Dedictated to Turin Di😳❤️Love you
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"Which diyas did you like? The gold and pink ones are really pretty right?" Juhi Maheshwari asked her cousin brother, Shantanu.
They had gone out for Diwali shopping , just the two of them, since Shantanu had a day off from shoot today.
Shantanu did not reply to her question. Infact, he hadn't even heard it.
He was busy staring at up at the lanterns which had been strung up above the shop and were on display.
They were quite similar to the ones he used to help his mother hang on their windows in his home,back in Kolkata.
Seeing those lanterns, Shantanu grew nostalgic.
When he was a little kid, he loved going to the market with his mother before Diwali to shop for diyas, lanterns, lights, crackers and of course, his favourite, mithai.
His favourite mithai was kaju barfi which he always forced his mother to buy. He would scarf down so much of it, he would have a stomache for hours after that.
But all his stomach problems would magically disappear when he would get calls from his building friends asking him to come down and burst crackers along with them. His dad and brother would accompany him as well. It was one of those rare times when he got to spend some quality time with his father.
"Shantanuuu" His sister loud,irritated voice brought him back to reality. He realised he was standing in the middle of a shop staring mindlessly at the lanterns.
"Yes, the pink ones are really pretty. Take whichever ones you want. These yellow ones look gorgeous though."
"Ok then , if you like those we'll buy those too. So mithai is done, lights are done, diyas and other decorations are done! All we need to buy are a few garlands of marigold to hang outside the door. I am going to that shop there, you just collect the bags , ok? I have already paid him. And then come to that shop , ok ?"
Shantanu nodded and went to stand near the cash counter.
The entire family had turned eco-friendly a few years ago. Though he had been disappointed back then , he realised how negative the effects of his bursting crackers could be. Besides, his building friens had come up with a fun plan to for Diwali night. Their building was like a large family and they would hold a big Diwali party, with each family getting different dishes and sweets. There would be a lot of fun and games and they all enjoyed.
But ever since he had shifted to Mumbai to pursue his studies, Diwali had lost its charm. Of course, there was lighting of diyas and a small puja but he missed all the excitement and the fun he had back in Kolkata. It had been 2-3 years since he had celebrated a fun Diwali in his hometown.
Shantanu collected the bags, wore his sunglasses, adjusted the cap he was wearing and walked out of the shop. Thanks to his sudden fame, he found it quite difficult to walk around on the street unnoticed. It was fun, but at the same time he missed his solitude.
Juhi had already finished purchasing and was walking towards him.
"Chalo, let's go." She said and extended her hand to signal an autorickshaw wala to stop.
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"Arre climb up na, give me your hand.Who told you to wear heels and come here. We are all bare feet. Remove them" Shantanu said, exasperated at his sister's scared behaviour.
"I am not a kid anymore Tannu, jumping around here and there like you hooligans." Juhi said as she struggled to get up the huge tank placed on their building's terrace.
Snigdha and Shashank were already seated on the tank. They were laughing at poor Juhi struggling to climb it. Shantanu successfully propelled her and she sat down on the tank.
Shantanu effortlessly climbed up the tank and sat down beside Juhi. He was wearing a crimson coloured kurta sent all the way from Kolkata by his parents for Diwali. He had many other kurtas to wear, but this one was very special.
He looked at the beautiful city in front of him , covered with lights.It looked so beautiful , so serene.
Last year's Diwali hadn't been as peaceful since he had been busy shooting for D3's Diwali special segment and they had been shooting till late night. Plus, he had to rehearse for his solo performance on Aaja Aaja. By the end of all this he was completely exhausted.
Sneha had fallen ill before the Diwali shoot. Poor girl , she was in the hospital during Diwali. He had gone to visit her, along with the rest of the cast. They had made her a huge get well soon card. It was a little boring dancing without her.
"So Mr Star, how's shooting and all going? You're so busy these days you don't even get time to call us huh?" Snigdha asked him.
" Arre sorry didi, D3 has got me really busy and I '"
"Stop your bak bak! Shashank told me you choreographed for Moulin Rouge! Shashank told me! Since you don't even have time to call your sister and tell her about such important stuff!" Snigdha said, feigning anger.
"Whaaat? When did this happen?! Shantanu we were together for two hours yesterday..U couldn't even mention this once!!?" Juhi screeched loudly into Shantanu's left ear.
"Arre sorry baba, things have been so hectic lately, I haven't had time to breath and you'll know that." Shantanu said, slightly annoyed but still enjoying his sisters' rants. He missed such fun stuff.
"By the way , what's going on with the SwaRon track?I haven't seen D3 since so long! Have they found another person in place of Sneha? " Snigdha asked
" No..not yet yaar. I really miss working with her. I mean , I felt comfortable working with her, I don't think can adjust so quickly to a new Sharon. You know that day we danced on that song, Koi Yahaan ..Naache Naache." Shantanu sniggered remembering how much fun they had while choregraphing that song. " Arre hahahaha, Maccy was choreographing and he decided to put the Gangnam step in . OMG, everyone started doing that! We were laughing for like half an hour after that! Archi toh starting singing also!It was a riot. Everyone was jumping aroud like crazy. Even the make-up man joined in! I would have taken a video but they dragged me too! And the best part was that we came up with the choreography in less than 2 hours! We were having so much fun, that nobody had a problem learning or anything! But seriously man , I missed Sneha. She loves Bollywood you know. And this song was a full on Bollywood number. It would have been fun with her'.Our last shot, it was so overwhelming, I mean we had worked together for more than one year. You know we got that scene done in one take! I really meant it when I said I would miss her'"
He realised he was talking a little too much. But it had been days since he had spoken openly like this. Plus, they were his closest companions. He had shared everything with them since childhood.
"How is her dance institute coming along? Have u met her yet?" Snigdha asked.
"No but I have spoken to her on the phone thrice. She's really excited about it.I am so happy for her." Shantanu smiled. He really found Sneha a good friend, they shared so many memories and he was so glad she was following her passion.
"Accha, now wait. Close your eyes Tannu, there's a gift for you!" Shashank said,while the girls giggled.
Shantanu promptly hald-closed his eyes
" Shut them completely , you doofus!" His brother said , hitting him lightly on the head.
Shantanu smirked and closed his eyes.
"Dhan te nan!!" His brother shouted and pulled out something from the bag he had beside him.
"Open your eyes kiddo!"
Shantanu opened his eyes and found a pack of kaju barfi in front of him! From his favourite mithai wala Mr Sengupta!
"Yum!" Shantanu grapped the pack , tore it open and began scarfing down the barfi.
"Woah woah , calm down. You just had some in the morning." Snigdha said, grinning.
" Dude it's not the same! Waise how did you'll get this?"
" Mom and dad had it sent via Mrs Kocchar. She had come to Mumbai. She came over on Saturday but you were shooting. Mom and dad told me to give it to you today, but I forgot! And there's a note to!" Shashank said, sheepishly
"Ooh show show!!" Shantanu kept the box aside and grabbed the note. He had video chats with his parents once a month but the letters they sent him was what he loved!
"Dear Tannu,
Happy Diwali my son. You have made us so proud. We love you and will always do so. We hope this barfi makes your Diwali more pleasant. Enjoy.
PS. ' Please share it with your siblings. Do not hog on it for God's sake.
Love,
Mamma and Pappa."
Shantanu had tears in his eyes by the time he was done reading the note. Even though he was so far away from his parents, he could feel their presence right beside him.
Suddenly, Shashank hugged him tightly. "Happy Diwali bro." He said.
Juhi and Snigdha(somewhat awkwardly) joined them and they hugged each other.
Shantanu was pleased. Not the best Diwali, but it definitely was a unique one.
Sorry for the abrupt ending. I am ready for the tomatoesIf u liked it, please like n comment!😊
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
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