Chapter 5

JCluvs srk

@JCluvs srk

Quick note: Hindi is not my first or second language...so please excuse any grammar and spelling errors. I hope it doesn't bother you too much...but some dialogues just have more impact in hindi than in english. So please enjoy!

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Chapter 4

Roshnaq folded the handkerchief and tucked it into Wasim's coat breast pocket, a task she has performed many times for her life partner.

She looked up at her husband and felt the calmness of his nature. He may be a sharp businessman to the world, but to her he was the gentlest man...a man who loved his family with his every breath.

"Aaj Yash se teek tara se baat karna..." Roshnaq said while straightening out the handkerchief.  

When Wasim looked down, avoiding eye contact, Roshnaq understood.

"Mein jaanti hoon...aap humesha se chate teh ke Zoya Aditya ki ho. Aur Siddiqui aur Hooda's ki dosti rishtedari mein badal jaye." Roshnaq spoke, brushing the collar of his kurta.

Wasim looked up with disappointed eyes hearing those words. Harshvardhan and he always dreamed that their friendship will carry on for generations and that they will eventually become a family. They wished that this dream will be fulfilled by their first borns. Zoya was his eldest daughter, his darling...and he trusted no one but the Hoodas to give her the same love that he gave her.

Roshnaq saw the inner turmoil in her husband's eyes and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Mujhe ab bhi yaad hai...jab Zoya pehda hui thi. Aap se zyaada kush toh Harsh hue teh...aur woh Zoya ko aapke haatho se cheen kar Aditya ke pas rakh diya." Roshnaq smiled at the memory like it happened yesterday. "...Aur uss din hum inn dono ki takdeer milana chate teh. Lekin dono ki takdeer milne se pehle dono ke dil milna bahut zaroori hai...aur Zoya ka dil Yash ke paas hai."

Wasim sigh...knowing his wife was completely right. No matter how much he wished for Zoya and Aditya to marry, he will always put Zoya's happiness before everything. If Yash is the man Zoya loved, then he will accept Yash with open arms.

Roshnaq continued, "Iss liye...jab Yash aaj aayega...aap nikka ki tareek teek karenge...apni beti ki kushi ke liye."

Wasim then looked at his wife and smiled. This is the relationship they shared. Sometimes...they understood each other's feelings without voicing it.  

There was a knock on the door before Noor entered. "Ammi...Abbu...Yash is here." Noor announced.

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 Zoya was the first to come down to the living room. She wanted a private moment with Yash before her parents joined them.

She naturally went into Yash's arms and gave him a welcome hug. "Hi...nervous?" Zoya asked.

Yash gave a small smile. He was conflicted. So very conflicted.

"Zoya...I wanted to speak with you before dinner...it's a little important..." Yash said, nervousness etching his every word.

"Ok what is it?" Zoya asked, eyebrows frowning as concern entered her eyes.  

Yash looked at Zoya's innocent face...her eyes filled with so much love and concern for him.

"I umm...it's...it's nothing...I just wanted to say I love you." Yash replied, losing the courage to say what was on his mind. Zoya loved him...and he couldn't tell her anything until he was sure of what he wanted.

Zoya smiled and linked her hand with his, "I love you too."

Wasim, Roshnaq, and Noor chose this moment to enter the living room. Noor greeted Yash with a warm hug since both were familiar with each other. Yash then folded his hands before him and greeted Wasim and Roshnaq, showing his respect.

"Hello beta..." Wasim spoke, making the first move to welcoming his future son-in-law.

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The Next Evening

Aditya walked out of his bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist. A few stray droplets of water glistened on his chest as he walked up to the mirror. He took the 2^nd towel hanging around his neck and wiped his hair. His bangs fell over his forehead as he ran his fingers through it, styling it in his usual hairstyle.

He then dressed in casual jeans and a white shirt. As he started buttoning his shirt, he heard his bedroom door open.

Aditya turned and smiled at the most important woman in his life...his mother. His eyes naturally softened at the sight of the pretty lady entering the room, love simply radiating through him.

"Are you ready beta?" Anjana asked her elder son...her right hand.

"Just two minutes maa" Aditya replied, rolling the sleeves of his shirt to his elbows as a finishing touch.

"Good...we need to leave soon...they are expecting us." Anjana replied, brushing away some lint from Aditya's shirt.

"Why did Wasim uncle suddenly call us? Is everything ok?" Aditya asked, curious as to why the whole Hooda family was suddenly asked to come over.

"Pata nahin...Wasim just said that he had an announcement to make and it was important." Anjana replied, completely oblivious as well.

Aditya then got a twinkle in his eye, "Are the girls going to be there?" he asked.

"Adi...no badmaashi" Anjana warned in a stern voice, knowing fully well her son's mischievous look had something to do with a certain Siddiqui girl with an angelic face and a feisty nature.

"But badmaashi is our signature style mom" a male voice replied. Aditya and Anjana turned to see Arjun walk in, dressed and ready to go, mischievous looks included.

Arjun winked at his bhai while Aditya grinned back. It was well known that both the Hooda brothers had playful personalities to match devastating good looks. Arjun was known for his playful nature...always teasing and cracking jokes. Aditya, on the other hand, was the more mature out of the two...but maturity clashed with his quick wit and wicked sense of humor.

Anjana simply shook her head. "I don't understand how such a sweet girl like Noor fell for such a badmaash like you" Anjana stated, her words not holding any sting towards her other hand...her younger son.

Taking no offense, Arjun wrapped an arm around Anjana and replied, "She obviously fell for my good looks mom." Arjun then blew some air on his fingernails and rubbed them on his shoulder. Arjun then let out a laugh as he dodged his mother's hand almost making contact with the back of his head.

"Arre tum log ab tak yahaan ho?" The three individuals turned to see Harshvardhan walk in. "We're getting late...and whatever Wasim wanted to talk about sounded important." Harshvardhan continued, ushering his family towards the door.

"Hum tho tayar teh dad...bas Miss. Universe ko admire kar rahe teh..." Arjun replied smoothly, teasing his mom's expensive fashion sense.  

"Tu phir bola! Nalayak!" Anjana roared ready to chase after Arjun as Harsh laughed. Aditya laughed as well and easily blocked his mother.

"Rehne dho maa...Arjun kabhi sudre ga nahin." Aditya said in a calming voice, diffusing his mother's temper almost as quickly as Arjun ignited it.

As they made their way out the door, Anjana took a moment to look at her family and sighed peacefully. The three men in her life, her two hands...and her life partner. This scenario was a common occurrence in their life, and it only portrayed the close bond they all shared with each other.

And it was always like Aditya to step in and stop an argument. It was second nature to him. He truly was a wonderful person at heart. His love always the balance between his father, mother, and brother. And she knew...one day...his love will also be a sign of complete devotion...protection...and submission...to whomever he gives his heart to.