In the wee hours of the morning, Advay stirred releasing Chandni from his grasp. She turned a little, her cover getting thrown away but went back to deep sleep immediately.
All the actionable matters came back rushing to Advay’s mind stressing him again. Meghana and her baby to be reinstated with PP…….. Village development project to be reviewed with Miku…… Gimmy Papad revenge mission….. Maa-Baba revenge mission….. and now this work to be safeguarded from the Mafia family.
Feeling restless, he threw away his cover and went and stood near the window taking a deep breath. Yes! This was life! The life where every day a new Mahabharat awaits you. But then, there is family!
He smiled at the thought and looked at Chandni. He couldn’t believe his luck to have such a beautiful wife. Lying there, her beauty in full view to his eyes……He remembered the painting he had seen, the birth of Venus……such a crafted body God has given her….. white as marble, fragrant as sandalwood. The song came to his heart.
Aisa dekha nahi khoobsurat koi
Jism jaise Ajanta ki murat koi
Jism jaise nigahon pe jadoo koi
Jism tarsha hua, dilkasho dilnashin
Sandli sandli, marmari marmari
Far away in Nice, Darsh was unable to sleep either. He reminisced the last night’s events. The way Pooja’s eyes twinkled and shined while she enjoyed watching the fireworks show with Aadi. The longing and reluctance, both together, in her eyes as they sat next to each other for dinner. What was it about her eyes that always captured his heart, he wondered! His entire world was in her eyes.
Ankheen Neechee Hoyee To Haya Baan Gayeen
Ankheen Oonchee Hoyee To Dua Baan Gayeen
Ankheen Uth Kar Jhakeen Too Ada Baan Gayeen
Ankheen Jhuk Kar Utheen To Qadaa Baan Gayeen
Ankheen Jin Main Hain Asmaan O Zameeeeen
Nargasee Nargaseee Surmayee Surmayeee
Just there, lying in half-sleep delirium, Miku smiled remembering Shikha’s glowing face while they walked and joked together on the beach. Playing, frolicking, having fun…. her face blooming with happiness when they had dinner, just the two of them……Her demands were so simple, easy to fulfil. She was like a delicate bud, ready to blossom in a lotus!
Chehra ek phool ki tarah shadaab hai
Chehra uska hai ya koi mahtaab hai
Chehra jaise ghazal, chehra jaane ghazal
Chehra jaise kali, chehra jaise kanwal
All three in their own thoughts thanked the creator as love bloomed in their hearts.
Afreen….. Afreen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw4tT7SCmaY
Chandni rushed to open the door when the bell rang. Seeing Naani, she exclaimed “Naaaniiii….!” Hugging her and twirling her around happily. “Naani, I missed you so very much.”
Naani laughed, too, knowing that everything was Okay between her most loved couple who was angry when she left.
Chandni touched Maasi’s feet taking the small handbag she carried. Murali and Shilpa followed with bags and greeted Chandni.
Just then, Advay came out of the bedroom and happily walked to Naani hugging her.
“Chiku, how are you, my child!”
“I am great, Naani. All thanks to you…… come.” Advay made Naani sit on the sofa and sat near her feet. “How was the trip, Naani? How are your knees?” He softly massaged her knees.
Maasi spread herself comfortably on the next sofa putting her legs up. “Trip was great! I am hell-tired. Bring me a nice hot cup of ginger tea.”
Chandni and Shilpa proceeded to the kitchen. Murali was about to follow them when Advay stopped him and asked him to massage Maasi’s feet. The family sat happily enjoying hot tea and happy chatting.
Advay got up for something and Naani invited Chandni to sit next to her.
“Do tell me, how did it feel when Chiku returned?” She asked teasingly.
Chandni blushed. Advay watched the colour rising on her face as he was walking away. Suddenly her sweet voice fell on his ears.
Ghar aaya mera pardesi, Pyaas bujhi meri ankhiyan ki
Voh mere man ka moti hai, innayanan ki jyoti hai
Aas hai voh, mere bachapan ki, Ghar aaya mera pardesi,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf334WjKQI0
Chandni put her head in Naani’s lap hiding her face in blush. Naani beamed. Advay felt his heart swelling with happiness and pride. Yes! They both were childhood sweethearts who had waited for each other for sixteen long years.
Naani proceeded to her room and Chandni followed behind with her luggage. When they entered, Naani asked Chandni to close the door behind her.
“Now tell me in detail, what all happened while I was away.”
“Naani, lots happened. Would you tell me how was Pooja di and Darsh’s relation in London?” Chandni requested as she unpacked Naani’s luggage putting her things away.
Naani smiled in reminiscence.“Both were hands and gloves. Always together, be it studies or anything else. More than Leela, it was Ammi, Darsh’s mother, who raised Pooja and always called her ‘Meri Beti’. We had expected the two to marry when they grew up, but something happened and Pooja married this other man…… You tell me, what did you notice now?”
Chandni smiled and narrated all the happenings at the concert …… the song that was meant for Pooja…She narrated every line and how it fitted Pooja…. How she had left with Aadi for ice cream to give them full privacy… How pooja had suddenly left…. How she was stressed then and thereafter…. Finally, she had settled a little after happy dancing and singing while Aadi was cranky. And how now she had gone to Nice.
Naani felt extremely satisfied hearing Chandni. The trip had been pretty stressful for her knees, but the intended purpose was fulfilled to give children their needed privacy to express themselves fully. Of course, there wasn’t any confirmation yet, but at least things were on track. Darsh Pooja’s stagnated friendship had been rekindled. For a minute, she wondered if she must discuss this with Chiku; but then decided against it. Chiku was a man of action and he would immediately try and push the matter; but this time Naani wanted Pooja to take her own grown-up wise decision without any pressure.
While Naani was lost in her reverie, Chandni continued unpacking. Suddenly her eyes fell on Naani’s Ramayan which she read regularly after her pooja. Chandni went to put it in Pooja ghar when suddenly an old photograph fell from it. A man looking regal in traditional dressing and having the mahant Shawl and Mahant earrings very much the same as her father. Perhaps he must have been the older Mahant. Chandni kept the photo with her and walked to their bedroom wanting to know more details from her husband.
“Who is he?” She put the picture right in front of Dev to attract his attention.
“Nanaji!.... Where did you find the picture? Keep it back. Naani’s most precious possession. That’s the only photo she has perhaps.” Dev chided curtly, as he was busy working on his laptop.
Feeling thrilled to see her Grandfather In law, Chandni put the photo to her head for salutation and then went to return it back to Naani’s Ramayan. She was genuinely curious about him, but Naani and Maasi were both now resting in their room and of course, her husband as always didn’t entertain her while working. But the thought of the man to whom Naani always compared Dev refused to leave her mind.
Mamaji had gone out and returned to the haveli when he saw PP and Meghna sitting and chatting happily. Meghana’s laughter filled the air. ‘This is some couple! I just hope Pratham’s mother comes round.’Mamaji thought.
PP got up from his seat to greet Mamaji, “Namaste, Mamaji.”
Mamaji settled on the sofa passing on the purchases to Meghna, “Namaste, Pratham Beta. Kaise ho? Meghna, did you offer him some chai or something?”
Meghna got up with the bags smiling, “I’ll just bring.”
Mamaji ensured she was out of earshot and then spoke, “Pratham beta, did you speak with your mother as Advay advised?”
“Mamaji, I am trying but she is stubborn.”
“Well then, as Advay mentioned you must use your favourite son tactics and get more stubborn…… I’ll be taking Meghna to meet the baby tomorrow. At that time, I will also get their DNA typing done…… I only want to warn you one thing, Pratham beta….. You can’t afford to lose time. One way or the other you must convince your mother to accept Meghna along with the baby….. If you dillydally, I will be forced to ask Advay to bring another Rishta for Meghna. You must understand that the baby is more of a priority than either you or Meghna.”
PP knew Mamaji spoke the truth. He would have to find a way to convince his mother; otherwise, he well knew Advay’s anger and his commitment to his action plan from previous incidents. Advay would not hesitate to reinstate Meghana with someone who would accept the baby.
The family was gathered over late evening tea with laughter and chatter when Naani spoke, “Chiku, what all did you do in Spain?”
“What else? He must have had one of his babes keeping him company.”
Advay wildly checked himself. How had Chandni known about the girl whom he met in the bar? No, not possible! She must be making wild guesses. To keep her from prying further, he adapted the same tactic as hers.
Tere hi sapne lekar ke soya,teri hi yaadon mein jaaga
Tere khayalon mein uljha raha yoon, jaise ki maala mein dhaaga
Chandni blushed but didn’t give up her taunting. “Oh! As if you had time to think about me in all that exciting throng of people.”
Advay smiled to himself. This woman was a smart one, as DD had mentioned.
Chhota safar ho, lamba safar ho, sooni dagar ho ya mela
Yaad tu aaye man ho jaaye bheed ke beech akela
It was true! In the midst of a lavish dinner setting, suddenly he had remembered Chandni and lost all interest.
“Oh yes! That’s why so long you stayed there. ”Chandni muttered under her breath but Advay heard her.
Aandhi ne roka, pani ne toka, duniya ne hanskar pukara
Tasveer teri lekin liye main kar aaya sab se kinara
Haan badal, bijli, chandan, pani jaisa apna pyar
Lena hoga janam humein kayi-kayi baar
Haan itna madir, itna madhur tera mera pyar
Lena hoga janam hameh kayi-kayi baar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CwFFWleNNA
This was too much! Chandni remembered the last time when he had sung this song to her explaining the insignificance of life against their love. She just couldn’t resist running into Dev’s outspread arms. She hugged him smiling happily.
While this interaction was going on, Pooja and Gang had arrived and Pooja witnessed the happy hug making her smile. Her favourite Bhaiyya had managed to appease Bhabhi’s anger.
“CcccccccccccccccM!”
Advay was thrown away by charging Aadi with full force, as always, but he still managed to pick him up. Aadi pulled his cheeks lovingly.
“Hi, Super Aadi! How are you?”
“I missed you so very much. We are on holiday; then why do you have to leave for so long.” Aadi whined.
“But there are others to keep you entertained when I am not around. Tell me, what you did in Nice.”
“All that afterwards. First, let me hug my Bhaiyya.” Pooja took Aadi down and hugged Advay happily.
Advay cupped her cheeks, “How are you, Pooja?” He softly kissed her forehead in love.
“I am perfect.”
As soon as Aadi was down, he rushed to Naani, “Soooper Naaaaani, I missed you.” The two hugged and kissed happily.
“Bhai…..” Miku called out. Both brothers hugged happily and patted each other’s back.
“How are you, Miku? You are doing a very good job with that Allahabad project I suppose. Let’s sit together later and get in sink.”
“Saale! Kaam ke bina tera ekdin bhi nahi gujar Sakata kya?” Darsh thumped on Advay’s back teasing him.
Advay put his head behind and laughed heartily, “Look, who is talking?”
Both friends hugged in happiness.
“Bhai, you didn’t mention you were to arrive. We could have waited for you.” Miku enquired innocently.
“Pooja ko kaha tha maine!”
Everybody including Chandni stared at Pooja. For a second, she didn’t know what to answer. Her Bhaiyya had truly put her in a soup.
“Did you mention you were arriving?” Pooja feigned innocence as if she had not been part of the plan.
There was a short silence. Then DD broke out roaring in laughter. This was Pooja! Always!...... In childhood, whenever AD and he got into trouble and put everything on her, she would lie outright to feign complete innocence with Ammi or any other elder. Naani, Maasi and Advay joined in DD’s laughter but Miku, Chandni and Shikha did not understand anything. The frolicking and laughter lingered for some time.
Murli, Shilpa, Chandni and Pooja were in the kitchen planning a lavish dinner. Advay and Darsh were chatting on the patio.
“I have taken all possible data points. But it’s still not coming clear to me how to safeguard the algorithm programme.” Advay’s stress was evident in his voice.
“Is it not possible for you to go to the government separately?” Darsh ventured.
“They are already going to the government. My going will clash. And what will I claim? If I say, it’s illegal, they will ask me where ….. and currently there is nothing…… this is more like safeguarding for the future…… A very long future.”
“You are right! It’s not going to be easy to provide for…… Maybe something similar to what God does with our body. Even if all your systems are perfectly functioning, and all Medicare is provided, still there’s some programme in the body that will shut off those systems and cause death. Nobody can pass it.”
Advay’s eyes sparkled. Perhaps in casual chat without his own realising, his friend was showing him some way.
“I’ll think over this. Thanks, DD. You are always my saviour!”
“Hey Saale! I am not doing anything special that you wouldn’t do for me….. and for that matter, in this particular stuff, I don’t even know what I am doing.”
“How did your meeting go? Any useful contacts?” Advay brought the topic to their joint mission.
Both were chatting about the status and possible challenges of their mission when Chandni arrived on the patio. Suddenly both went absolutely quiet baffling Chandni.
“Naani has invited you, Dev.”Chandni delivered the message. Advay left immediately.
Chandni stood there for a moment, “What the two friends got into some serious chat?” She asked teasingly.
“Nothing really, CD. You tell me, did AD apologise to you? Uss ne kuchh manavaya ki aise hi maan gayee tum?”
Chandni shook her head in perplex. Her husband had yelled at her. Thereafter he had continued to urge her to accompany him. Thereafter, there hadn’t been any contact. And now, after arrival, he had taken the physical route avoiding a verbal sorry.
“This is just not done, CD! Come on, be creative, girl! …. Think of something to take your revenge.”
Darsh was right! Something was due for Dev. Chandni decided to think of something.
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All three are in love. A beautiful song portraying the image of lover. Afreen Afreen.... Do enjoy!
Now Naani knows Darsh-Pooja love. What she might do in future to push the two together? Any guesses?
Advay is the only crucial person now unaware of Darsh Pooja Love. How will this impact the story ahead?
Nanaji ...... new entry. What will be his story which Chandni wants to know?
What Darsh mentioned was so right. Somehow death just cannot be avoided. How will Advay use Darsh's statement to fabricate his idea for safeguarding his programme to Mafia?
Naani has invited Advay, She will question about Spain, what will Advay answer her?
Darsh has coaxed Chandni for revenge. What kind of revenge must Chandni take, any suggestions?
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