Chapter Seven
Anjali stepped in front of the mirror in her dressing room gazing at her mirror image. She looked beautiful; it was like she was someone else. She wore a Maroon fishtail Lehengha with fine zardozi hand work, dabka, rezardosham and muquash embroidery. Her blouse ended just below her waist, her stomach bared, adorned with a golden belly chain. Her scarf was pinned to her shoulder while it was left loose on the other side.
Her head adorned a tikka studded with red stones. She wore a matching necklace which extended onto a longer necklace. Her ears were bejeweled with heavy Jhumkhas. Her lowered lids showed a perfect blend of golden bronze colors while her red lips pressed together in apprehension.
"Anjali" Gauri called walking into the dressing room. She smiled watching Anjali gaze at herself in the mirror. The nerves were clearly there "Nervous" she asked holding her shoulders. Anjali nodded silently, her fingers fiddling in anxiety "trust me, you look gorgeous. Kavya going to have a hard time today" she assured squeezing her shoulders
Her lips lifted slightly, her hands moving to cover Gauri's "I hope everything goes alright" she mumbled "I just feel like I'm going to do something stupid like trip or fall"
Gauri chuckled pressing a kiss to her head "you'll be fine" she led her towards the small couch in the corner of the room "sit down and have something to eat" she said placing a few snacks in front of her "I know you haven't had breakfast today and you won't really get a chance to eat much later"
Anjali smiled picking up the juice then paused when her mother walked into the room gasping at her appearance.
Madhu's eyes filled with tears watching her baby girl look ever so beautiful. She moved forward kissing her head as she let the tears flow "I can't tell you how proud I feel at this moment just because I'm you mother" she whispered "I'm going to miss you so much Anjali"
Anjali smiled tearfully while Gauri dabbed at her eyes as not to ruin her makeup "I'm going to miss you too mum" she stood up hugging her mother around the waist "I love you mom, I don't want to leave you"
Her mother took a deep breath wiping the tears in her eyes "you won't be leaving me sweetheart. You'll be right here" she said pointing to her heart "where you've always been"
Anjali sobbed with the sorrow of leaving her family while her heart sang with the bliss of marriage.
Her siblings and father stood at the doorway watching the mother and daughter cry tears of separation, all their hearts heavy with grief.
Kavya stood at the entrance of Mayfair Banquets smiling widely. The day he had been waiting for ever so eagerly had finally arrived. He was finally getting married to Anjali and she would finally be his mind body and soul. His blood heated as he recalled his recent erotic dreams.
He watched Gauri circle the Aarti in front of him several times. She leaned forward marking his forehead with a tilak. He moved to step inside but frowned when she stopped him "Uhhh, no" she said pushing him back "you can't come in just yet"
He raised his brow then looked towards his mother who smiled softly "its traditions son" she mumbled pushing him forward
He sighed watching Gauri carefully "so?" he questioned. Gauri chuckled pulling his nose while he staggered looking dumbfounded "that hurt" he muttered looking around in confusion. He glared at his family when he caught them laughing, they all continued anyway paying no heed to his jumbled mind.
"Now you can come in" Pratham announced clearing the path for him
Kavya smiled slightly as his mother explained that he would have to go through many more traditions that day.
He walked forward on the red carpet leading to the small mandir in the middle of the hall. His family followed in behind in excitement, looking around at the lovely dcor.
Kripa stood behind her mother dressed in a white Lehengha, decorated with bronze and silver embroidery. Her hair was left loose, falling in curling waves. She looked around in awe admiring the drapes and twinkling lights.
She gasped at the feel of a hand on her arm and turned to find Angad smiling at her softly. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched him step closer, her eyes looking here and there in anxiety "Angad, what are you doing? Someone's going to see us" she murmured twisting her hand in his grip
He smiled wickedly nearing her ear "you look gorgeous"
Her lowered eyes lifted to meet his. The two stared at each other lost in their own world then snapped back when a few screaming kids ran past them. Kripa blushed at being caught and twisted her hand out of his grip, rushing towards her family while Angad continued gazing at her amorously.
Anjali walked down the steps leading to the marriage temple, Gauri by her side. She shivered in nervousness, petrified and content all at once. What if she did something stupid? What if she was too young to be married? Would she be a good wife? A good daughter in law? All these questions swam through her mind as she stepped into the sacred temple.
Her breath hitched in her throat when Kavya held her hand. She looked up for a brief second to find him smiling softly at her. He squeezed her hand in reassurance while she lowered her gaze out of shy.
Aliya smiled watching her elder sister go through the marriage rituals. It was sweet. She couldn't really imagine what the house would be like without Anjali. She had always just been there. She sighed looking around the room. She'd worry about Anjali going later, for now she had a mission on her hands.
Her eyes wandered around the room, looking out for Kavya's shoes. She spotted them outside the temple near the few steps. Then her eyes travelled towards Shabbir who sat next to the shoes, guarding them. She smiled confidently knowing this would be a very easy task.
Excusing herself from the wedding rituals she moved towards the back of the crowd where Shabbir stood. After spreading her hair around her shoulders she strolled towards him, a mission on her hands.
"Shabbir" she murmured slipping her hands into his
He glanced towards her with a grin, then glanced towards their joint hands "What's the matter? You're in a romantic mood" he mumbled squeezing her hand "you're normally jumpy when we're in crowds"
Her eyes narrowed but she covered it with a flirtatious smile "so? I can't be romantic?" she asked pulling her hand away
He sighed, then glanced towards the crowd before putting his arms around her "No, you can be romantic but let's not be too obvious with your intentions next time" he said pulling away while ducking down, taking the shoes in his hands
Aliya looked at him in surprise "I don't know what you're talking about" she said acting ignorant
Shabbir grinned nearing her ear "you're not getting the shoes missy"
Aliya frowned in disapproval "Oh come on Shabbir, let us have some fun"
"Nope" he shook his head "If you want them come get them" he said lifting his hands in the air
She grunted then glared at Shabbir knowing she had lost this round "I'm not talking to you" she retorted childishly and walked towards the front of the crowd where she originally stood
Occasionally she would look back to see if Shabbir had changed his mind but she would turn around frowning when he winked at her laughing at her juvenile behavior.
Gauri noticed Aliya fidgeting around then turned back to see what she was looking at. She smiled when she realized Aliya wanted the groom's shoes. She nudged Aliya who looked towards her in confusion "I'll go distract Shabbir; you get the shoes as soon as he goes, okay"
Her lips lifted into a wide smile "Thank you so much Bhabi"
Gauri shook her head smiling then walked towards Shabbir pretending to speak on her mobile "But it's not possible at the moment" she argued glancing towards Shabbir "Why are you telling us so late?" she exclaimed then sighed loudly catching Shabbir's attention "This is not done at all. Alright I'll see what I can do" she put her phone back in her purse then ambled towards Shabbir "Shabbir, can you do me a favor?" she asked looking worried
Shabbir frowned at her worry "What's wrong Bhabi?"
I just got a call from the caterers, they said there short on drinks for at least two hundred guests. I'd tell Pratham or Angad to go get them but their completely involved in the rituals over there" she said glancing towards the temple
Shabbir nodded understanding the urgency of the situation then glanced towards the shoes in his hands. He shook his head; at the moment the catering was much more important "Alright Bhabi, I'll go see what I can find local. You go ahead and relax. Everyone's probably looking for you" Gauri nodded then walked away hesitantly.
He placed the shoes on the floor as soon as Gauri was out of sight and covered it with his Dupatta in hope that Aliya wouldn't notice. He paused outside his car when his mobile started vibrating "Hello" he said opening his car
"Hi sweetie" Aliya greeted him cheekily "You can come back now. I've got the shoes and the catering is fine as well"
Shabbir gaped at his phone for a minute then frowned when she put it down. They had fooled him. He shook his head, silently cursing as he made his way back to the wedding hall.
Kavya smiled faintly as he helped Anjali descend down the few steps of the temple. He was finally married to his sweetheart. His heart sped by a mile whenever he saw Anjali. She looked gorgeous in her bridal attire. It had his mind boggling, anticipating all that was to come. He exhaled noisily looking down to put on his shoes but found them missing "Where are my shoes?" he asked looking around
"There here" Aliya announced walking forward with them "but if you want them then you have to pay up"
Kavya sighed all smiles. He should have expected this "How much?"
Aliya smiled widely "Good. I see we won't be waiting long" she teased "Rs 10,000"
"No way" Shabbir retorted "that's too much for shoes
"Not really. Seeing as Jeeju gets to take Anjali di with the shoes, it's actually a very cheap deal" Aliya retorted raising her brows
Kavya smiled placing his hands around Anjali "Actually, I'm taking your sister for free"
"Uhhh no" Aliya replied crossing her arms "Anjali di is definitely not free, she's priceless. You're getting a good deal here"
"No. It's a stupid deal" Shabbir answered "Rs 10,000 is a ridiculous price for shoes and as Kavya said Anjali's coming with us for free"
Aliya frowned "What's your problem? The shoes are Jeeju's. Why are you arguing?"
"Because I spent my time guarding those shoes which you took away smartly" he muttered quietly "It's naturally my responsibility he doesn't pay you a penny"
"I think it's a really good deal" Angad exclaimed raising his brows
Kavya shook his head smiling all the while "How about Rs 5000?"
"No!" Aliya exclaimed "if you try to haggle then it's going to be Rs11, 000"
"What are you going to do with my shoes if I don't pay?"
"I'll frame them in remembrance of your miserliness" she replied cheekily
The sweet banter continued between Kavya, Shabbir and Aliya but eventually they gave up paying Rs10, 001 in full!
Aliya smiled placing the shoes in front of Kavya. He stepped into his shoes then led the way towards the main stage.
Anjali watched her siblings and parents greet the guests dutifully, running around, making sure everything was in place. They were working so hard, trying to make this her perfect day. Her smiling lips shivered as tears framed her eyes. It was getting harder to control her feelings as the time for her departure neared.
Kripa noticed Anjali's hands clutching her purse as she trembled next to her. She looked up to find her eyes framed with tears. Her heart melted as she hugged her in condolence while Kavya sat next to her holding her hand for support "Sagar" Kripa called "call someone" he nodded in understanding as he walked off the stage.
Kripa dabbed at the tears in Anjali's eyes, speaking words of comfort "everything will be fine" she mumbled rubbing her back "you'll be okay"
She smiled slightly when Pratham walked onto the stage. She stood up as he kneeled in front of Anjali "Anju" he sighed "You'll be fine. You're not going far, just a couple of minutes away"
Anjali cried embracing Pratham "I don't want to leave, I—I don't want to go"
"You're not leaving us" he murmured patting her head "your still here, in Mumbai"
"Anju" Angad called stepping onto the stage "Bhai's right. We're all in Mumbai. You can come home whenever you want and we'll probably end up at yours most of the time" he shrugged sitting next to her
"We'll be there" Aliya mumbled patting her knee "I mean I have so much I need to learn from you yet"
The four siblings sat locked in an embrace for a while, whispering words of comfort and compassion. They sure were going to miss Anjali. Although she could be quite annoying, she was the most caring out of them all. She was the mother hen among the four siblings.
Everyone watched on emotionally at the sensitive scene wiping their damp eyes.
"Anju" Angad exclaimed pulling out of her embrace "don't make me cry. I don't look like nice crying!" He said rubbing his eyes "I have an impression to make on the ladies"
Anjali laughed wiping her own tears, leaning into Angad's arms. He smiled pressing a kiss to her forehead "now come on, wipe those tears. We'll all try our best to see you as much as possible" he paused smiling impishly "and who knows, you'll probably get fed up of us pretty soon and kick us out"
Chucking she hit his shoulder then flushed in sudden awareness. Most of crowd was watching the sensitive bride cry tears of grief. She straightened up and smiled slightly shaking her head then turned to look at Kavya who still held her hand smiling softly. At that moment she knew what it meant to have a soul mate "I love you" she mouthed feeling overwhelmed. His smile widened as he squeezed her hand in return.
Angad smiled weakly as he noticed Anjali gaze at Kavya. He stood up quietly walking off stage towards a small corner at the end of the hall and finally let a few more tears slip. He knew Pratham and Aliya would probably be doing the same when they found their quiet spot but this was his chance.
Kavya was a good guy. He was perfect for his little sister but he was her older brother. No matter how many times she would irritate him he still loved her. He had grown up with her. She was always there and now she was going.
He sighed leaning against the wall then gulped at the feel of hand on his burly shoulder. Quickly wiping his tears he turned to find Kripa watching him compassionately "Kripa" he mumbled in surprise
She smiled softly "she'll be fine Angad" stepping closer she murmured "Kavya Bhai loves her a lot and I know she'll be happy" Her hands lifted to his damp cheeks "and most of all you'll be fine. I'm with you. Your whole family's with you"
His heart leapt to his throat as he watched her smile affectionately while speaking words of comfort. He smiled leaning into her comforting hands, watching her lovingly.
A sweet smile played on Kavya's lips as he climbed the stairs. It sure had been a tiring day. He had been awake since six that morning and now finally after hours of waiting he would have some alone time with Anjali.
His mind went back to the time Anjali had cried on stage. She would really miss her maternal home and he would do his best to minimize the tears in her eyes. He didn't like tears in her eyes. It made him feel so small and helpless.
He grimaced when he noticed Kripa standing in front of his bedroom door. He knew what was to come and pulled out his wallet before she could even start to demand for money "here you go" he said giving her Rs 5000
"Bhai, I want more than that" she argued looking down at her hands "You can't see Anjali Bhabi until you pay me properly"
"Why do I have to pay everyone?" He whined "I just got married"
"Get used to it Bhai" Sagar chided "this is just the start. We're only preparing you for the rest of your life"
He sighed rolling his eyes "Does it look like I grow money on trees?"
"Of course" Kripa agreed happily "now pay up Bhai, the sooner you pay the sooner you get to go in" she pointed
Kavya smiled shaking his head "here you go" he said handing her Rs 5000 "that makes Rs. 10, 000. I have nothing more to give you" he muttered showing his empty wallet
Kripa grinned "Naaa, I think Rs 10, 000 is more than enough for now. If we need more I'm sure Anjali Bhabi will be more than glad to empty your wallet" she teased pulling his arms. She opened the door to his dimly lit room and pushed him in "enjoy!" she exclaimed then shut the door leaving Kavya all smiles.
"Kavya" Anjali warned brushing his hands off her "not now"
"Honestly Anju I got to see you after so long last night. And anyways we're married now" he said placing his arm around her waist "no one should have a problem"
Anjali chuckled pushing his clingy hands off her "Kavya, just because we're married doesn't mean you forget your shame" she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek "behave" she frowned when he pinched her waist "Kavya stop acting like a baby" he pouted in response. She laughed squeezing his cheeks then turned towards the door when she heard the lock unlatch
"Anjali" her mother smiled widely embracing her "it's so good to see you" she parted from her holding her face "You look beautiful"
Anjali smiled bashfully walking in with Kavya. One by one she embraced all her siblings and her father smiling delightedly. She had never felt as loved as she felt today. She smiled widely sitting between her siblings after bidding goodbye to Kavya.
"How's everything?" "What happened after you got there?" "Did they treat you well?" "Are you happy?" They all blasted her with questions while she laughed at their enthusiasm.
"Everything was fine and I'm really happy" she answered leaning back "Everyone was very good to me. When we got home we went through a few rituals and then I was taken upstairs" she mumbled faintly blushing "Kripa stayed with me for most of it. She was very comforting and helpful"
"That's good" her mother sighed "I hope they give you all that you deserve"
Anjali smiled widely "Yes mom. They've been really good to me. I didn't have to worry about anything. Nitya aunty was very nice to me and Kripa had everything arranged for me before I had to ask"
"Awww, come on, we've done that for you. You've never said anything nice to us" Angad teased
Anjali laughed "you and nice. Yeah right. Even yesterday you were too worried about your image in front of the ladies" she exclaimed hitting his head playfully
He muttered under his breath rubbing his head "It's not my fault I'm so popular" he turned towards his mother "Mom, honestly what did you eat before I was born. Why am I so handsome and charming?"
"Angad" Pratham laughed pushing his head "you give yourself too much credit"
He heaved dramatically "What can I say? I'm an artistic piece" he winked
Aliya shook her head at her elder brother egoistical talks and turned towards Anjali "Di, did Jeeju really renovate his room for you. Kripa was saying it looked really nice after the renovation!"
Anjali nodded describing her new room to Aliya while her parents watched on in glee at their four children "Two down, two to go" Vivaan mumbled
Madhu smiled softly leaning into her husband's embrace "I think we've done pretty well so far"
"Mhmm, we've done well. I just hope we can do the same Angad and Aliya" he muttered gazing at two in question.
Kripa glimpsed in the mirror before hoisting her bag on her shoulder. She was dressed in a printed pink and black sari, her hair pleated towards the right, wearing no more makeup than the black mascara. A small smile played on her lips. She was really looking forward to work. Although the wedding had been a nice break from work she had missed her daily routine.
"Kripa" her mother called
"Hmm" she turned back to see her mother look at her with disappointment
Roshini stepped forward cupping her face "please tell me you're not going back to work yet"
She sighed "Mom, I missed a week. That's more than enough and anyways every place has rules. I can't miss more days for no reason"
"I don't understand why you even need to work" she grumbled walking down the stairs "with god's grace your father earns enough"
"I love working mom" she followed behind "and you know how much I hate asking for money. This job gives me more than enough pocket money and it's what I enjoy"
"And what will you do if your in laws don't want you to work?" she questioned opening the fridge "right now you don't listen because we don't say much to you but what will you do when they stop you?"
Rolling her eyes Kripa stepped forward hugging her mother from behind "We'll see about that when the time comes. Right now I'm still with you and I know you and dad don't have a problem with me working"
Roshini scowled turning towards the gas "There's no point arguing with you. You always have it your way" she muttered filling the pan with milk
"Mama" Kripa whined resting her chin on her shoulder "don't get angry. I love you"
"Kripa's right Roshini" Satya said flashing a quick smile "she's not married yet. Let her enjoy her work. Now what's for breakfast?" he asked peeping into the boiling pan
Roshini heaved then turned to gaze at her husband crabbily while her husband smiled back impishly. They both turned to watch Kripa giggling at the complaining banter between her parents "Mom, come on. Give us a smile"
Her lips finally curved into a slight smile as she turned back to the brewing tea "Go sit at the table, I'll make you both an omelet"
They both laughed walking out to the dining table while Roshini sighed shaking her head
"Wow" Geet bustled looking through Kripa's pictures "Anjali looks really pretty"
Kripa smiled softly "Yeah. She looked really nice but she was really nervous"
"Well that was bound to happen" Mansi piped in "I still remember how anxious I was on my wedding"
"I know. I thought I would fall any second" Geet exclaimed "the wedding dress in its self was a burden"
Kripa scrunched her nose "well I hope that doesn't happen to me. I have a reputation to maintain in front of my brothers" she joked
"Trust me Kripa, every woman goes through that feeling, no matter how much this world reforms, some things still stay the same. The bride will always have the jitters" Maya murmured with a faint smile
"Awww" Kripa hummed rolling the pen in her fingers. She glanced around the small meeting room. It was a cozy place with soft plush chairs and an oval table. Her eyes fell on the four empty chairs then towards Maya who glanced at her watch once again "Dadi, are we waiting for someone?"
Maya smiled then turned back when Angad strode in with Satya and Ashwini, two other music teachers "your just on time" she said picking up a few papers "sit down"
Kripa glanced towards Angad who smiled at her mischievously. It seemed like his teasing banter was back on. She sighed holding her arm self-consciously while Angad gazed at her amorously
"Alright the reason this meeting has been called is because this year Creative Infants Academy have the chance of entering a singing and dancing competition called Jhanker Beats" the staff cheered, chatting excitedly amongst themselves. Maya smiled at their excitement then cleared her throat to catch their attention "I need names of ten children in total from both departments. We're probably looking at children who are involved in both departments but have a look in your own classes to see who has the potential at this point. The competition is for children aged five to eight" they all looked at her with full concentration, mentally choosing who would be most suitable.
"Dadi, when is the competition?" Geet asked
"Three weeks from today" she announced looking around apprehensively "the other important thing is it's in Masoori"
"Ohhh" they all jeered in disappointment realizing this would be more than just a day trip
"I can't go" Satya said "my wife's due date is that week. I can't leave her alone"
"And I've got kids. I won't be able to leave them with their father. He'll go nuts"
"I've got the same problem" Ashwini piped in looking at the three remaining candidates
Maya sighed, she knew this would be a problem "Well" she mumbled looking at Geet, Angad and Kripa hopefully "it's a five day trip"
Geet's forehead creased into a frown "Maan won't let me" she mumbled "five days is too much"
"That leaves Angad and Kripa" Satya murmured
Kripa looked around horrified. Five days with Angad, alone! Would she be able to handle that? She was already feeling uncomfortable with him. They argued and teased each other yet there was a unspoken attraction between them "Uhhh" she turned towards Maya in panic then sighed knowing she was the only option at the moment "I'll have to ask my parents" she mumbled quietly glancing towards Angad who looked back with a calm smile
"I'm fine going" Angad proclaimed relieving Maya a tad
"That's fine but" she paused "if I don't get a second person to opt in then I'll be forced to choose one of you to go and they will have to go" she informed stressing the ambience
Everyone turned to look at Kripa expectantly while she sunk in her seat hoping, wishing everyone would stop looking at her like that "I'll try my best" she muttered shrugging
"Well carrying on" Maya continued taking the attention away from Kripa "it's a five day trip to Masoori. Hotel bookings are in place. I need the names by tomorrow. After then we'll be sending out consents to parents for the trip and possibly a few extra classes. Remember both departments need to work together to choose the music and coordinate the dance. I hope all goes well. Good luck" she wished with a bright smile "I'll see you all tomorrow at ten"
Thank you guys so much for the comments. they are much appreciated. loved all your comments. Kripas mother is worried, seems strict but shes just being a mother. Now for the next chapter Masoori trip!!! will kripa be going? if yes, how will she handle the growing intensity between her and angad. remember she'll be surrounded with kids... anyways hope your all doing well, thank you to all again, keep sending comments and big thankyou to all silent readers as well. check this song out. I'd like to share it, heard it on tv. loved it. this boy wrote the lyrics himself and well you can feel his words
love you all
Faiza
xxx
Celebrity Fan Clubs
376