AJT.........PART 78
The two grandmas had a tearful Reunion at the Nursing Home where Didu was under special care. The frail, sickly Didu and the more robust, Ashram-dwelling Dadi hugged fondly, addressing each other as sambdhan and "beyaan". Dadi asked Didu about her ailments, Didu enquired about Dadi's health, about Dadajee, was grieved to hear about his death 10 years ago!
Aha-ha-ha, Bhagwan unki aatmaa ko shanti dein, unko amarta- prapti ho. Bahut bhaley manush the!. ..Didu lamented.
Dadi smiled sadly: Haan behen, unkey jaaney ke baad mainey Ashram ko hi apna ghar bana liya.
They reminisced about old times, getting tearful remembering the day Gargi and Somu's rishta was fixed.
Didu got emotional: Beyaan, Gargi ne mujhey kal sab bataa diya. Uski shadi, Kripa ka asli parichay. Naa jaaney 22 saal usney yeh raaz chhupakar kyun rakha? Mainey phir bhi Kripa ko apney Naatin ke roop mein paya, lekin aap toh ussey bhi vanchit rahey! Iskey liye main apni beti ki taraf se aapsey maafi chahti hoon.
She folded her hands in apology, Dadi quickly gripped them: Nahin Sambdhan-jee, aisa mat kahiye! Gargi ki zaroor kuchh majbooriyan thi isiliye usney kisiko nahin bataya.
She looked shrewdly at Gargi who was standing pensively near the window, letting the matriarchs converse.
Gargi pursed her lips grimly........never in her life would she tell Dadi why she hid the truth! Dadi would get a terrible shock!
Dadi changed the subject cleverly: Sambdhan Jee, ab toh khushi ke din aaye hain. Chaliye, hum apney bachchon ke shadi ka ayojan karein! Aap jaldi se swasth ho jayiye, shadi per aapko bhi aana hai!
Didu smiled gleefully: Haan Beyaan! Main toh zaroor jaungi! Yamraaj khud aakar merey dwaar khadey kyun naa ho jayen, mujhey koi nahin rok sakta, meri betiyaan bhi nahin (she shot a defiant look at Gargi). Aakhir meri naatin ka vivah hai!"
Although shocked to know the truth, Didu was secretly delighted that Gargi wasnt a spinster but had actually married Somu and had his child. Gargi's unmarried status had been a source of rancour for Didu all these years. Now she knew why Gargi had never married, because she wanted to be Somu's widow all her life.
*****************************************************************
Aliyah's mother Nethra had arrived! She was a more loud-mouthed version of Naina. She wanted to meet Kartik and the Basus right away!
Aliyah was apprehensive: Mama, aap un logon se tedhey sawaal nahin karengi! I am marrying Kartik and that's FINAL!......she declared confidently.
Nethra rolled her eyes: Haan haan, tujhey kisney manaa kiya hai? Lekin hamara bhi koi status hai, kuchh armaan hain, uskey hisaab se shadi hogi naa? Kam se kam shadi kahan hogi, kab hogi, yeh sab toh humein taye karney de!
Lekin Mama! ..Aliyah protested loudly: Hum dono ne toh taye kar liya hai, agley saal January mein shadi karengey!
Alie, shadi ke baad tera dulha Darjeeling mein terey Papa ka tea estate sambhalega naa? Tuney ussey baat kee?
Aliyah laughed loudly: Mammaa! Kartik kya meri dulhan hai jo main usey byaah kar Darjeeling le jaungi? NO Mama, he has his own job here. He works for a Multinational Company ! Uski apni car hai, flat hai. I also want to live here, in the city! Wahan Darjeeling mein kya Journalist ka kaam karoongi? Tea Garden Reports?.......she laughed heartily.
Nethra scowled: Mazaak mat kar! Terey siva hamara aur koi aulaad bhi toh nahin! Terey Papa ke baad wo tea garden kaun sambhalega? Isiliye log betey ka armaan kartey hain. Beti hoti hi hai parayi! Humney socha tha tumhara pati tea garden ka kaam dekhega! Lekin.......
Aliyah got offended: Mama! Now ur hurting me! Papa is FINE! He can look after the tea garden for the time being. Baad mein zaroorat padney per main khud estate sambhal loongi! Papa ne mujhey betey jaisey pala hai. I wont disappoint him! But right now, I have to be a journalist and do what I want to do!
Nethra sighed, shaking her head. She knew she wouldn't get her way with her headstrong daughter.
Aliyah laughed and hugged her, squeezing her plump frame till she started smiling too: Mama! Don't worry! Everything will be alright! You will like Kartik and his family ! Wo log aaj dinner per aa rahey hain yahan, Brother ke shadi ke baarey mein discuss karney !
************************************************************
Nethra was introduced to the Basus that evening. She seemed quite impressed with Kartik at first glance. She grilled him about his job, his prospects, his qualifications. Kartik replied courteously and honestly, Gayatri and Anirbaan proudly listed their son's achievements! Nethra was satisfied.
She whispered to Aliyah: Teri choice achhi hai! Hes a fine young man! Nice family!
Aliyah jiggled her eyebrows gleefully, signifying.... I told u so!
Kripa touched Nethras' feet, who blessed her : Jeeti raho beti! Tum Somu ki beti ho naa? (Kripa looked at her in surprise, she smiled)....... Naina ne mujhey sab kuchh bataa diya! Somu mera hum umr tha, hum dono dost the. I miss him, we all miss him. Tumhey dekhkar bahut khushi huyi, Somu ki yaad aa gayi!
Gargi looked amused at Nethra. She knew the real story. Somu had told her Nethra had a crush on him and used to chase him....... she had wanted to marry Somu but he wasn't interested. She was Somu's Bhaiya ki saali and wanted to be his gharwali!
Gargi sighed quietly.......who knows, if he had married Nethra perhaps Dilip would have spared him? His twisted hatred of Gargi had fueled his rage against his brother!
Dadi and the Basus were discussing wedding arrangements.
Dadi turned to Gayatri: Beti, tumharey dil mein jo bhi armaan hain, sab poori kar lo. Bolo tum Bangali tareekey se vivah-vidhi karna chahti ho?
Gayatri nodded gratefully: Haan, Auntie Jee. Humein bahut khushi hogi agar Kripa aur Angad dono hamarey aachar-vidhiyon ka paalan karein. Unki vesh-bhusha bhi waisi ho!
Kripa stifled a giggle, imagining Angad wearing a "Topor", the Bengali groom's hat.
Meanwhile Angad entered the house, back home from work. He greeted the Basus respectfully, cast a sidelong glance at Kripa and retreated to the background. Kartik got up and joined him, to chat with him. Kripa looked sideways at Angad's formal demeanour, and laughed silently.
Achhhaaa, toh Janaab ab bhi mujhsey Naaraaz hain? Main bhi dekhungi kitney din aisey ruthkar rahega!
He felt her glance and looked at her solemnly. She scrunched her nose cutely, batting her eyelashes flirtatiously at him. He flushed and looked away. A pulse beat in his jaw, Ohh the strain of self control! She looked so pretty in a pink sari, it was hard for him to keep his vow! But he wont be defeated! He squared his jaw determinedly and talked to Kartik about latest car models and the stock market plunge.
Gargi suddenly spoke up: Mujhey ek baat khatak rahi hai! Kripa ka vivah toh iss ghar se hogi, wo iss ghar ki beti hai ! Lekin wo Bidaai ke baad jayegi kahan? Uska sasural bhi toh yahi hai?
All the rest nodded in agreement. Dadi said: Yeh tumney achhi baat yaad dilayi, bahu! Bidaai ke baad Kripa aur Angad jayengey kahan?
Naina suggested: Maa Jee, wo dono kisi Luxury Hotel mein jaa saktey hain! Hamarey yahan toh wo bhi rivaaz hai. Hum unkey liye Hyatt mein Honeymoon Suite book kar dengey!
Angad cleared his throat, he had been looking for this chance all along.
Dadi, agar aapko aitraaz naa ho toh ek baat kahoon?
Dadi smiled encouragingly: Avashya beta, yeh toh tumhari shadi hai. Tum bhi apni sab ichhayen poori kar lo!
Angad reddened slightly: Dadi, Tollygunge mein mera ek Flat hai. Main chahta hoon hum dono shadi ke baad wahan kuchh din rahein! Bidaai ke baad hum wahin jaa saktey hain!
Kripa's eyes jerked up at him, she blushed deeply. So that was his plan?.....to get her alone in their Love Nest so he could......"punish" her to his heart's content?
The very thought thrilled her to bits and set her heart racing. She squirmed in her seat with excitement!
He cast a fleeting glance at her and smirked. Seemed she was very pleased with his idea. Of course she would be.....that flat held a special place in their hearts.
All the elders agreed to his suggestion at once!
Dadi beamed: Yeh toh bahut achha prastaav hai! Phir toh koi duvidha nahin rahi. Angad aur Kripa vivah ke baad uss flat mein chaley jayengey! Aur kuchh?
Gayatri had more plans: Vivah ki raat Bashor ghar ka rivaaz hai hamarey yahan. In dono ka bhi Bashor hoga, yeh bhi meri khwaish hai!
Avashya! Mainey bashor ghar ke baarey mein bahut suna toh hai! Dadi grinned in delight.......Chalo, issi bahaney mujhey bashor ghar mein ratjagaa ka bhi mauka mil gaya!
Naina protested at last, witnessing the bride's side get the upper hand : Maa Jee, hamarey bhi kuchh reeti-rivaaz toh hongey naa? Baraati ka kya hoga? Angad ki baraati iss ghar se nikalkar issi ghar mein aayegi kya?
Everybody laughed at the absurd thought. Kripa smiled dreamily, imagining Angad in a "dulhey ka sehra", sitting atop the white ghodi (female horse).
Dadi pondered on the problem: Haan, Naina, yeh tumney theek kaha! Angad ki baraati yahan se nikaal nahin saktey...
Netra offered : Naina, yahan Ballygunge mein mera ek flat hai na? Kyun na Angad ki baraati hum wahan se nikaalein?
Naina beamed: Yeh bahut badhiya idea hai! Maa jee, aap kya kehti hain?
Dadi agreed at once: Avashya, avashya! Shukriya, Netra! Angad ki baraati tumharey makaan se hi jayegi. Ladkeywaley sab wahin per milengey, 6 bajey.
Netra beamed: Shukriya kis baat ki, Aunty Jee? Angad toh mera bhi beta hai!
Naina smiled and took her sister's hand. In these difficult times with Dilip, she was glad to have her sister by her side.
Gayatri and Gargi exchanged smiles. They understood what it was to have supportive siblings.
They drew up the plans for the wedding. The Mandap will be in the main Hall, Bashor ghar in the parlor, guest buffet dinner in the shamiana outside as usual.
Anirbaan asked suddenly, perplexed, frowning: Aunty Jee, Dilip Babu abhi tak Mumbai se nahin lautey?
Dadi and Naina exchanged troubled glances.
Dadi made excuses: Beta, Dilip Mumbai se wapas toh aaya hai lekin Baruipur ke karkhaney mein marammati ka kaam chal raha hai. Wo wahin per gaya hai.
Angad's jaws clenched, he knew that was probably untrue. Dad was just sitting at his Club, avoiding the Basus and Gargi as usual.
Anirbaan didn't notice anything amiss, he nodded: Haan, wo factory toh buri tarah se jal gayi thi, hum sabney TV per dekha. Toh Dilip Babu kaam mein busy hain.....
Dadi quickly changed the topic: Haan, toh ab bhojan karney chalein? Tejdhar ne aaj Bangali khana banaya hai, aap sabkey liye khaas bhojan, Machhli aur Mishti Doi.
All of them went to dinner and had a wonderful time. Anirbaan asked Angad about his work and upcoming Concert: Beta, rehearsals ki vajeh se tumharey kaam per asar nahin hoga?
Angad smiled: Uncle, kaam toh saari umr rahegi. Yeh Concert hum sabka ek sapna hai. Kabhie kabhie sapnon ke liye bhi waqt nikalna padta hai. Kisiney mujhey sikhaya hai zindagi mein sapnon ka hona bhi zaroori hai (he looked at Kripa lovingly)
Kripa smiled proudly at her dreamer. He had changed so much from the tough businessman she had met 4 months ago. He was pursuing his dream of Music now and she knew it in her heart that the Concert would be a huge success! Already tickets were selling like hot cakes.
**********************************************************************
The next 10 days flew by in a dream, preparing for the wedding, rehearsing for the Reunion Concert. Tickets were sold by all parties concerned. Kripa's students also chipped in and sold 500 tickets in their neighbourhoods.
Angad got some genuine sponsors for the event from his business contacts and Sur studio patrons. Because it was for a noble cause, it was made tax-free by the Government. Rehab centers sold the most tickets......3000 plus. The ball was rolling!
Kripa had invited Sid, Jo, Rakhi, Rojot and Chandra to her Mehendi/ Sangeet ceremony. Shabbir had returned from Chandigarh but politely refused Angad's invitation to the Sangeet. But he promised to attend the wedding.
Akshat, Charu and Alekh were the friends from Angad's side.
Apart from Netra, Dadi's relatives arrived from Ludhiana, robust, vibrant, folksy people who enlivened Khanna House with their dhols and laddu making. Dadajee's brother arrived from Mumbai with his family. Khanna house was full and bustling with activity. Teddy wore a new Uniform and ran around doing his chores with a big grin.
Didu was recovering faster. Her enthusiasm for attending her Naatin's wedding had given the old lady a new lease of life.
*********************************************************************
2 days before wedding, Sangeet/Mehendi Ceremony:
Naina had hired a mehendi artist for the occasion. Kripa sat on a red velvet rug, getting her hands painted in the hues of love, Henna. She looked sensational in a sea-blue chaniya-choli which accentuated the pearly translucence of her skin. A gold tika dangled on her forehead, a gold filigree set adorned her neck, wrists and ears. Her proud mothers looked on, observing the mehendi rituals. Naina was busy greeting guests, and supervising their refreshments. Dadi beamed from a distance, observing her little Princess getting mehendi.
Ladies with dhols sat around Kripa, singing Punjabi wedding songs.
Chorus:
Lathay di chaadar, uthay salayti
Rang maaya
Aao saamney
Aao saamney
Kholo di usske na rang maaya
Teri maan ne pakaayeen rotiyaan
Aasawanya they pe gayeen sotiyaanChorus
Teri maan ne pakayay anday
Aasawanya they pe gayay danday
Chorus:
Teri maan ne pakayee kheer we
Aasawanya they pe gayee peer way
Kripa smiled in amusement, she didn't understand a word of what they were singing but enjoyed their verve and enthusiasm totally. She looked up surreptitiously, Angad hadnt come downstairs yet. Perhaps men were not allowed in this function?..she wondered silently.
Aliyah, Anitah, Mishti sat around her, all dressed in colorful lehenga sets.
Aliyah saw the direction of her eyes and whispered in Kripa's ears: Brother will come down later, to find his name in the mehendi design. Don't worry!
Kripa blushed and lowered her head. The ladies continued singing:
Chorus:
Luddi hey jamalo pao luddi hey jamalo (x 2)
Dunya te pyaar milay
Koi dildaar milay
Aanda sawat gal baat da
Kilrey me vaal mere
Reina me naal tere
Wada hai pehli mulaqaat da
Ho-o-o
Chorus
Tainu takiyan bina
Pyaar mangiya tera
Ay vee jana na mein
Kon dilber mera
Dunya bulaan tenu
Akhiyan manaan tenu
Saran vich shor barsaat da
Kripa's feet were getting henna-ed, Gargi, Gayatri, Netra all observed with fond smiles. Naina was running around, being the Hostess. Dilip was missing as usual, having left town the day before......for Bangalore this time.
As soon as the mehendi artist was done with Kripa, Anitah jumped forward on her knees with an excited giggle : Ab mera haath ......ab merey haathon mein lagao naa, please.
Wait, Anitaah! ..Allie scolded her. Wait yaar! Pehley Brother ko apna naam toh dhoondney de?
A deep voice boomed : Im ready! Lekin......Jurmana kya hoga?
Kripa looked up at once, her heart beating rapidly, eager to see how he looked. She was thrilled, he looked absolutely dashing in a silver sherwani and sparkly black scarf. He was admiring her quietly, his hot brown eyes roving over her milk and roses beauty.
Jurmana matlab? Mishti frowned in confusion.
Matlab agar mainey apna naam dhoond liya toh Kripa mujhey kya inaam degi? ......his eyes danced mischievously at his elder saali.
Mishti laughed and winked: Yeh toh tum aur Kripa decide karo. Inaam tum hi maang lo naa.Jamaibabu!
Theek hai, let me decide then. If I win, Kripa ko dance karna padega.
Aur agar tum haar gaye toh? Mishti asked archly.
Toh main ek special geet sunaunga!
Really? Mishti's eyes sparkled: Kripa, tuney suna na? Isey naam padhney mat dena! Hamari bhi shart hai.....agar tum haar gaye toh tumhey ek Bangla geet sunana padega!
Manzoor hai! Angad grinned and winked back at his saali.
Kripa looked up amazed. How could he sing a Bangla song? Did he even know any?
Angad smiled saucily at her: Kya aapko shaq hai?
Kripa bit her lips, he was calling her "aap" now. Formality ki bhi koi hadd hoti hai. If I don't make him melt tonight, mera naam bhi Kripa Basu-Khanna nahin! She shook her head silently. All elders were watching, she couldn't fight with him here.
He smiled in approval : Good! Apney honay waley pati ko underestimate nahin karna chahiye!
Mishti whispered in Kripa's ears: Yeh Angad tujhey aap aap kyun keh raha hai?
Kripa shrugged, muttering with red cheeks : Kya pataa? Iska koi naya naatak hoga. Bahut drama karta hai!
She looked archly at Angad and smiled sweetly, holding out her henna-ed hands, challenging him with her eyes..... Come and find it!
His eyes glittered with a hidden meaning. He kneeled down in front of her, bending down on her hands but not touching them.
Kya baat hai, Brother? Aliyah teased him: Kripa ka haath pakad lo naa, sharma kyun rahey ho?
He shook his head, gazing at Kripa steadily: Uh-huh! Main aisey hi theek hoon. Apna naam padhney ke liye mujhey haath pakadney ki zaroorat nahin!
Kripa reddened angrily, mentally berating him......Ahahaha, ab haath bhi pakad nahin sakta, uss raat naa jaaney kya kya pakad raha tha! Badmaash! Nautanki!
He looked into her angry eyes solemnly but his lips twitched in amusement at her discomfiture.
He pored over her hands with great concentration, studying the intricate mehendi designs. Suddenly his eyes lit up: Yeh raha!
He pointed to her love line where "Angad" was painted in Devnagari script in a cursive scrawl.
Aliyah whooped and whistled. Anitah laughed gleefully and clapped: MIL GAYI! MIL GAYI! BHAIYYA JEET GAYE! ..both his sisters announced his victory with shouts of glee.
Angad stood up, crossing his arms on his chest: Ab jurmana!
Kripa shot arrows at him with her eyes and moved to get up. The mehendi artist protested vehemently: Dulhan , ab mat uthiye. Aapka rang abhi kachcha hai. Ab isey sukhney mein adha ghanta lagega. Thoda sabr keejiye!
Mishti raised her eyebrows at Angad: Suna tumney? Adhey ghantey baad hamari behen nachegi. Lekin ab......you have to prove u can sing a Bangla song.
Angad turned up his hands incredulously: Waah Bhai waah! Haarey tum log aur jurmana main bharoonga?
Kartik, who was standing nearby, gazing adoringly at Aliyah stepped forward: Theek hai. Yeh Basu parivaar ke izzat ka sawaal hai. Jab tak meri behen tayyar nahin hoti, main hi gaana sunata hoon!
Aliyah grinned wickedly at him: Phir toh tumhey ek Punjabi geet sunana pedaga!
Kartik took the challenge: Punjabi geet ka toh pata nahin, lekin Punjaban ka geet sunaunga!
Toh ho jaye? .....he and Aliyah challenged each other.
Kartik signalled Prithvi to play the music.
Prithvi picked up his guitar, and started playing a tune.
Kartik started singing in quite a tuneful voice:
Ek Punjaban, kudi Punjaban
Dil churakey le gayi?.
Sona sona, dil mera sona.
Aliyah held her cheeks incredulously, gasping in awe. She didn't even know Kartik could sing, let alone belt out a Punjabi/Hindi song like that!
She jumped up and rushed to her sensational Bengali Babu and started dancing around him. Kartik sang and danced around her, turning his hands in circles, like putting on lightbulbs, dancing Bhangra just the way she had taught him. Everybody laughed and clapped, enjoying their chemistry. Kripa giggled at her normally serious Dada's antics. She looked at Angad, wishing she could dance like that with him too. He glanced archly back at her, grinning, enjoying Kartik-Aliyah's song and dance.
Ek Punjaban
Kudi Punjaban
Hay Ek Punjaban
Dil Chura Ke Lai Gayi
Hay Sona Sona
Hay Dil Mera Sona
Sona Sona
Dil Mera Sona
Surme Waale
Nain Laga Ke Lai Gayi
Hay Sona Sona
Hay Dil Mera Sona
Sona Sona
Dil Mera Sona
Gora Gora Rang Hai Tera
Yoon Lagdi Punjabi
Yoon Lagdi Punjabi
Mere Hawaale Kar De Ni Kudiye
Roop Nagar Di Chabi
Roop Nagar Di Chabi
Ye Roop Anokha
Hai Shabba
Khushboo Da Jhonka
Hai Shabba
Tere Naak Da Thoka
Hai Shabba
Main Ho Gaya Dhoka
Poorkh Choodiyoon Ko
Khanka Ke Lai Gayi
Hey Sona Sona
Hai, Dil Mera Sona
Sona Sona
Dil Mera Sona
Ek Punjaban
Kudi Panjaban
Kudi Pathaka
Dil Chura Ke Lai Gayi
Hey Sona Sona
Arre Dil Mera Sona
Sona Sona
Dil Mera Sona
Baliye Kuchh Khati Kuchh Meethi
Kuchh Khati Kuchh Meethi
Dekh Ke Teri Chaal Dheeli
Baj Gayee Meri Seeti
Baj Gayee Meri Seeti
Tera Nasha Nirala
Hai Shabba
O Tune Kya Kar Dala
Hai Shabba
Ye Ishq Da Pyala
Hai Shabba
Main Pe Ne Wala
Hai Shabba
Hoton Ki Masti
Chhalka Ke Reh Gayi
Hay Sona Sona
Dil Mera Sona
Sona Sona
Dil Mera Sona......
Kartik and Aliyah laughed breathlessly when the song ended, everybody clapped loudly, praising Kartik for singing a Punjabi song.
He grinned, bowing, and threw Aliyah a flying kiss.
Kripa and Mishti beamed, proud of their Dada.
Angad slapped his back: Kya baat hai, Saaley Saab! Tumney toh kamaal kar diya! I didn't know u could sing too? Aur wo bhi Punjabi geet? I am impressed!
Kartik grinned: Thanks Bro! Seekhna padta hai! Tumhari behen se shadi karni hai, toh thoda bahut Punjabi toh seekhna padega naa? Ab tum sunao!........he challenged Angad, slapping his back: Lets hear how well you have learned Bangla for my sister.
Mishti chanted, supported by the bride's side, Jo, Rakhi, Chandra etc: Angad, gaao, Jamaibabu gaao! Bangla geet sunao!
Angad grinned and bowed : Aap sabki farmaish sar aankhon per ! ......he took the Guitar from Prithvi, threw an amorous glance at Kripa and started singing:
Chiro dini Tumi je amar (For all times, forever u are mine)
Jugey jugey ami Tomari ( I am yours through the ages)
Ami achhi je shei je tomar ( I am still only yours)
Tumi achho je amari ( You are only mine)
Shongi shongi (lovers, lovers)
Amra Omor Shongi (We are eternal lovers)
Now it was Kripa's turn to gape at him! He sang it perfectly, without any accent, as if he had spoken Bangla all his life! How did he learn it?
Angad met her eyes and smiled slowly, strumming the guitar, singing:
Eto kachhey royechho tumi ( you are so close to me)
Aaro kachhey tomakey je chai ( I want you even closer)
Tumi chara omon apun, Amar je ar kew nai .... (2) ( Other than u, nobody is as close to me)
Ami ki go, tumake chere, aka aka thakte pari ... ( Can I ever stay alone, away from you)
Shongii, Shongiii, Amra Omoro Shongiiii .... (Lovers, lovers, we are eternal lovers)
She gazed at him in awe! He read the question in her eyes and tilted his head towards Prithvi.
Kripa nodded in understanding. Angad had learned that song in advance from Prithvi. She smiled lovingly at him, enjoying his deep, husky vocals render the soulful romantic song:
Ejibon furiye jedin, Pabo ek notun jibon, ( This life will end, we will find a new life)
Shedino Hobe Ekakar, Dujonar Ei Duti Mon (2) (even that day we will be together, our hearts will join in harmony)
Ridoyer, shob kobita, Jhore pore chondo Tare (all the poems of our hearts will start raining down in rhythm)
Chiro dini, tumi je amar, Joge joge ami tumari
Ami achi, shey je tumar, tumi acho shey amari,
Shongiii, Shongii, Amra omoro Shongii.......
There was wild applause all around and loud whistling by Akshat, Kartik, Alekh and the men's gang when the song ended. Angad bowed graciously, and winked at Kripa.
Gargi got up and hugged Angad: Tumney bahut achha gaaya, Beta! Ab mujhey vishwaas hua tum Rockstar banney ke layak ho!
Thanks Chachi! ..Angad grinned bashfully.
Kripa stared at him hungrily, wishing she could hug him too and kiss him.
Gayatri, Dadi, Anirbaan, Netra, all elders blessed Angad and Kartik for their rocking performances and left the Hall, to allow the youngsters enjoy by themselves.
Dadi's relatives sang more wedding songs, Rakhi, Chandra and Jyoti started dancing. Anitah, Aliyah, Mishti all got their hands henna-ed in the meantime.
Mishti, looking pretty in a dark blue lehenga, glanced shyly at Alekh who was staring at her admiringly. The men hung out together, discussing Angad's upcoming concert and the finer points of guitar playing.
Angad and Kripa exchanged glances, throwing darts of fire at each other. They were burning up inside but Angad's ego didn't allow him to approach or touch her. He wanted her to make the moves this time.
Kripa asked the Mehendi lady impatiently: Ab mera rang sukh gaya kya? Kya main ab naach sakti hoon?
The lady blew on her hands and feet and observed carefully, rubbing gently: Haan, ab rang tayyar hai. Waah Dulhan, aapka rang toh bahut khilaa hai, gorey hatheliyon per pyaar ka rang bahut gehra hua hai. Lagta hai Dulhey Raja aapsey bahut pyaar karengey!
Kripa blushed, muttering, Haan wo toh karengey hi, nahin toh main usey dekh loongi! .
She got up, dragging her heavy lehenga set up above her ankles.
Mishti announced loudly: Everybody, pay attention! Kripa ab tayyar hai! Hold ur breath, Angad! Meri behen ka jalwa dekhkar kahin behosh mat ho jaana!
Angad muttered: Hosh kahan baaki hai jo ab behosh ho jaaun?
His friends heard him and laughed, slapping his back: We don't blame you, Yaar! Kripa jaisi biwi naseeb se milti hai!
Kripa summoned Rakhi and Chandra to dance with her.
She posed beautifully and started singing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIJl9yoT1Y0
Kabhi Neem Neem
Kabhi Shahad Shahad
Kabhi Naram Naram
Kabhi Sakht
Mora Piya...(3)
Kripa and her two students danced gracefully, swaying and bending expertly, their bodies like vines swaying to the music, their hands and eyes expressing the words with bhaav and abhinaya.
Nazron Ke Teer
Mai Basa Hai Pyar
Jab Bhi Chala Hai Wo Dil Ke Paar
Lajja Se Mare Re Ye Jiya, Jiya,
Lajja se marey re ye Jiya, Piyaaa...
Suddenly Kripa advanced towards Angad, grabbed his hand and pulled him to the center. She danced around him, seducing him with her movements, openly flirting with him! Angad stared, bemused, at her appeasing looks and flirtatious glances. His heart raced with excitement..... meri teekhi mirchi line per aa gayi!
He melted into a puddle, his eyes hungrily following her movements. Her eyes threw arrows of love at him, he was wounded, killed!
Their siblings and friends observed them with grinning faces, whispering, giggling, enjoying Kripa's seductive moves and Angad's lovesick puppy face.
Bai raagi Man Tera Hai Saheli
Mere Seene Mein Hai Quaid Who Ab Jee
Preet Ki Raakhon Laaj Aye Mere Rab
Rushwa Huyi To
Duniya Hasi To
Lajja Se Marer Rer Ye Jiya
Shondha Ki Ye Laali
Mukh Chamkaye
Sondhi Sondhi Khushboo
Man Behkaye
Zulfon Ki Raina Phir Kyun Na Chaaye
Chaand Sitaren
Dhenge Saarey
Lajja Se Mare Re Ye Jiya
There was thunderous applause at Kripa's dance performance.
Akshat declared: Bhabhi wins hands down!
Angad kneeled at her feet with hands folded: I admit defeat! Mujhey apna Ghulaam banaa lo, Queen Victoria!
She pulled him up by his black scarf : Hai Raam! Yeh kya kar rahey ho! Utho! Ab merey saath chalo!
Kahan? He asked in a trance, totally submerged in her love.
Mujhey tumsey baat karni hai?..she pulled him out of the Hall into the passage, everybody observing them and sniggering, commenting: Haila, kya zamana aa gaya hai....ab Dulhan.. Dulhey ka apharan kar rahi hai!
Kripa pulled him into a bathroom and closed the door. He was shocked: Kripa! Yeh kya kar rahi ho? Sab kya sochengey?
Sochney do! Main tumsey door nahin reh sakti! ....she pouted, crying: Tum mujhey avoid kyun kar rahey ho?
He grinned, holding out his arms with a loving smile. She slammed into his chest, her arms going around him, hugging him tightly. She stood up on her tiptoes, grabbed his lean cheeks, pulled his smiling lips down on hers and kissed him, deeply, passionately. He held her hips, pulling her upto him and kissed her back with all his pent up passion and frustration of staying away from her for the last 10 days. The Sangeet party went on in the main Hall while the future bride and groom locked lips fervently in a locked bathroom.
(to be continued 😳.)
next part: Wedding and Bashor ghar
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pallavi Edited by pallavi25 - 16 years ago
Members Lounge
CID
330