CHORI-CHORI----PART 29
Strings of brightly colored lights decorating the facade of Gupta house tried to dispel the foggy gloom of a winter evening in South Delhi.
Rows of chaffeur-driven, expensive autos lined the street in front. The 100 plus selected guests, relatives and friends of the family had started arriving. Dr. Shashank and Padma stood at the door welcoming them with warm smiles.
Prachi's parents arrived with her younger brother. Padma's older sister came from Chandigarh with her family. Kartik appeared with his attractive wife Aaliyah. Neev arrived, flashing his usual boyish grin and armed with 2 flower bouquets which almost hid his lanky figure.
Meanwhile Sujal was hovering around his beautiful bride-to-be, waiting for a chance to speak with her in private. But his three young saalis zealously guarded their sister and teased him mercilessly for his attempts.
Jeeju! Kali giggled: Itni bhi kya jaldi hai? Pehley sagai ki rasam toh ho jaaney deejiye, phir baatein kar lena.
Kashish smiled shyly and turned her face away, hiding it from her eager lover's hungry eyes.
Sujal sighed but didn't give up his pursuit.
Kumud said with a slight sneer: Jeejaji, humsey bhi toh miliye! Hum kya gaye guzrey hain?
Sujal looked sharply at her but restrained himself. He had guessed by now that Kumud had been snooping in his room during their earlier visit, looking through his papers to spy for Sasha.
He held his temper in check and smiled tightly: Of course, Saali jee! Aapsey toh bahut saari baatein karni hai'.. lekin uskey liye abhi waqt hai.
Kumud narrowed her eyes, taken aback at the hint of warning in his voice. Kashish looked at Sujal in surprise but he smiled disarmingly, shrugging it off : Kyun? Main saaliyon ke saath mazaak nahin kar sakta?
But he looked for a chance to sneak upto Kashish and whispered some romantic lines behind her ears:
Sitam hi karna jafa hi karna nigah-e-lutf kabhi na karna
Tumhen qasam hai hamare sar ki hamare haq main kami na karna
Kashish was overcome with shyness due to the presence of her relatives and in-laws but she threw a sly, sidelong glance at her mischievous lover and whispered a fitting retort:
Dil ka kaam hai dhadakna, mohabbat khata hai aankhon ki,
Rokiye apni nigahon ko, Sitamgar hain hamari saanson ki
Sujal grinned with amorous excitement and grabbed her wrist from behind. She gasped and twisted her arm to release it, her face turning redder with embarassment.
Chhodiye mujhey....kya kar rahey hain? Koi dekh lega....she whispered urgently. But Sujal's grip was too strong, he chuckled wickedly and whispered behind her graceful neck: Yeh haath zindagi bhar ke liye merey quaid mein hain, chhuda sakti ho toh chhudaa lo.
Kashish blushed red and pink and continually twisted her wrist while Sujal rubbed the sensitive nerve with his thumb, making her shiver with erotic sensations.
Their little tete-a-tete didn't escape the eagle eyes of her sisters, who giggled and whispered with each other.
Finally the precocious Kali called out: Jeeju! Wahan aap dono mein kya gutar-goo chal rahi hai? Ab Didi se chipakna chhodiye bhi, hum kya ghaas charney aaye hain? Humsey bhi toh do baatein keejiye?
Sujal finally released her wrist with a final flick of his thumb and winked at his teasing Saali: Of course, Saali jee! Kahiye, kya seva karoon aapki? Sharbat le aaoon? Sar daba doon? Pair daba doon?
Now it was Kali's turn to blush. Kashish rolled her eyes, Sujal was certainly in a naughty mood today!
Their teasing banter was interrupted by a commotion at the door: LADKEWALEY AA GAYE! Sujal reluctantly left his lovely lady and went forward to meet and greet the groom's family.
Padma and Shashank advanced eagerly with welcoming smiles. Jeet made his impressive entry, tall and dashing in a silver sherwani, accompanied by his proud parents, Pammi Aunty and Jags Uncle. There was a lot of hugging and handshakes all around and then the Guptas led the Chaddhas to their seats of honor beside Professor Sinha.
A young turbaned Sardarji followed the groom's party, slinking along, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. His fake brown eyes darted furtively towards his Enemy# 1, Ridhi's Dad, hoping he would evade those eagle eyes. Of course with his fake beard, dark turban and dark eyes, he was almost a stranger, but still.....you couldn't tell with that hawkeyed dictator!
Padma smiled curiously at him: Aao Beta, kya tum Jeet ke dost ho?
Armaan cleared his throat nervously, Jeet came to his rescue at once: Aunty jee, yeh merey US ka dost hai, Karan Singh Grover. Chicago mein rehta hai, filhaal yahan Holiday per aaya hai, toh main isey bhi le aaya. I hope you don't mind?
Padma shook her head with a broad smile: Nahin Beta, yeh toh tumney bahut achha kiya! Aao Karan Beta, yahan baitho, sharbat lo'
Shashank turned from chatting with Mr. Chaddha and glanced at Jeet's NRI friend. For a moment his sharp eyes narrowed. Jeet's Sikh friend looked strangely familiar yet was a stranger to him. '..naa jaaney isey mainey pehley kahan dekha hai?
Armaan paled and quickly turned his face'.Damn! Iss Dr. Dragon ke aankhein hain ya X-ray? Lagta hai daadhi moochh ke neechey tak dekh sakta hai.
Fortunately, after frowning for a few seconds, Shashank shook his head and turned away. Armaan heaved a sigh of relief and took the seat offered to him.
Jeet's family was introduced to Professor Sinha and Kashish and both families introduced to Gupta friends and relatives.
More guests were arriving by then.
The friend's gang arrived in a group, Mayank, Atul, Angie and Nikki.
Ridhima's girlfriends sailed in like a flutter of butterflies in colorful dresses. Padma directed them upstairs: Ridhima upar hai, tum sab jaao aur usey tayyar karney mein madad karo'.
Ok Auntie! Angie and Nikki chirped excitedly, picked up their skirt trails
and rushed upstairs to help Ridhima get ready while the boys hung around, sipping juice and checking out the pretty girls.
They tried hard not to burst out laughing when they spotted Armaan acting as Karan Singh Grover. Yet both felt proud of their handiwork.
Angad walked in, flanked by the two ladies in his life...Naina, perfectly elegant from her coiffed hair down to her pedicured toes, glittering with diamonds and sequins'.and Kripa, ravishingly beautiful in her new magenta lehenga and sparkling jewelry, glowing almost like a bride.
The Guptas rushed to welcome them. When Padma enquired about Dilip, Naina shook her head apologetically: Im sorry, Mrs. Gupta, aap toh jaantey hain, kitni zimmedari ka kaam kartey hain'.Sarkaari officer honay ka nateeja'har waqt kaam hi kaam.
Shashank grimaced silently, he knew exactly what kind of work Dilip Khanna did and what he got in return. His wife's jewerly was proof of that!
Naina introduced her son's fiancee with beaming pride.
Padma was bowled over : Sach? Angad ne bhi sagai kar lee? Kitni khushi ki baat hai! Congratulations Beta! Bahut sundar hai aapki honaywali bahu, Naina jee'
Kripa smiled shyly, feeling strangely tongue-tied and nervous. She spotted Sujal approaching them and stiffened. Angad's fingers tightened on her waist at once with silent strength. She relaxed slightly, feeling reassured by his protective touch.
Sujal greeted Naina politely, then shook hands with Angad: Welcome... Im glad you guys made it'.
His eyes fell on the diamond solitaire gleaming on Kripa's ring finger.
Sujal smiled mockingly, that ring had not been there 2 days ago at the Club. Angad grinned triumphantly: Meet my fiancee Kripa. Uss din hum Club mein miley the'.thanks for inviting us'.(with a smirk)
The two men exchanged silent challenging glances. Sujal knew he had been trumped! Angad had managed to save this girl , whoever she might be, Kripa or Tanya'.but he wouldn't give up! He would dig up this girl's secrets, her past history, her links to the robbery gang! But for the time being he would go along with the charade.
Sujal smiled graciously: Of course, kaisey hain aap, Kripa jee? Aayiye, main aap sabko apney mangetar se milata hoon.
He introduced them to Kashish who smiled sweetly at the gorgeous girl and the handsome hunk. They made such a perfect couple, just like her and Sujal. She blushed at her own thoughts but quickly drew Kripa aside for a girl-to-girl chat. It was more of a ploy to keep the overly romantic Sujal at bay for sometime.
But Sujal's eyes followed them incessantly. He was watching Kripa closely, like a hawk! Kripa was conscious of the handsome detective's eyes following her and she deliberately acted all pally with Kashish.
Kumud stared at Kripa with a confused frown: Iss ladki ko mainey kahan dekha hai?
Kumud and Kripa had never met but Kumud had seen Tanya's police sketch in Sujal's file. Kripa knew Sasha had a girlfriend but he had never told the gang her name or brought her over.
Padma led Naina over to her future sambdhis for introductions. Armaan saw her coming and froze in fear: S***! Mom aa rahi hai! Agar unhoney mujhey pehchan liya toh? 'he nervously patted his beard in place and hoped his contacts wouldn't pop out at the wrong moment. He knew his Mom had very sharp eyes and also as the saying goes'Ek Maa apney betey ko hamesha pehchan leti hai!
Before Naina could reach them, Armaan quickly mumbled to Jeet: Main abhi bathroom se aaya'.and he scampered away before his eagle-eyed mom could spot him.
Armaan passed Angad on the way, exchanging quick glances.
Angad knew about The Plan. He winked and nodded at his disguised brother in approval. But Armaan muttered while passing: Mom ko sambhalo Bhaiya, keep her away from me'
Angad suppressed a grin, he knew it was hard to fool his Mom's eyes. He whispered sotto voce: Be cool, Bro, don't worry, main sambhal loonga..By the way, tera disguise bilkul pakka hai!
Armaan hid behind a pillar and watched as his mother met and greeted the Chaddhas and Sinhas. He prayed silently: Oh God, don't let anything go wrong tonight, hamara plan theek tarah se kamyaab ho'aur Ridhima meri ho jaye!
The Hall was reverberating with the din of clinking glasses, loud conversation, laughter and merriment of a joyous occasion. Suddenly a hush fell over the crowd. Everyone looked up at the staircase where Ridhima was descending slowly, flanked by Prachi and Muskaan on either side, followed by Nikki and Angie.
Ridhima looked absolutely stunning in the pink lehenga specially designed for her by Prachi. The color highlighted her peaches and cream complexion, a superb navratan set complimented the dress and made her look like a princess! Her doe eyes were lowered in modesty, her full lips pressed with slight tension.
Armaan looked up and stood still. His gaze was transfixed on the vision of beauty descending gracefully down the stairs.
Where was this beauty hidden all these years? We grew up together yet'.why did I never notice it? His wildly beating heart answered his own questions: She was right in front of you, dude, but you were too busy playing silly games with plastic dolls while the real thing was right by your side. Her friendship, her love was the only meaningful thing in his hitherto shallow existence! Thank God he realized that before it was too late! Armaan threw a baleful look at her proud Papa's stern profile. ..her father may hate me but SHE loves ME and she will be MINE!
Ridhima looked up as she came down, her eyes searched the crowd for the one face she loved and longed for. Armaan slid out of his hiding, his magnetic eyes compelling her to look at him'Dekh main aa gaya'.terey liye aa gaya!
She saw him then'.standing by the pillar in his Sardarji disguise. Hope and joy filled her heart alongwith pride! He looked so handsome as a Sikh! He had taken such a risk to come disguised to a house where his entry was barred'.lekin pyar karney waley kabhi dartey nahin'aur main bhi nahin daroongi. I know our plan will succeed tonight! I believe it!
Ridhima was surrounded by adoring relatives and friends who complimented her and gushed over her appearance! But her eyes only looked for Armaan in the crowds.
Muskaan nudged her and muttered with clenched teeth: Uski ore itna mat dekh! Nahin toh our game will be over! Act normal yaar, teri sagai honay wali hai!
Ridhima collected herself and put on the coy act expected of a future bride.
Soon after, Shashank clinked on a glass and cleared his throat. He announced in his commanding stentorian voice: Deviyon, Sajjanon, Doston aur parivaar walon! Humein behadd khushi hai ke aap sab hamarey iss dohrey celebration mein shaamil ho sakey! Jaisa ke aap jaantey hain, aaj merey chhotey Bhai Sujal aur meri beti Ridhima, dono ki sagai hai. Sabsey pehley main Professor Sinha se request karoonga ke wo apni beti Kashish ko yahan floor per le aaye aur merey bhai Sujal se uski sagai ki rasam shuru karein.
The proud Papa brought over the nervously trembling Kashish over to the center of the room. Sujal strutted over, the besotted lover, his eyes never leaving her enchanting face. They stood before each other, wild hearts beating with this long awaited happiness! Sujal took out the ring box from his sherwani pocket.
A hush fell over the room as everyone watched the dashing detective hold out his hand to his blushing beloved. Kashish placed her dainty, trembling left hand on his palm. Sujal smiled slightly and slipped the ring on her ring finger, the one that goes straight to the heart. She held her breath as the ring slipped perfectly in place, the touch of his fingers making her shiver inside. . Kumud handed over the other ring to Kashish. Sujal held out his hand with an amorous grin. Kashish looked up and blushed again. She slid his ring on his finger with hands that were shaking with nervous excitement. It was done! After 5 years of separation, heartbreak, loneliness, longing, they were reunited at last! They were engaged to be married! Kashish looked up and got lost in his twinkling eyes.
All present started applauding, some youngsters whistled, but the romantic due were busy staring at each other. Words cannot describe the feelings that were coursing through their hearts, veins, every atom of their being'the explosive joy and thrill of belonging to each other at last!
Soon everyone noticed their eyelock and started laughing. Kartik finally swiped his hand in the middle: Boss slash Jeeju, kahan kho gaye, yaar? Kuchh toh khayal karo!
Sujal and Kashish snapped back into present, she blushed deeply, he grinned sheepishly: Kya yaar, bahut saalon se iss din ka intezaar tha, ab apney dil ko kaabu mein rakhna mushkil hai!
All family members and friends hugged and congratulated the engaged couple. Angad and Kartik slapped Sujal's back and hugged him. Kashish was hugged and kissed by Padma, Prachi, her sisters.
Sujal looked around finally: Milind Bhaiya nahin aaye? Unhey toh ab tak aa jana chahiye tha?
Prachi's eyes clouded over with distress as she glanced at the door. Neev followed her eyes and scowled angrily. Milind had no right to put her in this position!
Shashank frowned deeply: Main abhi usey phone lagata hoon, ghar mein sagai ke din bhi late'.this is unacceptable!'he walked away with mobile in his hand.
Meanwhile, Armaan had sneaked up to Ridhima while attention was focused on the other couple. He quickly slipped a ring into her hand and pecked her cold cheek: Don't worry, sab theek hoga, everyone is ready to play their part!
Ridhima nodded and smiled tremulously. She had faith in her dream boy, and in her friends who would do anything to unite her with Armaan!
Shashank returned after a short while with a smiling face: Milind abhi aa jayega. Traffic mein phans gaya tha'.yeh dilli ki traffic bhi naa'.he shrugged apologetically to his guests.
Neev looked at Prachi who relaxed a little and tried to smile.
The Guptas decided to wait for Milind before going forward with Ridhima's sagai. Armaan gritted his teeth in tension''he was restless to put the PLAN in action, but Dr. Dragon always had the last word.
Sujal turned to Angad with a request: Please, ek gaana ho jaaye.
Never one to deny a song request, Angad nodded at once: No problem, dost!
Sujal took center stage and announced: Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to introduce you all to my good friend and neighbour Angad Khanna. Wo ek achhey padosi honey ke saath saath ek bahut talented singer bhi hain. Aaj merey aur Kashish ki khushi per wo ek gaana sunayengey! Please, taaliyan, for Angad Khanna!
Everyone clapped excitedly. Someone brought over a guitar from the party musicians. Angad took the guitar, strummed it a few times and declared:
Hello everyone, I want to dedicate this song to all the lovers in this room. Pyar-ishq-mohabbat'. zindagi ko khubsoorat banata hai aur mehboob ke aaney se hi sar-e-zameen per jannat milti hai! Mainey bhi pyar kiya hai aur iss khushi ko paaya hai'..I am the luckiest guy on earth!
He looked at Kripa, she smiled and moved closer to him, to the center of the floor. He adored her with his eyes and serenaded her with this dreamy, romantic song:
Humein jabsey muhabbat ho gayi hai
Yeh duniya khubsoorat ho gayi hai
Humein jabse mohabbat ho gayi hai
Ye duniya khoobsoorat ho gayi hai
Fizaaon mein nayi ek roshni hai
Havaaon mein ajab si taazgi hai
Tum is vadee mein mujhse mil rahi ho
Zameen lagta hai jaise gaa rahi hai
Nayi rut ki mahoorat ho gayi hai
Ye duniya khoobsoorat ho gayi hai
Humein jabse mohabbat ho gayi hai
Hai lipti dhund mein dilkash nazaare
Nadi khaamosh hai chup hain kinaare
Hai ek chhoti si kashti aur hum hain
Chale jaate hain lehron ke sahaare
Suhaani ab lo sangat ho gayi hai
Ye duniya khoobsoorat ho gayi hai
main kheton me bani pagdandiyon par
tumhara hath thame chal raha hun
hai pighla sham ke suraj ka sona
magar mai sirf tumko dekhta hoon
ajab is dil ki halat ho gayi hai.
y dunia khoobsurat ho gayi hai...
Humein jabse mohabbat ho gayi hai
Ye duniya khoobsoorat ho gayi hai
Humein jabse mohabbat ho gayi hai
Sujal moved closer to Kashish and took her hand, squeezing it possessively. She looked up at him and got lost again in his romantic eyes. In their dream, they were adrift in a love boat in some misty mountain retreat, just the two of them, alone, locked in a sensuous embrace, lips buried in each other!
Armaan and Ridhima stared at each other and soon they too were lost in that romantic realm created by Angad's song. They were on a merry go round somewhere, spinning slowly, round and round like kids, holding each other tightly, afraid of the future, yet secure in their embrace!
Kripa was lost in Angad's eyes, in his song too....she could envision herself in his arms, riding on his bike in some enchanted woods, losing the world behind, leaving her horrible past, her crimes, everything behind!
Neev looked at Prachi with a deep longing, he was a lover whose love was unfulfilled. His heart ached for Prachi, for her pain, for her loveless marriage. He knew she was unhappy and longed to take her away with him to the magical lover's paradise promised in Angad's song.
Needless to say, Angad got a resounding applause when his song ended. Naina beamed proudly, Padma and Shashank patted his back with approval. Everyone praised his melodious voice and talent. Sujal hugged and thanked Angad, while Kripa just hugged his arm and squeezed it happily.
Right at that moment, Milind made his entry.
Padma cried out: Wo dekho, Milind bhi aa gaya!
Prachi looked up and smiled with relief. She ran to the door to greet him. Milind greeted her quite affectionately with a peck on her forehead, perhaps for the benefit of the onlookers. Neev turned his face away at the sight. He felt jealous yet happy and hopeful for Prachi's sake.
Milind apologized to his Bhabhi and stood with an arm around Prachi.
Shashank greeted his brother merrily: Chalo, ab tum bhi aa gaye, ab hum Ridhi ki sagai ki rasm shuru kar saktey hain'.. Mr and Mrs. Chaddha, please aap Jeet ko lekar yahan aayiye '.
Jeet moved forward with his family and stood in the spotlight, Armaan hiding behind him. Padma led Ridhima to the center, Muskaan sticking to her friend like a shadow. The stage was set! The planners were tense and hopeful! Mrs. Chaddha handed over the ring box to Jeet with a proud smile. Jeet opened the box and took out the ring. An audible gasp went around the room. The bauble must have cost a fortune! It was a huge 10 ct. diamond solitaire, marquise cut and surrounded by smaller diamonds! Everyone gaped admiringly at the glorious ring as Jeet drew Ridhima's cold hand into his own and tried to slip it onto her finger. He fumbled nervously, unable to slip it on. Suddenly, the ring slipped out of his shaking hands and fell on the floor with a tiny clatter. Again a shocked gasp went around the room.
Muskaan squealed: RING GIR GAYI! DHOONDO, DHOONDO! SAB DHOONDO!
The crowd scattered with everyone bending and peering on the floor, searching frantically for the precious diamond ring. Meanwhile the aforesaid ring was under Muskaan's dainty shoe, carefully hidden but not crushed. Padma, Shashank, Mr and Mrs Chaddha, Pammi Aunty, all the guests, friends and relatives were looking all over the floor for the ring. While everybody was looking elsewhere, Armaan jumped in front of Jeet, Muskaan hurriedly retrieved the ring from under her shoe and handed it over to him. Armaan quickly slipped the ring on Ridhima's finger, she almost giggled with nervous excitement. Then she slipped the masculine ring that Armaan had given her before on his finger. Armaan grinned with delight and swiftly kissed her cheek! Muskaan quickly handed over a 2nd male ring to Jeet who put it on his own finger with equal speed! All this was done, accomplished within a matter of 30 seconds. The gang of conspirators, Prachi, Neev, Muskaan, Jeet, Atul, Rahul, Armaan and Ridhima all grinned at each other in triumph! It was done!
Muskaan yelled again: MIL GAYI, RING MIL GAYI! JEET BHAIYA NE RING PEHNA BHI DIYA!
The search party straightened up in surprise and looked at Ridhima's and Jeet's hands! TRUE! Both had engagement rings sparkling on their ring fingers. Both were grinnning like a couple of merrimakers! The parents frowned with disappointment. Padma and Mrs Chaddha demanded to know where the ring was found.
Muskaan grinned casually: Yahin toh thi, Jeet Bhaiya ke jootey ke neechey. Aap sab kahan kahan dhoond rahey the'.
Shashank protested in dismay: Lekin, tum dono ko wait toh karna chahiye tha'humein bataya kyin nahin ke ring mil gayi?
Haan, bhai, yeh kya baat hui? Humney sagai ki rasm miss kar diya! Pammi Aunty grumbled with a pout.
Arey Mummy, how does it matter? Muskaan hugged her mother and kissed her plump cheek: Asli baat toh yeh hai naa ke sagai ho gayi aur dono ne rings bhi pehna diye. Ab aapko flashback dekhna hai kya?
Pammy twisted her lips: Agar apshagun ka darr nahin hota toh dono ke rings utarva kar phir se pehenati '.lekin afsos'aisa nahin ho sakta!...she sighed melodramatically.
Shashank tried damage control: Ab jaaney deejiye, sambdhanjee, sagai ho gayi, bachchey bhi khush hain, yehi important hai! Badhai ho, Jeet beta!
He hugged Jeet and blessed him. The Chaddhas hugged Ridhima, Pammy kissed her cheek noisily: Ab tu jaldi se hamarey ghar aa jaa beti!
Meanwhile, Armaan secretly kissed his ring, that his Basket had just put on his finger. Angad sneaked up to him and hugged him quickly before his Mom could notice: Congrats, Brother! Aaj tu bachchey se bada ho gaya! Well done!
Jeet exchanged a thumbs up sign with his cousin Muskaan, who winked back at him and then hugged Rahul with sudden joy! Their plan had succeeded! Armaan and Ridhima had exchanged rings, they were engaged to each other, whereas their families thought she was engaged to Jeet. Now all they had to do was wait for the right time to spill the truth '.but only after Jeet had left for the U.S. '.for then it would be too late to repair the damage and Shashank would have to give in to his daughter's choice!
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Coming up: More party capers, Nikki notices, Naina suspicious, Angad manages, song and dance, Kumud tries to snoop again'.
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pallavi
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
