Ok so as I mentioned, I had writer's block this past week and couldn't come up with anything coherent. And as I started writing this update last night, I realized half way through that I didn't like it much... something didn't feel right. So I stopped and deleted everything. Anyway, this morning, I figured I will change my usual style of Scene depiction, and go back to story format for this chapter. I hope it's still consistent enough to maintain the story flow. I think this was better for me, as i actually summarized content of a couple chapters in one. I did leave some parts open to interpretation still, but not as ambiguous as the show itself, lol.
Also, I wanted to incorporate this poetry that had been my muse in writing this update. Here is the link if anyone wants to listen to it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYB-6i_q4sU
My dad used to listen to this when I was really young; obviously it made no sense to me at that point in time. Only a few years ago I realized the depth of this 'ghazal', and since then it has been my favorite. The YT link will show translation if you hit the subtitles tab because the words are pretty heavy and honestly it took me years to actually understand it.
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Act 6 - One Week Forward
Arjun's contemplation
It was little over a week since Radhika returned to Rishikesh. A lot had happened over the past few days making it hard to keep up with everything. But one thing was certain, she loved him only. That thought made Arjun smile as he lay in bed with her blue stole in hand. He had at last fulfilled her promise - promise to ensure Sam's happiness.
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Upon his return from Rishikesh, he was relieved to know that Sam finally realized her love for Neil. And everything worked out for the better. It was quite amusing because Arjun always knew the two friends adored each other beyond all relations, and had he not manipulated the situation earlier, they would have ended up together anyway. But as people say all is well that ends well. It gave him part reprieve for all the guilt in taking advantage of Sam. Though they had mended their differences a couple days ago, it wasn't all hunky dory - but they were all trying, for Radhika's sake.
Arjun had attended the Malhotra-Khanna wedding a day before; it was a small affair and not as pretentious as the usual Khanna parties. Neil actually came up to him after the wedding rituals, and shook his hand stating he would like to start over, for Chashni's sake. He had to give Neil credit for always trusting that his Chashni could do no wrong, because some people are just made like that! Apparently, Samandar Singh and her Idiot contacted Radhika's family prior to their wedding to set things right with their friend. Arjun wasn't exactly sure what their "setting things right" entailed, but all he was told was that they wanted to keep Radhika's promise and return her the favor. It was the least they could do for all her sacrifices.
In fact, Arjun had felt like hugging Neil when the latter told him about his conversation with Dada-ji. That wily old Mishra was quite a character, using all sorts of psychology on his Choti to figure out just how much in love she was with Arjun. He knew in his heart she loved him, but having never heard those words from her or his name from her lips had made his heart falter a bit. Arjun really disliked the "Sir" mantra she seemed to be hung up on. But he couldn't blame her, after all, it's not like he ever told Radhika how much he loved her, and what she truly meant to him.
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Though he hadn't forgotten Samrat's past misdeeds, Arjun now understood that to move forward in life he had to let go of all the animosity. Not only were the last few days busy in making amends with Sam and Neil, he was swamped on the work front for prospective contracts. The Khannas had not fired Arjun, considering the precarious financial situation Bird Song was in. And quite frankly his credentials attracted a diverse set of clientele. In a way he also owed it to himself to stick it out and prove his worth. After all, Bird Song was where he first met his Maybelline girl. Plus, Arjun didn't mind spending most of his time at said office considering the emptiness that welcomed him at home.
He had been in contact with Radhika's family almost daily, making sure she was alright, well as alright as she could be. It was his only real connect to her, and gave Arjun some consolation in the day's mundane routine. Earlier in the day, he had received a call from Neil confirming their travel arrangements to Rishikesh. Arjun had also talked to Maa relaying their plans for the following day. While both of them were trepid about keeping Radhika privy to everything that had happened, it was per Dada-ji and Sam's insistence to keep it such. So they simply complied. He was trusting Dada-ji's instinct on this because if anyone knew Radhika completely, it was her grandfather.
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Arjun looked at the clock beside him noticing it was slightly past midnight. It had been like this the entire week - he would lie in bed almost mechanically for sleep to take over, and his thoughts would always drift to Radhika. Sigh... He really needed some rest. He had to be up in less than 6 hours to meet Piyali and Samrat.
Arjun tossed and flipped in bed, closing his eyes and forcing himself to think the brighter moments in life. Soon the worried frown on his face was replaced by a gentle smile, and he finally dozed off to sleep.
Radhika's Contrast
It had been the longest week of her life. Since their trip to the temple, things were eerily quiet at home. Either her family was up to something or they were giving her the much needed space. Whatever it was, it felt like Radhika was going insane. Every time she closed her eyes, all her memories shared with Arjun-Sir would come rushing back, and every time she opened them, it would remind her of life's solitude. Her single reprieve in all this had been conversations with Dada-ji.
For her own sanity, Radhika had made sure she was not completely home bound either. She accompanied her Papa and Ankush to the market twice, similar to earlier times, and also took Dada-ji for long walks by the river on some evenings. While no one asked about her marriage directly, it was a small town and people did talk. And since all had seen her wearing the sindoor and mangalsutr, they assumed she was simply visiting her family.
Last evening Radhika had walked out to the river front alone to take in the fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature. As she sat on the steps leading to the riverbank, her peaceful solitude was interrupted by a couple of townswomen. They commented on how Radhika shouldn't leave her husband alone for long, as there were far too many distractions in the city. All she could manage was a curt smile, and left feigning it was getting late so she had to go home. Lest did they know her husband was probably not alone, and with the person who he was meant to be with.
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Today specifically was an odd day. It had started out with some musings from her parents regarding her life and future. While she knew they worried for her, Radhika was not ready to move forward. How could she?! She only loved Arjun-Sir, and no other could take his place in her life!
Later, she had spoken to Dada-ji regarding her predicament; he had smartly changed topics asking her to play a game of cards with him. Wanting the much-needed distraction, Radhika simply complied with his wish. The entire game was filled with irony. Dada-ji insisted they play a game of "Hearts" as he had apparently mastered his skills while she was in Mumbai. In between all the distracting stories, he kept repeating how he held all the right cards in this game. And he sure did, as Dada-ji won all four times.
Things were again quiet in the evening, and this time she welcomed the silence. Now as she lay in her bed, wanting sleep to take over her, she let her thoughts drift to Arjun-Sir. It had been like this the entire week. Hoping that perhaps music would help calm her, she turned the bedside radio on very low volume. As an old ghazal came on, Radhika closed her eyes, and drifted into light slumber listening to the poignant poetry.
Dasht-e-tanhaee main ai jaan-e-jahaan larzaan hai
Teri aavaaz kay saaey, teray honton kay saraab
Dasht-e-tanhaee main dooree kay khas-o-khaak talay
Khil rahay hain teray pehloo kay saman or gulaab
Uth rahee hai kaheen qurbat say teri saans kee aanch
Apnee khushboo main sulagti hooee madham madham
Door ufaq paar chamaktee hooee qatra qatra
Gir rahee hai teri dildaar nazar kee shabnam
Is qadar payaar say ai jaan-e-jahaan rakha hai
Dil kay rukhsaar pay is waqt teri yaad nain haath
Yoon gumaan hota hai gerchay hai abhee subh-e-firaaq
Dhal gaya hijr ka din aa bhi gaee wasl ki raat.
------ "Dasht-e-Tanhai" by Faiz Ahmed Faiz
ENGLISH TRANSLATION (googled):
"The desert of my solitude"
In the desert of my solitude, my love, quiver
the shadows of your voice,
the mirage of your lips
In the desert of my solitude,
from the ashes of the distance between us,
bloom the jasmines, the roses of your touch
From somewhere close by
rises the warmth of your breath
it smolders in its own perfume - gently, languorously
Far away, on the horizon, glistens
drop by drop,
the dew of your beguiling glance
With such tenderness, my love,
your memory has placed its hand
on the contours of my heart
Even though this is the dawn of our farewell,
it feels like the sun has set on our separation
and the night of our union is at hand
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Author's note:
My favorite verse from the above ghazal has to be Is qadar payaar say ai jaan-e-jahaan rakha hai, Dil kay rukhsaar pay is waqt teri yaad nain haat; Yoon gumaan hota hai gerchay hai abhee subh-e-firaaq, Dhal gaya hijr ka din aa bhi gaee wasl ki raat.' And I find it very fitting to this love story.
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Part 1 - Page 1 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11
Part 2 - updated on page 4 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=4
Part 3 - updated on page 7 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=7
Part 4 - updated on page 10 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=10
Part 5 - updated on page 12 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=12
Part 6 - updated on page 14 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=14
Part 7 - updated on page 17 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=17
Part 8 - updated on page 19 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=19
Part 9 - updated on page 22 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dosti-yariyaan-manmarzian/4459388/ardhika-ff-w-nesam-missing-pieces-updated-act-11-pg-32-18-11?pn=22
Edited by esprit_00 - 9 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
