Priya Ram Ficlet: Badhai Do

oh nakhrewaali

@oh_nakhrewaali

Priya Ram Ficlet: Badhai Do

Priya had done her research. If she was going to spend ₹250 on tickets and some more on snacks, she was going to make it worth it. Wait, who was supposed to pay for the tickets and snacks? When she went out with  Neeraj, he always paid the bills (because women should pay bills, it's a man's job) and then harped about how much he was investing (financially) in the relationship. With Ram, before marriage, or before they chose to behave like "normal" married couples, they always split the bill. She decided that she should ask someone about this. Probably Shivina, because her sisters and Brinda would announce to the whole world that she is going on a date with Mr. Kapoor. And it wasn't a date. 

She looked at Rajkumar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar in the movie poster. Badhai Do, that's the movie she wanted to watch. She had heavily considered Gangubai Katiawaada, and the reviews for it were good, but knowing Mr. Kapoor, he would probably not enjoy the grittiness of the movie. Plus, this was supposed to be a getaway from all the drama in their life. So she could use some dramedy instead of intense drama. 

That said, she wasn't sure of Ram's view on the LGBTQAI+ community. She knew that he funded a few NGOs who helped Transgender people, but that wasn't enough for her to confirm whether he would like to watch the movie. 

Priya's thoughts broke when she heard her mobile ring. 

"So, did you pick a movie?"

No hi, no hello! This man and his insolent behavior! 

"I was thinking that we should watch Badhai Do." 

"Ok, I'll check out the trailer. Hey, you should watch the trailer with me."

"Mr. Kapoor, I just watched it, and that is why I picked it."

"I know, you must be sitting with books and journals analyzing the movies and reviews." Priya looked at the book in which she had (sort of) researched the two movies, before choosing Badhai Do. 

"I did nothing of that sort, don't behave as if you know me too well,"

"Sure, mam." But Priya could hear the smirk in his voice. She rolled her eyes. 

"I'll video call you, and we'll watch the trailer together. And then we'll watch the movie together. It will be fun."

Priya realized that this was her chance at getting to know Ram's opinion on the LGBTQAI+ community first hand, and he won't get to lie to her about liking the trailer or agree to watch it with her out of fear, so she agreed to rewatch the trailer. 

Having watched the trailer once, Priya didn't react much to it. She observed Ram as he laughed and was transfixed at the intensity Bhumi shared with Chum Daram and then at the cinematography of the shot of the Bhumi and the Pride flag. 

"This is going to be one beautiful movie. We should watch it. And then, we should watch Shubh mangal Zyaada Savdhaan. Have you watched it? I love it so freaking much! And have you watched Sense 8? It has some adult scenes, but..." Ram flushed awkwardly, but Priya couldn't help but chuckle as her husband went beetroot red at the mention of the sex scenes. 

"We should watch Shubh Mangal Zyaada Savdhaa, Mr. Kapoor! I was planning on watching it but didn't get the time to do so." She offered kindly to put the poor soul out of his misery. 

"Really? Did you agree to spend time with me and watch a fun movie? I think I am the most blessed man in the world!" Ram started overreacting and then looked at the camera with a smile on his face. 

"No, Mr. Kapoor, please don't!" Priya begged, but it was too late. 

"Guys, mujhe Badhai Do, meri beewi is going on a movie date with me. "

Priya facepalmed, and Ram laughed as it was the funniest joke in the universe.