Anandi, Shiv and Marriage(SS)Prt 26-Pg 31(May 13) - Page 6

Shiv's Distress

In this interval Shiv comes out of his room trying his new sherwani. He notices that no one is home. He figures out that they must have gone to meet Anandi. "Why didn't they say anything to me. I wanted to be there to help explain to Anandi without offending her. How must she have felt when they told her they know about her and Heth Singh incident? How hurt she must have felt to explain her innocence? And looking at Saanchi, Anandi must be more confused. What am I doing here I should be there with her. I hope everyone consider her feelings before talking to her. Wish they don't make the situation more awkward for Anandi. Will Saanchi apologize to Anandi? I wish she doesn't say something irrational to her again. And Dadisa, what will she think about me? I was not able to stop my sister from saying all those things to Anandi. How will I show her my face" all these question flood his mind for couple of minutes. Before hyperventilating he calms himself and thinks what to do now. He tries to call his dad but his phone is switched off. He always switches off phone when he is in important discussions. Maybe he is already there talking to Anandi. After some more thought Shiv plans to trust his family and wait for them. He knows Anandi will forgive his sister even before her saying sorry. She knows only to love. He was not worried about that. His only concern was, how she must be feeling about the whole situation. If only Saanchi can put her city and village difference aside and look at Anandi, he thought. He was sure she would love her instantly. He goes into his room, changes his clothes, puts on music and sits grabbing the video camera. He still feels bad for not being there with Anandi. He says remembering the days events, "Thats it Anandi, I won't let you suffer again. I won't let anyone say anything to you. I will be there by your side, if not as a husband, as a friend" with a determined face. He starts gazing at Anandi in the video while song plays in Background.

"Tu jahaan mein wahan'

Sang sang yun chalun tere jaise tera aasmaan'

Jo dhup nikle, chaayaa ban jaunga..

Jo ho tu akeli, saayaa ban jaunga'

Jo uljhan mein ho man, mein behlaunga..

Tum aa gaye ho, to jeena aaya hai'

Khusiyon ka tumne, ye jaal bichayaa hai'

Khoya hai khudko ya sab kuch paya hai'

Tu jahaan mein wahan'

Sang sang yun chalun tere jaise tera aasmaan'

Ho gum ke baadal, mujhpe tham jaane de'

Bechainiyon ko, mujhse takraane de'

Dukhti ho koi baat, mujhpe aane de'.

Dil sochta tha ke koi apna ho'

Koi raaj na ho jo usse rakhna ho'

Aankhein na kholun mein sayad sapna ho'.

Tu jahaan'mein wahan'

Sang sang yun chalun tere jaise tera aasmaan' "

(it was perfect song for the situation so didn't want to cut it. Sorry)

Gauri's Impatience

Gauri is very excited about tomorrow. She just can't wait to get married. She was dying to watch Jagat getting surprised. She was rushing her mother through everything that still needed to be done. Her friends are there to help her. Her mom and friends ensure her that everything will be perfect tomorrow and not to worry. Gauri looks at the clock and announces everyone that Jagat will be back soon. Her friends get ready to leave. One friend reminds her to come to her home to get mehendi done. Gauri replies "I will tell Jagat I am leaving to hospital and come there". As they leave she tells her mother to make sure Jagat goes to library tomorrow so that decorators can come and decorate the house. "Aur neche kay ground jaha shaadi and reception hoga vaha achi se tum aur papa decorate karvana". She thinks she was lucky that she got the empty land next to their apartment for very less price as one of her neighbor knows the owner. "Vaise bi vo land tho kali pada huva tha bacho ko kelne kay liya. Owner ko tho khali mai paise mile ab" she tells her mom. She thinks "Jagat by the time you come home tomorrow i will get ready and surprise you with all our friends". She for one last time explains her mom about the whole plane for tomorrow before Jagat returns. "I will leave as I usually leave for hospital but will actually go to friends place to get mehendi and go to beauty parlor. I will ask Jagat to come home by 5:00 as our wedding time is 6:00 (Time she picked). She will tell him they have to attend her friend's shaadi for which herself and Jagat helped". She called all the close people to come early as its a surprise. She remembers how some laughed at her saying "Shaadi hai aur Dulha ko patha nahi. Aise kaise ho sakta hai" . "Ma kal sab theek se hoga na. Mai mere shaadi mai bhoot masti karungi. Sab enjoy karungi". Her mother has her doubts about Gauri rushing with marriage without auspicious time but she assures her everything will be as she wanted.

Shekhar's Bahu

Shekhar's return home and look very happy. Shiv still in his thoughts looking at the video doesn't listen to the commotion outside. Dadu asks Iravati and Meenu to make halwa as its Shiv's favourite. "Arye itni achi bahu ko chunahai vusne, aur sab misunderstandings dhoor hogaye tho vuska muh tho meetha kaarna hai" he smiles. They all wonder where he is and what he is doing. Saanchi volunteers to go find him. Iravati says she will go as Shiv is upset with her but Saanchi insists.

Saanchi knocks on Shiv's door. He comes out of his thoughts and opens the door. He looks at Saanchi and just walk back to his room giving her silent treatment. He strikes him that everyone must be back and tries to go out to know what happened. Saanchi stops her brother asking "Can you give me few minutes. I need to talk to you and it's very important". Shiv doesn't seem interested and looks at Saanchi. She looks more worried and pale. He changes his mind and says "5 minutes and no more". Saanchi starts by saying "Sorry bhaya I hurted you. I must not have acted carelessly but i was just worried for you". Shiv answers "I told you I am not the one you should be apologizing". Saanchi with depressed face tells him "I know you said that and I did try to say sorry to Anandi and make things right but she was not ready to accept it. She felt very bad about what I said that she was not ready to listen to us. Her Dadi was not letting us talk". Shiv is confused "Anandi didn't forgive Saanchi even after her apologizing, no way. May be his family didn't explain properly but he wiped that thought from his mind. He knows them too well to doubt their ability. "You asked for forgiveness and she didn't forgive you, that's not possible. I know her pretty well she can't watch other people in pain. She gets ready to help others even if it hurts her. Tell me exactly what happened, no actually I will go and ask mom" he starts to leave. Saanchi goes on "No bhaya i am telling you the truth. Anandi jaise tum sochthe ho vaise nahi. Vus se be 'BAHUTH ACHI HI'" she giggles.

Shiv who was confused till now understands she was pulling his leg. He stares at her angrily. Everyone come into the room giggling. They were eavesdropping brother, sister conversation. Shiv understanding he had been played, goes to Iravati as if asking for explanation. Iravati explains him everything that has happened and how normal Anandi reacted. He asks if Anandi seemed ok with everything. She nods her head saying "She even defended Saanchi's action saying she did it out of love for her brother and asked her to forget it ever happened". Shiv felt light as heavy load was lifted of his chest. He blurted out "I knew Saanchi was lying. Anandi can never stay angry, she just knows to love". He realizes he spoke out loud and looks away as everyone starts pulling his leg. Dadaji tells him "Sach beta the way she handled the whole situation without making us feel awkward or guilty. She is a very matured girl. We are lucky to have her as our 'BAHU'". Saanchi adds "And also you were right. One can't stay without liking her after meeting her". Shiv is overjoyed and proud listening to all this. "Anandi tum ne sab ka mann kithne jaldi jeeth li" he blushes. Alok leaving the room calls everyone "Ary ab tho halwa khane ajao. Bahut kaam pada hai aur Mahi kabi bi asaktha hai, vusse pahale kham katham karle". Everyone agrees and joins him.

The Night Before Engagement

In haveli everyone complete their dinner. Dadisa and Gehna ask Anandi to go sleep early as she was not feeling well and tomorrow is her engagement. Anandi tries to resist saying she is fine but Dadisa says in serious tone "Its my order. I want you to be fit and fine tomorrow at the ceremony. I don't want anything to go wrong". Bhairo and Basant smile listening to Dadisa's order. Bhairo goes to Anandi and pats her head emotionally. "Kal se tumhari jeevan mai ek naya adhyaay suru hogi. Bhagawan tum ko woh sare kushi de jinka tumhae hak hai". Anandi is all teary "Ma yaha hoti tho acha hotta". "Beta mai ne vusse bath ki, woh be bahut dhooki hai. Par tum fikhar mat karo shaadi thak jarur ajayegi". Dadisa controlling her own emotions shout at Bhairo "Ab bass kar. Vusko rulao mat. Sab acho hi hoga ab". Everyone disperse to their respective rooms slowly.

Anandi in her room remembers the days events. She realizes how much has happened in one day. She notices she still doesn't remember meeting Shiv. He said she was weak when he saw her and fell down as he started to talk. She doesn't flash on any of it. Her thoughts are disturbed as Dadisa enters the room. "Kuch chahiye thi Dadisa?" Anandi questions. Dadisa sits next to Anandi and asks her "why did the Shekhar's come home?". Anandi was surprised by the question. She tries to avoid it when Dadisa says "Kya sochi tu mareko pata nahe. Vunko dekh kar hi batha sakthi ki woh sab pareshan thy. Aur mai samdiyo ko vaise akale chood kar jathi tumhari bholne say". Anandi understood Dadisa left the house not because she sent her but because she felt something was wrong. She feels she can't hide it anymore and narrates everything to her. Dadisa's face changes from worry to peace as she listens. Anandi completes saying everything is ok now. Dadisa feeling very happy about how Anandi handled situation, praises her. She then praises Shiv for supporting her against his sister. She mentions its not easy to speak against one's family. It takes great strength to stand next to truth and defend it without thinking of what his sister might feel. "Woh tumhara bahoot parva kartha hai. Mai ne vuski ankomai tumhareliye izzat dheeki. Chori, jano tum bahut dardh sahi hi. Apni ma kayliye ha kiyo hai shaadi karne ko. Lekin socho tho Shiv ka isme koyi dosh na hai. Tum ko ab vuske bare mai sochna chahiye. Tumhari bheetay kal ko bhulja aur aaj ko apna le. Mai janu woh kithna mushkil hai. Lekin koshis tho karne chahiye na. Tum Shiv ki woh kya bolte "Freind"(Dost) tho ban sakti ho na. Vus ko samaj ne ki koshis kar. Ye rishta akaele nibhana bahut mushkil hove chori. Vuski madhat kar. Vusko bi kush hone ka haq hai, nay. Sumithra yaha hoti tho achi se tujhe samjha pati". Anandi sits still listening to Dadisa. She looks at Dadisa as she pats her head getting up to leave. "Ab tu soja. Aur Shiv ko phone karle aur batha ki tu theek ho. Woh ye sab hone ke baad bahut chintha me hoga".

In circuit house everyone is tired after all the work. Thank god we are done yelps Saachi crashing on the couch. "I am hungry mom". Iravati looks at her "Tum ne ek bhi kam nahi kiya. All you did was talk on phone and decide on what you are going to wear for tomorrow." Everyone laughs. Choti ma says "Mahi ko tho ab thak aajana chahiye tha. Phone bhi nahi lag raha". Alok ensures he will be here soon and not to worry. "Talking about me" comes a voice. As they all look at the door, a handsom and chirpy looking young man enters the room. All are happy seeing him. Saanchi shouts "Mahi" and runs to give him a hug. He takes everyone's blessings. After a little chat about his delay and other stuff he asks for Shiv. "Dulha raja kaha hai badi ma". Iravati replies he went to take shower. Mahi suddenly says "Mujhe vus ladiki ko abhi dekhna hai jesne Shiv bhaya ko flat kardiya. Nahi tho bhaya aur pyar, no way". Choti ma explains its too late now to go and disturb them. Mahi frustrated "Mujhe meri bhabi ko abhi dekhna hai". Dadu says "You can see her later but first go fresh up and come". Iravati looks at Dadu confused. He smiles and says "Tumhare pati ka video hobby kaise bhoolgai. Woh ab kam ayega". Everyone smile. Alok goes to get camcorder but its not in his room. Having no luck finding it anywhere, Iravati asks Choti Ma to look for it in Shiv's room and she will get dinner ready as it's getting late.

Shiv comes out of bath and looks at his phone. Shall I call Anandi. What must she be thinking. At Least Saanchi's misunderstanding is cleared. I hope she is ok. She must be very disturbed about the engagement tomorrow. I should have done something, knowing it was too early for her. If only I had talked to her and made her understand this afternoon. "I know Anandi, this marriage is too early for you and you are not happy. You still need time to heal." Shiv speaks out loud. Choti Ma enters as Shiv was speaking to himself. She is shocked at what she heard. Shiv notices a shadow and looks back. He is surprised to see Choti Ma. Unaware about what she heard, he asks "Choti ma aap. Kuch kam tha kya?". Choti Ma still in thoughts replies "Woh video camera". Shiv looks around and grabs the camera. "Camera kyu?". "Woh Mahi aya hai. Jidh kar raha hai ki Anandi ko dhekna hai. Tho recording dhikane kaliye" she is speaking without thinking. Her senses were occupied by something else. "Mahi agaya. Mujhe koi bathaya nahi. Mujko bi mila hai vuse" Shiv was rushing out the room. "Shiv, ek minute" says Choti ma. Shiv turns back and looks at her. She comes near him and says "I know you like Anandi. I agree she is a nice girl. But beta achi insan hona aur achi pathni hona ek bath nahi hai". Shiv puzzled by what he heard responds "Mai kuch samjha nahi". Choti ma says she just heard him say Anandi was not happy with the marriage. Shiv feels a jolt. Choti ma continues "Love can be one sided but marriage cannot be. It needs two people's will and love to make it happen. Since the day I heard about Anandi's past I was scared of only one thing. Can she make you happy in spite of all the sadness she endeavoured? Can she forget her past and move on with you? If she can then we are all happy but if she can't you will suffer unnecessarily for no mistake of yours". Shiv wanted to end this conversation but doesn't know what to say. His mind was blank. "Mujhe tho shagun ki dhin hi shak huva ki Anandi iss risthae se kush nahi hai. Vuske chehra dekh ke lag nahi raha ta ki woh kush thi. But didi ne mujhe chup karvaya tumhari kushi ko dhikake. Shiv, samjothe se ristha nahi banthay beta, pyar se banthay hai. Tum vuski past ko nazar andaz kar ke vusse shadi karrahe ho. I am proud of you for that. But you alone can't make this relationship work". He stands there processing everything Choti Ma told him.

Shiv was thinking of good explanation for his action. He has to make her believe there is nothing wrong. She tries to explain more but Shiv interrupts "Choti Ma vaise kuch bath nahi hai. Anandi is happy with this wedding. I said what i said because i was worried everything is happening so fast. She just lost her mom and is still grieving her loss. I just felt it was early for her to accept her death and be happy about the marriage. Thats all nothing more". Choti ma looks at Shiv trying to make sure he was not lying. Shiv just grabs her and says lets go meet Mahi now. She pulls him back and says "I wish all you said is true. But remember if it's not then you are making a mistake. You will be hurting yourself and also hurting us indirectly". Shiv brushed her words saying nothing like that will ever happen, you are unnecessarily worried. He thinks to himself "Sorry Choti ma i lied but it was necessary. I thought of all these things you told now before saying yes to Anandi. I said 'YES' to marriage even after knowing she doesn't love me. But all that was important to me then and now is to fulfill her wish and make her happy. I promised to do anything to make her smile, 'ANYTHING'. I will try to give so much love to her that even without her love our relationship will be full of it".

As they came out everything was arranged for dinner. All were happy that entire family was here after many days. Mahi and Shiv hug. Mahi acts cheerless as no one was taking him to see his bhabi. Shiv starts the video and shows Anandi to him. He looks at her and says "Wow bhaya, no wonder you fell head over heels for her. She looks beautiful". All were smiling while Shiv was blushing. Saanchi added not just beautiful, she is really sweet too. "Ary Saanchi tum aur kisiki tharif karna. Are you ok?" said Mahi. "Shiv Bhaya dekho na" said Saanchi. After dinner Shiv says he needs to complete some office work as he didn't work since afternoon and tomorrow he is on leave. Mahi complains about him working,"Tho when will you tell me your love story bhaya. Meri Babhi kay bareme mujhe janneka haq hai". Shiv just ignores him and goes to his room. Mahi asks elders to tell about Anandi but everyone was busy with some work. Saanchi takes Mahi to her room saying she will tell him everything about Anandi and how nice she is.

In Haveli Anandi is thinking about what Saanchi said about Shiv shouting at her for the first time. Everything he told about Anandi to her. Dadisa saying its hard to go against family. How he has right to be happy to and he is not done any wrong. Iravati telling her to take care of him. Dadisa saying to be his friend. She looks very disturbed. Why do collector sab always try to help me? She recollects Dadisa telling her to call Shiv. Anandi picks up the phone and calls Shiv. Shiv looks at the cell and picks up in a flash. "Hello collector sab". Shiv says "Bholiye AnandiJi, ab apki thabiyat kaise hai?". "Mai theek ho" she falls silent not knowing what to say. Shiv speaks up "Woh Saanchi ne jo kiya vuskaliya sorry". Anandi immediatly says "Nahi. Its ok mai tho woh bath kab ki boolgai". Shiv says "Its nice of you to say that. And thanks for forgiving her. Nahi tho mai vusse normally behave na kar patha". Anandi asks him "Woh mujhe ab bhi yaad nahi ki subha kya huva?". "Aap vuske bare mai bhool jayia mai ne bathaya na kuch nahi huva. You were tired and fell. I was luckily there in right time". Anandi remembering asked "App mujhe kuch khena chaahte te subah". Shiv was bewildered at the sudden change of topic. Thinking for the right words said "Ha mai woh kehana chahata ta ki ab bhi waqt hai. Mujhe galath mat samjiye. Mai bhas aapko kush dhekhna chatha hu". Anandi is confused "mai kuch samjhe nahi". Shiv still trying to explain as best as he could "Mera matlab ki aap ko apni decision badalna ..". Suddenly Mahi and Saanchi barge into Shiv's room. Shiv surprised looks at them holding the phone down.

Mahi on top of his voice "Bhaya aap tho bhaut kanjoos hai and also very rude". Shiv baffled by the remark made inquires what was happening. Mahi expresses his anger saying "Saanchi told me how you were praising bhabi, mai tho bachpan se apke sath hu aur mujhe aap kabi tharif na dee, bhas thang hi kiya. Aur tho aur Saanchi ko aap ne dantha, aur itne sal mujhe bolthe rahe ki vusko danthna math. Ya tho nainsafi hui na. Tho ab mujhe be permission milgaya na vusko chadneki". Saanchi shouts at Mahi saying I won't leave you. Shiv laughs at them and suddenly realizes Anandi was online. He picks it up in a jiffy and says "Hello". Anandi who was listening to the commotion not knowing whether to cut the phone or not says "Ji". Shiv apologizes for making her wait. He explains his brother was here and is creating havoc. He again says sorry and asks if he can call her later tonight. Mahi notices his brother talking on phone while running from Saanchi. He suddenly jumps on Shiv saying "Bhabi hai kya, hum ko bi bath karne do". Shiv says bye and without even waiting for Anandi's reply cuts the phone as Mahi shouts "Bhabi! bhaya apse bhoot pyar karthe haiii". Anandi is astonished at what she heard before the line went dead. She tries telling herself, she might have heard it wrong or the person who shouted was just playing some prank.

She suddenly feels her eyes hurting her. Come to think of it there were hurting since she came home this afternoon. She wonders why? She gets lost in thoughts about what might have happened in afternoon. She can sense Shiv was not telling her everything. "What was he hiding and what was he trying to tell me just now" she wondered. She looks at the phone and recalls Shiv saying he will call later tonight before abruptly cutting the call. She plans to wait for the call and meanwhile try to remember what happened between her and Shiv. She closed her eyes as they were aching more now and was flashing all the happenings of the day. But before she can even realize, she was sleeping like a baby.

Mahi and Saanchi are still in Shiv's room trying to make him talk about his love story. Shiv says there was no story and dodges the questions. Iravati comes and asks all three to go to sleep as they need to wake up early tomorrow. Shiv feels relieved thinking "bachgaya". As Mahi, Saanchi and Iravati walk out of Shiv's room. Maahi tells Iravati Saanchi told about Anandi's past and he was happy Shiv listened to his heart. Iravati smiles and says Anandi is special. Mahi and Saanchi go to there room. Shiv feels bad he didn't get chance to talk to Anandi about his concern. He remembers he said he will call her and dials Anandi's number. There was no reply. He looks at the clock it was 10:00 p.m. He realizes its late and she might have slept. He thinks of calling her in the morning and talking to her. It's never late to make her understand that she must make decisions of her life without others influence and its ok to think about her happiness. If she understands and says no to marriage, he is ready to stop it irrespective of consequences and if she still sticks with yes he will do all he can to make her happy. Remembering her smiling face he falls asleep with a smile.