Shot 7 - Teri Meri Love Story

“Papa!”

“Itne zor se mat chilla. Teri mummy ne sunn liya toh hum dono pitt jayenge.” He chuckled.

“Mumma ghar pe nahi hai.” She laughed.

“Nahi hai? Phir toh yaar gala phaad ke chilla!” He laughed.

“Papa! Papa! Papa!” She screamed into the phone.

“Chal abh bata call kyun kiya tune?” He asked as he got out of his house.

“Aapne mumma se baat ki?” She asked.

“Maine na teri mummy se baat karne ki koshish ki thi.” He told her.

“Par unhone haan nahi bola na?” She sighed.

“Tu tension mat le. Main aaj shaam ko teri mummy ko pata lunga. Aur phir hum Lonavala jayenge!” He exclaimed.

“Shaam ko mumma nahi hai ghar pe. Abhi aao!” She demanded.

“Abhi kahan hai voh ghar pe?” He furrowed his brows.

“Haan voh bhi hai. Main bhi na ek number ki duffer hoon!” She hit her head.

“Oyye! Teri mummy ke saamne yeh sab mat bol. Phir toh hogaya.” He laughed.

“Phir toh volcano phutega!” She laughed.

“Haan!” He shook his head thinking about it. “Chal abhi main rakhta hoon. Mujhe late horaha hai.”

“Theek hai papa. Love you!”

“I love you too, Arya!”

…

“Mumma, weekend pe papa nahi aa rahe humare saath?” He asked.

“Beta, papa ko na bohot saara kaam hai. Par don’t worry, aap aur mumma full enjoy karenge.” She smiled widely at him.

“Papa ko humesha hi kaam hota hai.” He sulked.

“Aadi beta, aap udaas mat ho. Main papa se baat karungi.” She ran her hand over his head.

“Voh maan jayenge na?” His eyes lit up.

“Haan.” She nodded and he left jumping in excitement.

She picked up her phone and dialed her husband’s number.

“Abh kyun call kiya?” He spoke rudely into the phone.

“Mujhe puchna tha ki kya tum iss baar aa sakte ho?” She asked.

“Aisa nahi hai ki mujhe yahan bohot kaam hai. Main bas aana nahi chahata. I don’t want any of it in my life!” He said.

“Aadi ke liye toh..” She was cut by him.

“Dekho Taani, bachcha tumhe chahiye tha. Abh tum hi usse sambhalo! Don’t expect anything from me. I had told you loud and clear. And it’s not like I didn’t try, I did! But I can’t anymore. Mujhe voh life nahi chahiye!” He disconnected the call.

Taani looked at their family photo on the table and sighed thinking about the happy times they shared years ago.

“Mumma aap abhi tak yahin baithi ho? Aapki meeting hai na?” Aadi came running into the room.

“Arre main toh bhool hi gayi thi. Aap nahi hote toh mera kya hota.” She ruffled his hair and quickly went to change.

Taani instructed the house help to take care of Aadi and make sure that he eats his lunch on time. She gave him a small peck on his cheek and quickly got out of her house and into her car. She asked her driver to hurry to her office.

Taani made her way into the office and called for the lift. The door opened and she saw a man in it looking at himself in the mirror and adjusting his hair. She rolled her eyes at him and pressed the button to her floor. He noticed the eye roll in the mirror and smirked. He turned around and checked her out.

“Hot!” Escaped from his mouth.

“Excuse me?” She looked at him.

“Bohot garmi nahi hai yahan?” He leaned in close to her, intimidating her for a second and switched the fan on. 

“Abh Bombay mein jacket pehen ke ghumoge toh garmi lagni hi hai.” She rolled her eyes at him and pushed him away creating some distance.

“Toh utaar doon?” He smirked at her, raising his brow.

A smile crept on her face at his attempt to flirt. She managed to keep it in control, so he didn’t see it.

“Jo karna hai karo. Main chali.” She said as the door opened to her floor.

He stared at her retreating figure with a lopsided grin as the door closed.

…

“Tum yahan phir aagaye? Kitni baar mana kiya hai maine tumhe ghar aane se? Especially jab main nahi hoti hoon!” She shouted at him.

“Main jaanta hoon tumhe mera yahan aana pasand nahi hai. Par kya main apni beti se mil bhi nahi sakta?” He asked.

“Nahi mil sakte! Tumhare wajah se voh bigad rahi hai. And I don’t want my daughter to end up like you!” She glared at him.

“Par..” He tried to oppose.

“Mujhe kuch nahi sunna Rey! Do you know how hard I have to work to provide for her and her education? Usse ek achhi zindagi dena chahti hoon main!” Her voice was laced with disgust.

“Main bhi yahin chahata tha. Par tumhe divorce chahiye tha!” He raised his voice.

“Toh main kya tum dono ko paalti?” She flared at him. “Aur please main tumse last time keh rahi hoon ki stop coming here. Don’t make me take her legal custody.” She warned him.

“Tumne already yeh case file kar diya hai. Monday ko proceeding hai!” He scoffed. “Aur tum achhi tarah se jaanti ho ki main yeh kabhi jeet nahi sakta. Because I am a loser!”

“You could fight the case.” She told him.

“I’m not going to. There is no point in it!” He sighed in defeat. “Now, since you are going to get full custody of her, can I just ask for this weekend with my daughter. Bas do din mujhe spend karne do uske saath. Last two days?” He asked with hope.

“Mujhe tumhare uske saath time spend karne se problem nahi hai. Yeh tum jaante ho. But you can’t stay here as I don’t want to keep fighting with you in front of her. And I also can’t let you take her. Jab bhi tumhare saath hoti hai kuch galath seekh kar aati hai. You have a very bad influence on her.” She said.

“Sirf do din?” He pleaded.

“Please mumma.” Arya walked out of her room. “Mujhe papa ke saath ghoomne jana hai.” She hugged his leg.

“Arya ke liye maan jao yaar.” Tears had built up in his eyes seeing Arya there. “Just two days. Please?”

“Raaste mein thand hogi. Make sure the windows are closed and that she has her jacket on the entire time.” She said after thinking and he jerked his head towards her. “Do not eat any junk food on the road and make sure you drive safely.” She added.

“Yayy! Papa aur Arya fun trip begins!” Arya jumped up in joy.

“One more thing, do not teach her anything I wouldn’t!” She warned him and he smiled at her.

“Thank you.” He said.

…

The next morning Taani and Aadi left early morning to go for their small getaway.

“Aadi aap udaas nahi ho na? Papa aana chahate the par..” Taani had sorry written all over her face.

“Par voh busy the!” He completed for her and she nodded.

“But don’t you worry. Mumma aur Aadi bohot masti karenge Lonavala mein.” She started tickling him to cheer him up.

“Haan aur phir Monday se school shuru hojayega.” He made a sad face.

“Usme sad hone wali kya baat hai? Tum toh kitne bright student ho.” She ran her hand over his head.

“Main sad nahi hoon, mujhe bas uss Arya se nahi milna. Voh mujhe bohot tang karti hai!” He complained.

“Tum uski baaton par zara bhi dhyaan mat do. Phir voh tumhe tang karna chod degi.” She smiled at him.

“Haan!” He settled into his seat. Taani looked outside her window and got lost in her thoughts playing with the ring on her finger. 

Taani got dressed and walked to her office table to pick up her phone. She saw an envelope with her name written on it and opened it. Inside it were her divorce papers. Her heart sank on reading it. She knew her marriage was going downhill for a year now and she was in it just for her son. She wanted her son to have a father. She recalled her phone call to her husband from the previous day where he had told her that he wanted out. Never had she thought, that he would do this. She still had hopes that he would return for their son.

“Mumma?” Aadi’s voice got her back to reality.

“Haan Aadi?” She looked at him blinking her eyes to avoid tearing up.

“Main window open karu?” He asked her.

“It’s raining outside. Aapko sardi lag jayegi.” She explained him.

“Okay.” He listened to her.

“Now that is a good boy!” She smiled at him and corrected his jacket.

“Mumma, you also wear jacket.” Aadi handed it to her, and she obliged by wearing it. “Good mumma!” He repeated her words making her smile widely at him.

The car suddenly came to a halt in the middle of the road. Taani looked at the driver. He tried to restart the car, but it didn’t budge. He went outside to check what had happened. He opened the bonnet and steam came out. He inspected it and got back to them.

“Madam, coolant water khatam hogaya hai.” He informed.

“Toh abhi?” She asked him.

“Main service centre ko call karta hoon but yahan nearby mein koi Audi ka centre nahi hoga. Hume thodi der rukna padega.” He informed her.

She asked him to make the call. He spoke with them.

“Kya hua? Kitna time lagega?” She asked him.

“Madam aaj shaam se pehle koi nahi aa sakta. Meri maano toh aap kisise lift le lijiyega. Main gaadi service karwa ke kal hotel pe aajaunga.” He suggested.

“Haan dusra koi option bhi nahi hai.” She agreed and asked him to look for someone who can safely drop them off.

…

“Papa itne saare chips!” Arya grinned opening the bag that Rey handed her.

“Yeh chatpata, meri chatpati ke liye!” Rey pulled her nose playfully while driving.

“Mumma mujhe kabhi chips deti hi nahi.” She complained opening one packet.

“Arre teri mumma ko maar gol.. I mean yeh Papa aur Arya ka trip hai, mumma ke baare mein kyun baatein karni hai?” He chuckled.

“Correct!” She grinned at him with mouthful of chips.

“Aaram se kha, Sab tere liye hi hai.” He shook his head at her.

“Nahi aap bhi kha sakte ho.” She fed him one chip.

“Thank you!” He said. “Waise Monday se teri school shuru ho rahi hai na?” He asked further.

“Haan!” She replied and had an evil smirk on her face.

“Kya badmaashi plan kar rahi hai tu?” He asked.

“Main uss Aadi ko irritate karne ke plans soch rahi hoon.” She smirked.

“Aadi kaun hai?”

“Ek number ka duffer hai voh. Jab dekho tab mummy mummy kar raha hota hai.” She mocked. “Aapko pata hai uski mummy kaisi hai?” She asked shaking her head.

“Hot hai?” He wiggled his brows.

“Nahi! Bohot hi sadu hai. Last time na voh school mein ek speech de rahi thi. Hum sab so gaye the.” She laughed.

“Sachchi?” He laughed along with her.

“Haan!”

“Yeh kaun hai? He slowed down his car when he saw a man waving in the middle of the road, next to a parked car. “Kya hua?” He asked stopping his car near him.

“Ka baat hai sasura?” Arya asked him and started laughing on seeing Rey’s shocked face.

“Humari gaadi kharab ho gayi hai aur aas paas koi service centre bhi nahi hai.” He told Rey.

“Badi gaadi ka yahi problem hota hai. Meri dekho chotisi Maruti 800. Iske koi chochle nahi hote.” Rey boasted about his mediocre car.

“Humari Madam aur unke baba ko Lonavala tak jana hai. Kya aap unhe lift de sakte hai?” He asked.

“Driver kya hua?” Taani rolled down her window and peeked out.

“Woah!” Rey eyes popped out on seeing Taani.

“Arre yeh wahi hai, duffer Aadi aur uski mummy! Papa, hum unhe lift nahi denge!” Arya told Rey on seeing them.

“Mumma yeh wahi Arya hai jo mujhe roz school mein trouble karti hai.” Aadi hid behind Taani.

“Driver hume inki koi help nahi chahiye!” Taani rolled her eyes recognizing Rey. “Iss insaan se toh bilkul bhi nahi.” She mumbled.

“Maana ki meri gaadi choti hai. But tum dono ko hum accommodate kar sakte hai!” Rey smiled at Taani.

“No thank you!” Taani sneered at him.

“Madam, yeh achha aadmi lagta hai. Uske saath uski choti bachchi bhi hai. App dono ko safely pahucha dega.” The driver came to Taani to convince her.

“Bola tha na sadu hai!” Arya made a face at Rey.

“Maine poocha tha na ki hot hai?” Rey wiggled his brows at Arya making her laugh.

“Mumma, it’s getting dark.” Aadi pointed out as the cloud cover increased.

Taani looked up at the sky and then at Aadi. She then looked outside and saw Rey looking back at her, waiting for an answer. She sighed. She had to get to Lonavala. She couldn’t stay on the road.

“Driver aap bags nikalo. Hum inke saath chale jayenge.” She got out of the car and walked to where Rey’s car was parked.

“Madame!” Rey got out and opened the door for her and gestured her to get in.

Taani asked Aadi to go in first and then she crouched into the car. Rey closed the door for her and stayed for a second at the window, looking at her. He then got in and they left. While driving he kept stealing glances at Taani through the rear-view mirror. She had a distant look in her eyes and was continuously toying around with her ring.

A loud thunder echoed outside and Aadi clung on to Taani.

“Don’t be scared beta. Main hoon na.” Taani pulled him closer.

“Fattu!” Arya started laughing.

Rey widened his eyes on hearing Arya and stopped himself from bursting out laughing at Taani’s shocked face.

“Dekho na mumma yeh mujhe kitna pareshan karti hai.” He complained.

Rey smiled at it and shook his head.

“Mumma ka phone.” Arya announced as the phone in front of her rang.

“Cut kar, cut kar!” Rey told her immediately and she cancelled the call.

Taani widened her eyes at him and he chuckled seeing her.

“Abh voh aapko bohot chillaayegi.” Arya giggled.

“Arre dekh lenge!” He disregarded it. “Yeh Papa aur Arya ka trip hai. Teri mummy allowed nahi hai usme.” He high-fived Arya.

Arya fed chips to Rey as he drove. Taani’s lips unknowingly curved up in a smile seeing them.

“Papa mujhe neend aarahi hai.” Arya yawned after the chips packet finished. “Main peeche jaake so jau?”

“Madam, kya aap aage aa sakti hai taki yeh dono peeche araam se so sake?” Rey asked Taani when he noticed that even Aadi was half asleep.

Taani nodded. He pulled over. Taani got in the front seat next to Rey and Arya settled in the back seat. Aadi rested his head on Arya’s shoulder and Arya rested her’s on his head. Rey and Taani smiled adoring the two.

“Chale?” Taani asked him.

“Ek minute!” He leaned onto her and pulled the seatbelt over her and fastened it. “Abhi chalte hai.” He started the car.

Taani sat still in her place eyeing him from the corner of her eyes. Her heart raced at the proximity. She felt her stomach churn and she started playing with her ring again to keep a grip on herself.

“Madam aapko Lonavala mein exact kahan jaana hai?” Rey asked bringing her out of her thoughts.

“Yeh madam madam kya laga rakha hai?” She squinted at him.

“Abh tumne apna naam bataya nahi. Main aur kya hi bulau?”

“Taani.” She forwarded her hand.

“Rey.” He shook it.

“Thank you for the lift.” She smiled lightly at him.

“Anytime!” He smiled back. “Waise tumne mujhe pehchana? Hum uss din lift mein mile the.”

“Yeah, I recognized you.” She giggled and then rolled her eyes recalling the incident.

“Tumhari hasi bohot hi pyaari hai.” He told her enjoying her melodious laugh.

“Kya kaha?” She asked to make sure she heard it right.

“Maine kaha ki tumhari hasi bohot hi pyaari hai. Dil aajaye kisi ka bhi.” He had a warm smile on his face as he kept driving.

“Tumhe sharam nahi aati? Shaadi shuda hoke dusri ladki pe line maarte waqt?” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Disgusting!”

“Kisne kaha ki main shaadi shuda hoon?” He turned to face her.

“Abhi kuch der pehle Arya ki maa ka phone aaya tha.” She pointed out.

“Divorce ka naam suna hai tumne?” He sneered making her shut.

“Sorry.” She apologized after some time.

“Main na bas genuinely compliment de raha tha.” He calmed himself. “Bohot hi madhur lagi mujhe tumhari hasi.” He passed her a genuine smile.

“Thank you.” She returned it back. “Mere husband bhi yahi kaha karte the. I mean hai.” She fumbled and looked away.

“Ek aur baat bolu?” He asked as he saw her playing with her ring.

“Kya?” She looked at him.

“Tumhe dekh kar lagta nahi ki tum shaadi shuda ho.” He told her while eyeing her and then looked back at the road.

“Thanks. I guess.” She smiled thinking about this compliment and looked outside the window to hide the blood flowing up to her cheeks.

“Yeh toh feeling le gayi!” He mumbled.

“Kya kaha?” She turned to him.

“Mere kehne ka matlab tha ki tum divorced lagti ho!” He said looking straight ahead.

“Excuse me?” She widened her eyes at him. “You don’t even know me! So keep your opinion to yourself. I am a married woman.”

“Dheere bolo, bachche jaag jayenge.” He asked her to lower her voice.

“Tumhe haq kisne diya meri life pe comment karne ka?” She glared at him.

“Main comment kaha kar raha hoon. Main bas generally bol raha hoon.”

“Mera pehla opinion hi theek tha. You are disgusting!” She said gritting her teeth. “I’m sure tumhari wife ne hi tumhe choda hoga.”

“That is my personal matter. Tum uspe comment nahi kar sakti!” He flared his nostrils and looked straight ahead at the road.

Taani couldn’t handle sitting in the same car as him. She fished out her phone from her bag and dialed her husband’s number. He didn’t answer. She kept on calling him and finally on the sixth time he picked up the call.

“Tum kyun mujhe baar baar call kar rahi ho?” He was annoyed.

“Kya tum yahan aa sakte ho?” Taani spoke into the phone.

“Taani I don’t want anything to do with you. Kitni baar mujhe yeh kehna padega? Mujhe meri past life se chutkara chahiye!” He yelled and disconnected the call.

Rey could hear what he spoke. He looked at Taani after the call ended and saw her weeping quietly. He placed his hand on hers which was on her lap holding the phone. She looked at him and for the first time she could see no filters on his face. There was genuine care in his eyes. She bawled up and supported her head on his shoulder. He let her cry. Unknown to him his eyes too had become moist.

“Things will become easy to bear.” He assured when he felt her calm down.

“Thank you.” She sat back straight and wiped her face dry.

“Anytime.” He held her hand again and she wiggled it out slowly getting uncomfortable.

“Hume aur kitni der lagegi?” She asked him.

“Bas pahuch hi rahe hai. Tumhe kahan drop karna hai?” He looked at her.

“Retreat Palace.” She answered.

“Bade logon ke bade shauk.” He muttered under his breath.

“Tum kahan rukne wale ho?” She looked at him.

“Itni mehengi jagah toh main afford nahi kar sakta. Hum ek guest house mein rukne wale hai.” He answered shrugging his shoulders.

“Tum karte kya ho?” She was intrigued.

“Artist hoon. Choti moti paintings banata hoon.” He smiled.

“Kis tarah ki paintings?”

“Khoobsurat..” He looked at her and held her eyes with his. “..places ki. Landscapes.” He looked away smiling.

Taani too had a smile on her face. She leaned out of the window to feel the light drizzle on her face. Rey looked at her surprised. This was the first time when she looked carefree and genuinely happy. He felt a warm feeling in his heart.

“Ek kaam karo poori hi bahar latak jao. Koi gaadi aake thok degi na tabh akal theekane aayegi!” He taunted her to not get carried away with these feelings.

“Kyun mood kharab kar rahe ho?” She pouted getting her head inside the car.

“Baarish mein hi bheegna hai toh bolo mujhe. Main gaadi roakta hoon. Hum dono bheeg lenge.” He winked.

“Achha?” She raised her brow.

“Haan.” He nodded and stopped the car.

“Mumma hum pahuch gaye?” Aadi woke up from his sleep as the car halted.

“We are almost there, beta.” Taani told him and looked at Rey dejectedly.

Rey sighed and started the car again. He drove them to their hotel. The kids had woken up by then.

“Lo aagaya destination.” Rey announced parking his car at the gate.

“Wow papa! Hum yahan rehne wale hai? This is so beautiful.” Arya’s eyes sparked up on seeing the surrounding.

Rey was going to deny that, but he couldn’t get the words out seeing her happy face. So, he instead agreed to her. Taani narrowed her eyes at him as he got out behind her. She opened the back door and the kids got out, jumping in joy. They were ecstatic seeing the place. Rey had a warm smile plastered on his face seeing Arya. Taani looked from a calm Rey to an impatient Aadi. He was waiting for her to head in. She forwarded her hand to him. He ran to her and held it.

“Thanks a lot for the lift Rey.” Taani waved bye and headed in with Aadi.

Rey looked at her retreating figure. Arya pulled on his hand to get him back to his senses.

“Chale?” Arya looked at him.

“After you.” Rey gestured her to move ahead.

“Ma’am here are your room keys.”

Taani took her keys and followed the bell boy to her room.

“Welcome to Retreat Palace. How can I help you sir?” The man at the concierge asked Rey.

“Meri yahan koi booking nahi hai. Last minute koi room available ho sakta hai?” Rey asked him.

“Sure sir we have a few rooms available. We have this lovely room jahan se aap bahar ka poora landscape dekh sakte ho.” He replied.

“Papa ko yeh room bohot pasand aayega!” Arya chirped.

“Hum yeh wala room lenge!” Rey high-fived Arya.

“Arre main apna phone wahi bhool aayi. Aadi beta tum yahan room mein ruko. Main phone lekar aati hoon.” Taani told him and walked back to the concierge.

“Sir yeh room ka price hai ₹7683 for a day.” He informed Rey.

“Kuch ₹2000-3000 ke range mein nahi hai kya?” Rey asked him.

“Sir achha mazak kar lete ho aap.” He gave a nervous laugh.

“Which is your cheapest room available?” Rey squinted.

“The one which I told you about.” He replied. “Aapko dekh kar hi yeh suggest ki.” He added with a scoff.

Rey looked into his wallet and then at Arya. The smile on her face had faded. Taani reached the concierge and witnessed that scene in front of her. She furrowed her brows looking at them.

“Arya, yeh jagah itni kuch khaas nahi hai. Hum kahin aur jaate hai.” Rey said to cheer her up. He held her hand and started walking out.

“Yeh khud afford nahi kar sakte toh humare hotel ke baare mein kuch bhi bolenge? Apni haisiyat dekh kar kahin bhi jana chahiye. Kahin se bhi muh uthake aajate hai yeh log. Inki gaadi dekh kar hi main samajh gaya tha ki yeh inke bas ki baat nahi hai. What a loser!” The Manager walked to the concierge and started talking as Rey left with Arya.

Rey’s hold on Arya tightened as he heard them. Arya turned around and saw them laughing at Rey. Tears brimmed in their eyes.

“Yahan ho kya raha hai?” Taani’s voice boomed.

Rey stopped in his tracks.

“Ma’am yeh..” The Manager straightened up on seeing her.

“Guests se kaise baat karni chahiye yeh aap bhool gaye hai lagta hai.” She glared at him. “Inko jo kamra chahiye voh dedo!” She ordered the person at the front desk.

“Yes ma’am!” He quickly followed her orders and locked a room for Rey.

“Sir yeh rahi keys. Aapko yeh room tak chod denge.” He pointed to the bell boy.

“Ek minute mujhe payment toh karne do.” Rey opposed.

“It’s been taken care of.” Taani walked to him with a light smile on her face.

“Tum kyun mere liye pay kar rahi ho?” Rey asked her furrowing his brows.

“Tu toh feeling le gaya yaar.” She tilted her head and chuckled at him. “Yeh mera hotel hai. Aur main tumhe host kar rahi hoon.” She explained seeing his confused face.

“Tu toh bohot hi ameer nikli yaar.” He chuckled.

“Tumhe koi doubt tha?” She asked.

“Nahi. But pehle pata hota toh abhi tak tum pe teen chaar baar line maar chuka hota.” He winked.

“Voh kaam tumne yeh bina jaane hi kar liya hai.” She shook her head at him and left for her room.

…

Taani had put Aadi to sleep and walked out of her room as she couldn’t sleep. She walked out to the garden behind the hotel and saw a figure sitting on the grass with his legs sprawled ahead. He was gazing at the moon which was peeking from behind the clouds. Just then it started raining.

Rey closed his eyes feeling the raindrops on his face. He saw Taani dressed in a white dress in front of him. He got up and forwarded his hand to her which she quickly took. He raised his hand holding hers and twirled her around in the rain and danced with her.

Taani saw Rey dancing with some imaginary girl and giggled. He pulled that girl to him and hugged himself feeling her presence in his arms. She pulled an umbrella and a towel from the stand next to her and walked to him. She covered him with the umbrella, and he furrowed his brows. Rey opened his eyes as he could no longer feel the rain. He came face to face with Taani. He ruffled his hair at his imagination and grinned at her.

“Andar chalo, thand lag jayegi.” She handed him the towel and started walking back.

Rey held her hand and stopped her. He left the towel and pulled the umbrella out of her hand.

“Rey?” She protested as she got completely drenched in the pouring rain.

Rey pulled Taani to him and held her close to him by her waist. Taani’s hand was behind her back entwined with his while the other was on his chest. With his free hand he removed the strands of hair covering her face and tucked them behind her ear. She closed her eyes feeling his touch through her jawline to her chin. He lifted her chin up and lined her lips with his. Taani felt him lower his head, aiming for her lips. She nudged with her hand on his chest and opened her eyes. She shook her head left and right and pushed herself back. He didn’t let go of her hand. He took a step ahead and stood right in front of her.

“Kyun?” He asked looking into her eyes.

“It’s not right.” She answered but her eyes were telling a different story.

“Then why does it feel right?” He left her hand.

Rey caressed her face and held her by the side of her neck. Taani leaned into his touch.

“This is wrong. I’m married to someone else.” She got back to her senses and pushed him away.

Rey walked past Taani and picked up the umbrella lying behind her. He held it covering them.

“Khud se toh jhoot mat bolo.” He handed her the umbrella and walked back to the place he was sitting earlier.

Rey looked up at the sky soaking himself in the pouring rain. Taani kept looking at him from the side. He looked peaceful. He seemed happy to have at least tried. She felt a selfish urge in herself to feel the same as him. She walked to him. He opened his eyes no longer feeling the rain, again.

“Andar chalo. Tumse kuch baat karni hai.” She ordered.

“Both of us are completely drenched. Umbrella ka kya use hai?” He pointed out while getting up.

“Chalo!” She demanded disregarding his question.

Taani walked him inside the hotel. She walked to the game room knowing that no one would disturb them there. He followed her quietly. She locked the door and turned to face him.

“Tum kyun mere peeche pade ho?” She asked folding her arms across her chest.

“Peeche pada hoon?” He scoffed. “Hum aaj hi mile hai.”

“Mera matlab hai..” She tried to explain.

“Jaanta hoon.” He stopped her. “Tumhe dekh kar mujhe laga ki humare beech kuch ho sakta hai.”

“But I’m married!” She argued.

“Kya tum khush ho uss shaadi mein?” He asked.

“Main..”

“Agar tum hoti toh mujhe itne paas nahi aane deti.” He pointed out. “Sach batana, kya tum apne pati se pyaar karti ho?” He looked into her eyes.

“Mere life mein pyaar ke liye jagah nahi hai.” She looked away.

“Pyaar apni jagah khud bana leta hai.” He smiled.

“Rey tum achhe insaan ho. Mere chakkar mein mat pado.”

“Kal se main apni beti se nahi mil sakta. Tum khud samajh lo ki main kitna achha insaan hoon voh.” He lowered his head and sighed.

“As in?” She squinted at him.

“My ex-wife has filed for Arya’s custody.” He sighed.

“Kitna ajeeb hai na ki yahan tumhe apni beti ke saath rehna hai par tum voh kar nahi sakte. Aur wahan mere pati ko mujhse aur Aadi se humesha ke liye chutkara chahiye. He wants a divorce!” Her voice broke.

“Roz roz ke jhagdon se divorce ek better option hai.” He held her hand, comforting her.

“Par Aadi?” She looked at him. Tears had pooled in her eyes.

“Tumhe aisa kyun lagta hai ki usse kuch pata nahi? Bachche yeh sab cheezein samajh jaate hai, bhale hi che saal ke kyun na ho.”

“I don’t want him to know that his father doesn’t care about him.” She closed her eyes shut allowing the tears to flow.

“Zindagi bhar intezaar karne se toh behtar hai ki usse sach pata ho.” He wiped her tears off.

“Kya Arya..?” She looked at him.

“Haan usse sab pata hai. She knows that her mother left me as I was an incompetent husband and a bad influence on her. I am basically a loser.” He sniffed.

“You are anything but that.” Her lips curved into a smile.

“Matlab?” He looked up at her and a lone tear trickled down his cheek.

“Tum loser nahi ho. Haan thodese immature ho, par bohot hi pyaare ho.” She walked up to him and kissed the tear away. “Good night.” She ran out.

Rey touched his cheek where she kissed him and smiled involuntarily.

…

The next afternoon Taani sat in her office with the divorce papers in her hand. Looking at them no longer gave her pain. She felt happy closing that chapter of her life. She pulled out her pen and signed on them. She pulled out her ring and inserted in the envelope with the papers.

“Main abhi jaake yeh papers court mein submit karta hoon.” He lawyer told her.

“I’ll leave as well. Mujhe Aadi ko pick karne jana hai.” She told him and they left.

Taani went to Aadi’s school and picked him up.

“Mumma!” Aadi came running to her.

“Kaisa tha school ka first day?” She smiled as he hopped inside the car.

“Bohot maza aaya. Aapko pata hai Arya ne aaj mujhe bilkul bhi pareshaan nahi kiya. Voh abh meri friend ban gayi hai.” He informed animatedly.

“That is really good.” She ruffled his hair.

“Par voh na school ke end mein thodi sad lag rahi thi.” He thought about it.

“Aapne pucha nahi?” She asked.

“Usne mujhe kuch nahi bataya.” He answered.

“Voh theek hojayegi.” She assured him, smiling at his concern.

They drove home. Taani walked him to his room and sat him down.

“Aadi mujhe aapse ek bohot jaruri baat kehni hai.” She sat beside him.

“Bolo na mumma.”

“Beta aapke papa aur mere beech na kuch time se problems chal rahi hai. Isiliye..”

“Isiliye voh abh humare saath nahi rahenge na?” He completed.

“Haan.” She nodded. 

“Mumma jab tak aap mere saath ho, mujhe aur kisiki jarurat nahi hai.” He hugged her.

Taani hugged him back and controlled the tears which threatened to spill out.

“Abhi aap rest karo. Mujhe ek aur kaam hai.” She kissed him on his forehead and left.

…

“Papa!” Arya ran to Rey leaving her mother’s hand.

“School se seedha mujhse milne aayi tu? Not bad.” He pinched her nose.

“Aaj ke baad main aapse nahi mil paungi na.” She hugged him and started crying.

“Hey, stop crying.” He tried to pull her apart but she didn’t budge.

“Arya, chalo andar. Hume late ho raha hai.” Her mother walked to them.

“Come on now Arya. Tumhari mummy ne yeh decision tumhare achhe ke liye liya hai. So abhi bilkul rona band and go with her.” Rey managed to separate her and pushed her inside the court for the proceeding.

“Sir?” Rey’s lawyer walked to him.

“Main andar nahi aa paunga. Aap please sab dekh lijiyega. Mujhe iss decision se koi problem nahi hai. It’s for her betterment.” Rey walked out and ran to a nearby bench.

It started raining, but he cared less about it. He wanted to stay with his daughter, but he knew that he couldn’t provide her a good life. He sat on the bench with joint hands supported on his knees. He placed his head on his joint hands and sat in the rain, lost in his thoughts.

Suddenly he couldn’t feel the rain, and his lips curved into a smile thinking about Taani. He looked to his side and saw her sitting next to him with an umbrella covering the two. She smiled at him and he smiled back.

“You know you can appeal for her custody after a year or two. Tab tak tum apne aap ko financially stable bana sakte ho.” She placed her hand on his knee.

“Hmn.” He nodded. “Tum yahan?” He asked her.

“Mera divorce finalize hogaya.” She informed with a smile.

“Badi khushi se yeh baat bata rahi ho?” He smiled back.

“Yeh khush hone wali toh baat hai.” She leaned in and stopped close to his face.

Rey turned to look at her and saw her waiting with anticipation. His smile grew wide. She connected their lips and pulled the umbrella to the front to cover them. He chuckled at it in the middle of kissing her. She fisted his hair for mocking her. He pulled apart and opened his eyes to make sure that he wasn’t dreaming. He saw her looking back at him with love in her eyes.

“Yeh kaise hua?” He asked. His lips rubbed against hers.

“Love found it's way to my heart!” She grinned separating from him.

“Papa!” Arya ran to him and hopped on his lap.

“Arya tum?” Rey squinted at her.

“I took the case back.” He looked up and saw his ex-wife approach them. “She wants you in her life. I can’t deny her that.” She smiled at him.

“Umm.. thank you.” He felt weird to get those words out of his mouth.

“The clause still remains. Tum usse bigaad nahi sakte.” She smiled.

“Nahi bigaadunga.” He promised her.

She nodded and looked past him. “I won’t take much of your time. Chale Arya?” She walked away with her.

Rey stood there smiling at himself. He ruffled his hair and let out a chuckle.

“Kya hua?” Taani walked to him.

“Kaha kuch.” He turned around and pulled her to him.

Taani lost the umbrella and it flew away from them. She squinted at him as he placed her left hand on his shoulder and took her right hand in his and started dancing.

“Yeh kya kar rahe ho?” She giggled while dancing in the rain.

“Turning my dream into reality!” He pulled her to him and held her in his arms.

...

Hello everyone!

It's been a while we've played this game. So, let me remind you how it works.

This OS is inspired by a show, which I assume that a lot of you might have seen it. Hint: It has Karan Singh Grover in it! You have to play the guessing game and guess the name of the show from where this has come from. Simple!

Also, this is my tribute OS to TaaRey Mitwa Anniversary.

If you've not seen the Anniversary Thread, do check it out!

: @taarey1025

Hit like and Comment your guesses down below!

Posted: July 17, 2020

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