shravu to the dance floor, Rinki, Simi, and Mihika following close behind. Owing to a now empty table, Toshi and Omprakash moved to the Iyers’ table, occupying the seats left vacant by Mihika and Shravu.
“Congratulations Bhalla ji! Aap sab ko bahot bahot badhai ho Raman ki safalta par.” Vishwa shook hands with Omprakash.
“Aap ko bhi congratulations Iyer sahab! Aapke daamaad ki party jo hai,” Omprakash laughed.
“Vandu, yeh lo.” Bala approached the table and laid down a plate of fruit salad and a glass of juice in front of his pregnant wife. “Kuch khaa lo. Dinner aate aate shaayad der lag jaaye.”
“Aur dinner mein bhi pata nahi veg options honge ya nahi,” Madhu commented.
“Oye Madrasan!” Toshi bellowed. “Mere puttar ne saari taiyyari kari hai, koi kami nahi hogi!”
“Bala, mujhe nahi khaana,” Vandu groaned.
“Accha to kam se kam juice pee lo.”
“Ugh fine.” Vandu took a sip of orange juice.
A few minutes of friendly conversation passed, until Toshi felt a light tap on her shoulder.
“Adi puttar! Tu aa gaya apni dadi ke paas!” She gave her grandson a tight hug, as Omprakash ruffled his hair.
Adi smiled at their affections. He had been squirming in his seat at Ashok’s table ever since the function began. He was so happy at his father’s success, but the fact that he wasn’t sitting with his family bothered him. How he wished he and his mother were a part of that table.
He had anticipated Ashok’s resentment; what bothered him was his mother’s reaction. She hadn’t clapped for papa; she hadn’t congratulated him; and she hadn’t even smiled at the occasion. Her eyes were devoid of their usual sparkle, full of something akin to distaste instead, maybe even dislike.
His skin crawled and he had been antsy to leave the table, just to escape the negativity and discomfort, bringing him to his grandparents’ table instead.
“Aaja puttar. Baith baith humaare paas.” Omprakash dragged a chair up to their table and patted the cushion, signaling his grandson to take a seat.
It took a moment for him to take in the rest of the occupants of the table, and he recognized a familiar face.
“Hi Bala sir.”
“Hello Adi? How are you, beta?”
“I’m fine sir.”
“Adi, we’re not in class right now,” Bala chuckled. “You can call me uncle right now. Or you can call me what Ruhi calls me. Bala Periappa, that’s the Tamil word for uncle.”
“Okay uncle.”
“Let me introduce you to everyone else.” Bala went around the table introducing Adi’s Periamma, Tata, and Paati; however, he insisted on addressing everyone as uncle and aunty, not allowing himself to get too close to Ishita’s family.
“Adi bhaiya! Adi bhaiya!” Introductions had just finished, and two fireballs of energy came running to the table.
“Adi bhaiya, hum aapko kab se dhund rahe the!” Ruhi yelled. “Chaliye na humaare saath dance karne?!”
She and Shravu pulled Adi’s arms, dragging him to the dance floor.
“Oye ruk ja! Maine bhi aana hai dance-shance karne!” Toshi exclaimed. “Madhu, chal uth. Tu bhi aaja.”
“No no Santoshi. Aiyyo main aise music pe dance nahi karti. Chee chee… Only classical Tamilian music…” Madhu touched her ears in a sign of reverence.
“Phir boriyat bhari baat. Tu baith to phir, main to chali apne bacche naal dance karne.”
Toshi hopped to the dance floor, feet thumping to the rhythm with her kids and grandkids. On the other side of the hall, Raman mingled with guests, acting as a gracious host, a certain feisty but bashful madrasan by his side.
“Hello Mr. Mehta,” Raman shook hands with one of his investors. “This is my wife, Dr. Ishita Bhalla. And Ishita, this is Mr. Kunal Mehta. He joined our business last year, and I hope he’s satisfied with our service.”
“More than satisfied Mr. Bhalla. We couldn’t be happier working with you. Nice to meet you Dr. Bhalla. I must say, it’s impressive to see Raman’s wife be just as accomplished as he is. Are you a medical doctor or do you have a P.h.D?”
“I’m a pediatric dentist…”
The conversation continued around their respective careers, but Ishita had a hard time focusing on anything else other than the feel of her husband’s hand on her lower back. She had been introduced to numerous clients, investors, associates, and businessmen, none of whom she remembered now, all the names and faces a blur. All she could remember was how she had been at her husband’s side throughout. One way or another, he had his hand on her, either on the small of her back, around her waist, or holding her hand. She welcomed his touch, but as much as she enjoyed it, this public display of affection was not her strong suit.
“I’ll take your leave Mr. and Mrs. Bhalla. Congratulations again,” Mr. Mehta excused himself as their conversation ended.
“Ishita, tum thik ho?” Raman turned to his wife, his hand moving from her back to her waist, grazing the bare expanse of skin between her blouse and saree. “I know you’re not used to this business scene. Kaafi boring hoga na?”
It was anything but, Ishita thought. She pushed his hand away, trying to control the shivers erupting in her body.
“Raman, aap kya kar rahe hai?” she whispered.
“Kya kar raha hoon?” he whispered back, feigning innocence.
“Itna kareeb khade rehne ki kya zaroorat hai?”
“Kyun? Mere kareeb hone se problem hai?”
“Aisa… aisa kuch nahi hai…”
“To phir?” Raman stepped closer. “Kuch hota hai tumhe?”
“N-Nahin… aisi koi baat nahi hai. Bas aise public mein accha nahin lagta. Aap ke itne saare clients aur colleagues hai yahan par. Kya sochenge?”
“Yahin sochenge ki ek pati apni patni ke saath khada hai, usse baatein kar raha hai.” He curled a loose tendril of her hair around her ear, grazing his knuckles on her ear and down her neck.
“Raman!” she whisper-shouted, smiling shyly.
“Kya?” he whispered back, voice husky, lips turned upwards in a knowing smile.
The happy couple basked in the glow of their newfound love, unaware of a malicious pair of eyes trained on them. Shagun downed her drink, reapplied her lipstick, and flicked back her hair. She hated this. Absolutely hated it. She hated seeing her ex move on with his wife, making heart eyes at each other, especially when her own fiancé didn’t pay her any real attention, except in the confines of their mansion and their bedroom. Case in point, he had just left her alone at the table to join his brother at the bar.
No, she wasn’t going to accept defeat. She ruled Ashok’s heart and she ruled Raman’s heart. And today, she’d prove it to herself.
Shagun’s rude arrival broke the bubble of bliss Ishita and Raman were wrapped in.
“Hello Raman, kaise ho?” she asked, her nose held high.
“I’m doing quite well, Shagun. What about you?” Raman smiled at his ex-wife, zero malice or hatred or anger on his visage. “I hope you’re enjoying the party.”
“I am. I must say, maine tumhe chod diya uske baad kaafi taste aa gaya hai tumhe. Such a glamorous party.”
“Well, all that credit goes to Mihir and Romi. They were the ones who organized such a grand party.”
“Oh I see… matlab tum abhi bhi waise hi ho jaise maina choda tha. Middle class and tasteless.”
Raman pressed his lips together, suppressing a smile. He knew Shagun well now. None of what she said affected him anymore, especially when it was aimed at him. This was her projecting her own frustrations at him.
“Yes, I’m exactly the same man I used to be. And I’m happy as is,” he said.
“I can see that.” Shagun smiled. “Same man, indeed.” The same man that loved me.
Ishita’s skin crawled. She heard the insinuation in Shagun’s voice. And she did not like it one bit. She snaked his hand through his arm and clutched tight. And it did not escape Shagun’s notice.
“Waise,” Raman began, “tumhara woh 6 foot 2 inch boyfriend nahi dikh raha?”
“He’s my fiancé, Raman. But it’s okay. I know you’ve always had a hard time accepting that I’m not with you anymore… Especially, when you’re in a marriage of convenience with the caretaker of our daughter,” she sneered.
“Don’t you dare say a word against Ishita,” Raman growled. He’d take any attack on himself, but not on his wife. Never on his wife.
Ishita’s stomach curled. Her hand around Raman’s arm grew tighter and she stepped closer. Gone was the shy, bashful woman from before. Maybe it was Shagun’s haughty voice insinuating that Raman was still alone or inferior; maybe it was the glint in her eyes and vain look telling her that she wasn’t of the standard to be the Raman Bhalla’s woman. But she was infused with a sense of courage so profound, it urged her to lay her claim on her man, to tell the world he wasn’t alone and never will be.
“She’s the mother of our daughter.” Raman continued his tirade to Shagun. “Ishita's and mine. Ruhi means nothing to you. And as far as our marriage goes, then what I have with Ishita is far more real than anything I ever had with you.” He rubbed his fingers on Ishita’s hand that was curled around his arm.
“Shagun, why don’t you go enjoy the party?” Ishita said with unending grace. Her husband’s words had infused her with confidence, and the self-assured woman in her had returned. “Appetizers and drinks are being served. And the dinner course will start soon. You’ll have to excuse us. We have more of our guests to meet. Thanks again for being a part of our celebration.”
Ishita and Raman stepped away, waving to an old colleague of his who had just arrived with his wife. Shagun watched them walk away, hands intertwined, and her eyes glistened with angry tears. Because somehow, her ex had achieved in eight months what she couldn’t in five years. A team. That’s what Raman and Ishita were. In the way they defended each other, stood by each other. A team. Something she couldn’t build with Ashok in all these years, no matter how hard she tried.
“Waiter, get me another drink,” she asked, roughly.
On the other side of the room, Raman continued greeting his guests, introducing everyone to his wife with pride.
“Oh wow, that’s impressive,” Raman’s colleague Karan replied. “Pediatric dentist, huh? I have to say Raman, your wife is giving you tough competition.”
“There’s no denying it,” Raman replied.
“Well, it’s not like I have much of a choice,” Ishita said. “When you’re married to such a distinguished man, you have to do everything possible to keep up, right?”
“Seriously you guys,” Deepa, Karan’s wife said. “You both are too sweet. How long have you been married?”
“Eight months,” Ishita replied.
“Longest eight months of my life,” Raman joked.
Laughter erupted all around.
It wasn’t until twenty minutes later, when they were spared a moment of respite.
“Raman, ab to chod dijiye mujhe?” Ishita whispered. “Aap waise bhi sabhi logo ko apni kam, aur meri baatein zyada kar rahe hai. Kaisa lagega?”
“Aisa lagega ki mujhe apni patni par garv hai. That I’m proud to have you as my wife.” And I love you. “And don’t blame me, madrasan. Look at you. You’re the one who's been clinging to my arm for the past twenty minutes.”
He raised his eyebrows and looked at her hands that were intertwined with his arm. Immediately, she dropped her arms, self-conscious and embarrassed.
“Ab kyun sharma rahi ho?” Raman chuckled. “Ab tum batao, itni himmat kaha se aayi tum mein?”
“Jhansi ki Rani kehte ho na mujhe? Himmat to hogi hi na,” she replied.
“Sirf itni si baat hai? Aur koi wajah nahi thi, mera haath pakad ne ki?”
Ishita squirmed. What answer would she give?
“Kyun madrasan? Bolti band?”
“Raman, aisi koi baat nahi hai… Main bas… Mujhe bas duniya ko dikhana tha ki ab aap akele nahi hai. Main hoon aapke saath.”
“Accha? Is that a promise, Dr. Bhalla?”
“It’s more than a promise. It’s a vow. A lifelong vow.”
Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye
Jab Koi Mushkil Pad Jaaye
Tum Dena Saath Mera
O Humnawaa
Naa Koi Hai Na Koi Tha
Zindage Mein Tumhaare Siva
Tum Dena Saath Mera
O Humnawaa
As if on cue, the music changed to a soft ballad, couples slowly gathering for a dance, including Mihir-Mihika, Vandu-Bala, Simi-Pulkit and many other guests.
Ishita grabbed Raman’s hand and led him to the dance floor. He had always been the one to take the lead in situations like this. Today, however, having found the courage to be more expressive, she took the lead. She guided his hand to her waist and snaked her own around his neck, as they began swaying to the beat.
“Oh my god Mihir!” Mihika squealed with joy. “Look at jeeju and akka!”
“I know Miku, they look good together, don’t they?”
“Not just that buddhu, they look so in love!”
Mihir and Mihika were not the only ones who noticed the two lovebirds. Bala turned Vandu’s chin towards them, who chuckled at her sister. So much for her insistence that this was a marriage of convenience, of co-parents only.
Ho Chaandni Jab Tak
Raat Deta Hai Har Koi Saath
Tum Magar Andheron Mein
Na Chhodna Mera Haath
Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye
Jab Koi Mushkil Pad Jaaye
Tum Dena Saath Mera
O Humnawaa
Na Koi Hai Na Koi Tha
Zindage Mein Tumhaare Siva
Tum Dena Saath Mera
O Humnawaa
Toshi had now re-joined the table with the kids after their dance. She elbowed Madhu, gesturing at Ishita and Raman, sighing in delight at their closeness. Ruhi giggled from Romi’s lap.
“Chachu, apna phone dijiye na? Mujhe mumma aur papa ki pictures leni hai,” she said.
As Ruhi jumped up, taking pictures on Romi’s phone, Adi observed all the couples on the dance floor. Papa and Ishita aunty, Mihir mama and Mihika aunty, Bala sir and Vandu aunty, Simi bua and Pulkit uncle. They were all so in love, so happy. He looked around for his mom. Where was she? Why wasn’t she dancing with Ashok uncle?
His eyes fell on his mother, nursing a wine at the bar, while Ashok uncle chatted away with Suraj uncle and other men, eyeing a waitress who served him a whiskey. And he couldn’t deny the complete lack of love and warmth he observed. Again, his mind warred with his heart, between what he saw and what he was told.
Wafadaari Ki Vo Rasmein
Nibhayenge Hum Tum Kasmein
Ek Bhi Saans Zindagi Ki
Jab Tak Ho Apne Bas Mein
Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye
Jab Koi Mushkil Pad Jaaye
Tum Dena Saath Mera
O Humnawaa
Na Koi Hai Na Koi Tha
Zindage Mein Tumhaare Siva
Tum Dena Saath Mera
O Humnawaa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE7C35WxKno
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7 pm - Dinnertime
“Adi, try this beta. This is payasam, a famous South Indian dish.” Madhu served him a scoop of payasam, rivaling Toshi’s insistence to serve him parathas and paneer.
“Aunty this is enough!” Adi laughed.
“Bas karo Madhu,” Vishwa intervened. “Let Adi eat what he wants. He’ll ask if he wants anything, right beta?”
“Right Vishwa uncle.”
Adi ate a spoonful of payasam, reveling in the laughter and joy surrounding him. He ate dinner with both sets of grandparents, as well as Ruhi and Shravan, who wanted to be spoiled and pampered by their grandparents. Even so, Vandu and Ishita had stopped by occasionally to make sure Ruhi and Shravu were eating properly. To his surprise, Ishita aunty had also checked on him. To his disappointment, Shagun mom hadn’t stopped by once.
Romi, Mihir, and Raman (who had painfully left his wife’s side) sat for dinner with their staff, while the rest of the adults sat at another table.
“I’m going to get another glass of juice,” Ishita said. “Kisi aur ko kuch chahiye?”
As everyone shook their heads in the negative, Ishita left the table to refill her glass of juice. Vandu gestured at Mihika, conversing in some silent language, and followed their sister.
“Ishu, tumhara aur Raman ka chal kya raha hai, hmmm?” Vandu asked, tapping Ishita’s shoulder.
Ishita turned around and found herself bombarded by her sisters.
“W-what are you saying, akka?” she asked, cheeks red and voice quivering.
“What am I saying?” Vandu dropped her hands to her hips. “I’m talking about you and your husband. Or should I say, your apparently ‘fake’ husband that you’ve been clinging to?”
“Yeah Akka, you’ve been stuck to jeeju’s side all night long,” Mihika drawled, bumping her sister’s shoulder. “In fact, you’ve been so occupied with him recently, you’ve completely forgotten about us.”
“You-you’re one to talk, Miku! You’re the one stuck with Mihir 24/7 nowadays. When was the last time you met us? Or even talked to us?” Ishita tried turning the tables on her sister. Unfortunately, it didn’t work.
“That’s because I love Mihir, and I can’t wait to marry him. So I’m with him all the time. Is that the same case for you and jeeju?”
“Correct Miku!” Vandu chimed in. “I also love Bala with all my heart, so I’m with him all the time. Are you ready to accept that you love Raman? Huh Ishu?”
Ishita was dumbfounded. She had barely just come to terms with her own feelings. She loved her sisters, but these chatterboxes would tell the world before she had a chance to figure them out herself.
“Enough you two. Main jaa rahi hoon.”
“Aiyyo Ishu, apna juice to leti jaa!” Vandu called out as Ishita ran back to her table, followed by her sisters.
Dinner came to an end soon, but the party was yet to finish. Ruhi and Shravu re-joined the dance floor with their aunts and uncles, and Adi wiped his hands to follow, only for him to encounter a rude interruption.
“Adi, come on. We’re going home.” Shagun stood in front of him, hands crossed across her chest, with Ashok at her heels. Neither of them were in the mood to continue witnessing Raman Bhalla’s success.
Adi frowned. He had been having so much fun. Did he really have to go so soon?
“Mom, can’t we stay a bit longer? I’m having so much fun!”
“Adi, can’t you just listen to your mother for once?!” Shagun screamed. Ashok grew impatient behind her.
Instinctively, Toshi’s hands went around her grandson. “Oye, aise chillati kyun hai bacche pe?! Use rukna hai to rehne de. Apne parivaar ke saath hi hai woh.”
Before she could spew any other nonsense, Raman had arrived sensing the growing tension from afar.
“Is everything okay here?” he asked. His mother explained the situation, and he turned to his ex-wife.
“Shagun, if Adi wants to stay with his dad and family, it shouldn’t be a problem, right? It’s the weekend after all. Why doesn’t he stay with us for the weekend? In fact, you don’t have to worry about packing him a bag or anything. We’ll go shopping and get him some new clothes for the weekend. What do you say, Adi?”
Adi’s face lit up. “I’d love to! If mom is okay with it…” He turned to his mother, hope etched on his face.
By then, Ashok had lost his patience. “Do whatever the hell you guys want. I’m going to the car, Shagun.”
Shagun saw her fiancé leave the hall and grew anxious. Ashok would be in a bad mood all night and she’d be busy dealing with him. Maybe it was for the best if Adi wasn’t at home for the weekend.
“Fine, you can stay, Adi. But beta, make sure to call me if you need anything at all, okay? I have to go.”
After a quick hug and kiss to her son, Shagun left, leaving the Bhallas happier than she had found them, unlike her usual tendency. For they were finally rewarded with an entire weekend with their son at home.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Bhalla House - 11 pm
The family climbed upstairs to their flat, sleepy and exhausted. The party had been very fun but it had also drained everyone of their energy. They were bound to fall asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Or, in the case of little Ruhi and Shravu, they had already fallen asleep. Raman carried Ruhi upstairs in his arms, while Rinki guided Adi. Omprakash and Toshi followed behind, with Ishita and Romi at their tail. The stumble in his step and the slur of his speech didn’t escape his bhabhi’s notice.
Omprakash unlocked their flat and everyone filed inside, going straight to bed. Raman carried Ruhi to her room, while Ishita guided Adi to the guest room. As tired as he was, he headed straight to the bed, only to be stopped by Ishita.
“Wait beta! I’ll get you some of Romi’s old clothes to change into. You'll be uncomfortable sleeping in formal wear. And let me get you a spare toothbrush. Don’t go to sleep without brushing your teeth,” she insisted.
“Aunty, please… Just let me go to sleep!” Adi moaned.
“No beta, please! Just wait here.”
Ishita sat Adi down on the bed and ran outside. Once she had retrieved everything she went out for and returned, she found Adi slumped on his side on the bed. She sighed and pulled him upright.
“Adi beta, utho na baba. Just change your clothes and brush your teeth, okay? Then you can sleep in as long as you like.”
“Ugh! Just let me sleep please! You’re so annoying…” he mumbled.
“Yes, I know beta,” Ishita chuckled. “Every mom is annoying sometimes.”
She nudged Adi into the guest bathroom with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and Romi’s old shorts and t-shirt. Five minutes later, he came outside, eyes heavy with sleep, legs stumbling with exhaustion.
“Are you happy now?” he yawned. “Dad’s right. You really are a stubborn Jhansi ki Rani.”
“Very happy,” Ishita chuckled. “Now go to sleep. Come.”
Ishita pulled back the covers, and Adi climbed in. He pulled the blanket to his chin and instantly fell asleep. Ishita gently caressed his head lovingly before she left to attend to another son of the house.
Ten minutes later, she entered Romi’s room with a glass of vegetable sludge and a bottle of Advil. Romi was already asleep but his bhabhi was on a mission.
“Romi, Romi! Wake up!” She shook him awake.
“Huh? What-what’s wrong?” he asked, half-asleep and half-awake.
“I have this beet and kale smoothie for you. Drink this, and take a couple Advils. Or you’ll be hungover tomorrow.”
“Bhabhi, let me sleep na,” Romi yawned.
“Nope. Drink this and take your pills first.”
In spite of Romi’s groans and protests, Ishita urged him to finish the juice and pills. She insisted on him brushing his teeth as well, but this time he staunchly refused, and even the Jhansi ki Rani couldn’t convince him otherwise. Oh well. Two victories out of three was not bad.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Bhalla House - The next day, Saturday, March 15, 8:30 pm
“Mumma, I want more noodles!” Ruhi exclaimed.
“Noodles mere paas hai. Yeh le Ruhi, main deti hoon,” Rinki said.
“Adi beta, aap ko aur pasta doon? Ya phir pizza?” Ishita asked.
“I’m fine Aunty,” Adi replied.
“Madrasan, mujhe aur mere bete dono ko ek-ek slice pizza de do. We’ll both have one, right Adi?” Raman asked. He knew his son was still quite shy. He wouldn’t ask for anything on his own.
Adi nodded and Ishita placed a slice in both her husband and stepson’s plates. It was a joyous time. Adi had come home, even if it was for a temporary visit, and everyone’s faces had lit up.
The morning had been quite slow, as everyone woke up late, having tea or coffee and a very light brunch. Disappointed at the lack of excitement, Toshi demanded an elaborate dinner for her grandson. When Ishita had asked Adi’s preference for dinner, he said he was okay with anything, while Ruhi demanded Chinese. Therefore, at Raman’s insistence, Ishita had decided on a combination of both Chinese (Ruhi’s favorite) and Italian (Raman and Adi’s favorite) for dinner.
While Raman and Romi had taken Adi out to shop for clothes, Ishita and Rinki had gone out to pick up their orders of Schezwan noodles, fried rice, manchurian, fettuccine alfredo, penne marinara pasta, and both chicken and veggie pizza, which the family now relished.
As dinner came to an end, they were distracted by a knock on their open door.
“Hello, hum andar aa sakte hai?”
“Mihir, Mihika! Come in, come in!” Ishita beckoned them inside, as Neelu cleaned up the table and kitchen.
“The newest lovebirds in town!” Rinki beamed from the armchair.
“Nuh-uh Rinki, we’ve been unseated from that title,” Mihir said. “The newest lovebirds in town are now-”
“Finish that sentence, and I’ll finish you right now,” Raman threatened, eliciting laughs all around, leaving Ishita mortified.
“Bas do minute late aaye tum dono,” Toshi said. “Hum log abhi abhi khaana khaa kar khade huye.”
“Nahin nahin mummyji, hum waise bhi kuch nahi khaate. Hum dono ne abhi abhi periamma ke haath ka khaana khaaya hai, aur mera pet pura har gaya hai by god,” Mihir replied. “Hum log to yahan ek good news sunaane aaye hai.”
“Kya?”
“Boliye madam…” Mihir gestured to Mihika.
“Wait just a minute…” she said.
Mihika turned her head to the door and saw Madhu and Vishwa arrive. Now it was time to announce the news.
“Okay, so… Periamma ne apne pandit se baat kar li hai, aur humaari shaadi ki date final ho gayi hai! May 19th ko!”
“Oh my god!”
“That’s amazing!”
“Congratulations!”
Hugs and cheers and hoots erupted all around, as everyone congratulated the to-be bride and groom. Mihir gave an especially tight hug to his sister/bhabhi, high-fiving her at her help to pacify Mihika two weeks ago.
“Congratulations chachu! Congratulations chitti!” Ruhi hugged them both around their waist.
Mihir picked her up in his arms and sat down. “Oye Ruhi chuhi, ab chitti nahi, chachi bol use. Tumhare chachu ki biwi banegi na woh?”
Mihika gasped. “No! Not at all!” She sat down next to her fiancé and niece. “In fact Ru, aapko ise Mihir chittappa kehna chahiye. Chitti ke husband.”
The playful argument continued and Ruhi erupted into squeals of laughter, deciding to continue calling Mihir as chachu and Mihika as chitti. However, the argument brought up many questions in Adi’s mind.
“Mihir mama, why does Ruhi call you chachu?” he asked. “Chacha means dad’s brother, right? But you’re our mom’s brother. Our mama.”
The happy environment immediately went quiet.
“Did I say something wrong?” Adi asked, unnerved.
“No beta, not at all,” Mihir said. “Actually, Ruhi has never been with Shagun, right? Ishita is her mom. And I call your father Raman bhai. So that’s why she calls me chachu.”
Adi thought long and hard. It made sense. Sure. But what didn’t make sense was that Mihir mama had decided to stay with Raman dad instead of Shagun mom after the divorce.
“Mama, can I ask something else?” he asked.
“Sure beta,” Mihir replied.
“Why don’t you ever come to meet mom? She’s your sister after all.”
Mihir looked at Raman and Ishita, tongue-tied. How would he explain to Adi his own mother’s selfishness and toxicity?
“I suppose that’s my fault,” Raman intervened. “I keep your mama too busy at the office,” he chuckled.
Adi knew very well that his father was diverting the topic. There was something deeper behind his mother and his mama’s strained relationship. But he was too uncomfortable to take the topic any further.
“Waise, ab itna accha dinner ho gaya, to aage ka kya plan hai?” Ishita asked the crowd, hoping to brighten up the mood.
“We could go to the arcade…” Rinki suggested.
“How about a football match?” Romi asked.
“Not right after eating,” Toshi answered.
“Maybe a movie?” Mihika suggested.
“Yes! Let’s watch a movie together! Family movie time!” Ruhi jumped up with excitement.
“Adi, it’s up to you. Why don’t you choose?” Ishita asked.
“Um…” Adi was confused. All the suggestions were to his liking, and he couldn’t decide. But he could easily see the excitement and hope etched on his sister’s face. “Let’s watch a movie together.”
“Yay!” Ruhi yelled. “Can we watch Tangled?! Please! It’s Rapunzel’s story but by Disney!”
“No Ruhi. Aaj Adi bhaiya ka din hai na? To woh choose karenge. Adi, tum bolo,” Ishita insisted.
“No Aunty… It’s okay… We can watch whatever Ruhi wants,” he said.
No sooner had he said those words, did Ruhi run up to the TV to start the movie. She grabbed the remote and turned on Disney+.
“Are you sure, Adi?” Ishita asked. “Ruhi is always this excited and stubborn. You don’t have to give in to whatever she wants all the time. We can watch something less girly. Something that you want.” She still hadn’t forgotten his reaction to the hot pink band-aid.
“It’s okay aunty. I’m fine with it.” He was too shy to say otherwise anyway.
So then, the family gathered around, pulling up chairs and bean bags around the TV as Tangled played on the screen. Ruhi sat in Raman’s lap, Adi on their right, and Ishita on their left, surrounded by the rest of the family, Iyers and Bhallas included.
The movie played on, and everyone’s attention was glued to the screen. Unlike many other of Ruhi’s barbie movies, this one was quite entertaining, even for the older crowd. It was a mixture of comedy and drama with a touch of romance. Speaking of which, its most romantic song played on the TV, as the sun disappeared outside, the sky twinkling with stars.
All those days watching from the windows
All those years outside looking in
All that time never even knowing
Just how blind I've been
Now I'm here blinking in the starlight
Now I'm here suddenly I see
Standing here it's all so clear
I'm where I'm meant to be
And at last I see the light
And it's like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it's like the sky is new
And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once everything looks different
Now that I see you
Ishita smiled as the words resonated with her. She truly had been blind all these years. Thinking that she had everything she wanted in Chennai, when in reality, her family, her life, her future waited for her in Delhi. Now that she was here, sitting in the starlight of the Delhi sky, surrounded by her family, her husband and children, she knew. The fog had lifted, her vision was clear, and she knew. She was exactly where she was meant to be.
All those days chasing down a daydream
All those years living in a blur
All that time never truly seeing
Things, the way they were
Now she's here shining in the starlight
Now she's here suddenly I know
If she's here it's crystal clear
I'm where I'm meant to go
And at last I see the light
And it's like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it's like the sky is new
And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once everything is different
Now that I see you
Now that I see you
Raman pulled his kids closer, as the words of the song settled in his chest. He had spent five long years in a blur, in a haze, chasing a dream that didn’t fulfill him, blind to where his true happiness lay. But now… now he knew real happiness, real love. Because she was here. He turned his eyes to his wife and smiled. She was here, his children were here, and he knew. He had finally reached where he was meant to go.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILRs2r6lcHY
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